Belfast Zoo reopens

Zoo closed as a precaution due to foot-and-mouth crisis

Belfast Zoo has opened its gates to the public after being closed due to the foot-and-mouth crisis.

The zoo closed in February following advice from the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture as a precaution due to the farm disease.

According to the zoo, the decision to reopen on Monday was made under guidance from the department and was backed by Belfast City Council.

Several restrictions, however, are to remain in place.

The rare breeds farm and giraffe and elephant houses will be closed.

John Stronge, the zoo's manager said: "All visitors will be required to walk over disinfectant mats, so the risk to the animals will be kept to an absolute minimum.

"But we would ask those people who have recently been to foot-and-mouth infected areas not to visit the zoo for a while longer."

Many of the animals on the Belfast site are susceptible to the foot-and-mouth disease, which effects cloven-hoofed animals.

These include antelope deer, tapir, camels and giraffe.