BBC News Online: UK: Northern Ireland

Zoo farm opens doors

The farm has seen new arrivals in the past few days

This section opened two days ago after being closed since February as a precaution during the foot-and-mouth crisis in Northern Ireland.

Four outbreaks of the disease were confirmed in the province and the zoo closed its gates to the public following advice from the Department of Agriculture.

The rest of the zoo has been open since May but the rare breeds farm as well as giraffe and elephant houses remained closed.

Vicky Meredith from the zoo said she hoped the Bank Holiday weekend would mark the start of a new beginning.

"A lot of visitors have missed the farm," she said.

" Although we've got loads of rare and dangerous species in the rest of the zoo, kids seem to love coming to the farm.

"It's a delight to be able to have the whole zoo reopen now to the public."

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

These included antelope deer, tapir, camels and giraffe.

After the rest of the zoo opened, visitors were required to walk over disinfectant mats to keep any risk to a minimum.