Celebrating Creativity: Photo Experience Sponsors Belfast Zoo’s 38th Annual Photography Competition

We’re thrilled to announce that Photo Experience is the proud sponsor of this year’s Belfast Zoo Photography Competition – now in its incredible 38th year!

As the Zoo’s official photography partner, we couldn’t be more excited to support a competition that encourages both budding and professional photographers to unleash their creativity and connect with nature in a meaningful way.

Between 5 June to 27 September 2025, the competition invited visitors to capture unforgettable moments from one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic attractions. From heart warming animal portraits to stunning landscape shots and humorous zoo moments – there’s something for every lens-lover.

Why We Got Involved

At Photo Experience, we believe photography is a powerful way to tell stories, share joy, and inspire conservation. That’s why we were proud to donate the prize money to support this initiative

This year’s competition features refreshed categories such as:

• Best     Photo by a Professional Photographer
• Best     Photo by a Zoo Visitor
• Best     “Wildlife in Need” Picture (a new conservation-focused theme)
• Best     Photo of Zoo Landscapes or Gardens
• Best     Photo Taken by a Person Under 18
• Best     Humorous Caption (honorary feature)

“We’re delighted to have Photo Experience as the official sponsor of this year’s photography competition. For 38 years, this event has inspired people to see wildlife through a new lens and with Photo Experience’s support, we’ve been able to make it even more engaging. Their passion for photography perfectly complements our mission to connect people with nature and celebrate the beauty of the animal world.” – Ryan McAnoy, Marketing and Events Officer at Belfast Zoo

Photographer Access Days

This summer, photographers had the opportunity to attend Photographer Access Days – special sessions allowing early or extended entry for capturing the Zoo in its most peaceful moments. These dates proved a fantastic hit for those wanting to find that perfect shot.

Meet the Winners

We were blown away by the quality of entries this year! Stay tuned as we share some of the winning photographs in this post and across our social media channels. Whether it’s an emotional portrait of an endangered animal or a funny moment caught on camera, these images truly capture the magic of the Zoo.

Thank You, Belfast Zoo

We’d like to extend a big thank you to the incredible team at Belfast Zoo for their continued commitment to education, conservation, and creativity. We’re honoured to support a competition that brings photographers of all ages together in celebration of wildlife and wonder.

For more information please visit BELFAST ZOO

*Gallery photo is by Patricia Mackey (1st in Photo by a Zoo Visitor)