Dublin Zoo offering half-price tickets this weekend – but there’s a catch
DUBLIN Zoo is offering half-price tickets this weekend - but there's a catch.
The popular Dublin attraction is slashing the price of online tickets in celebration of International Red Panda Day.
Dublin Zoo will host a family-friendly event on Saturday and Sunday - with a range of themed educational and fun activities including zookeeper talks, which are suitable for all ages, from 12-4pm.
This comes as a new sculpture is also being unveiled to mark International Red Panda Day.
Created by award-winning sculptor Stephanie Hess, the Red Panda sculpture, located in the Himalayan Hills habitat, is intended to showcase Dublin Zoo’s gratitude to supporters of the ‘Save Dublin Zoo’ campaign, without which Dublin Zoo faced potential closure.
Due to the pandemic in 2020, the red panda’s Himalayan Hills habitat was delayed, but thanks to support from the public and government funding through the Office of Public Works under the remit of Minister Patrick O’Donovan, the expanded habitat was able to open earlier this year, in a new location.
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Born to Irish parents in Singapore, the red panda sculptor Stephanie Hess has lived throughout Europe, Canada, the United States and South Africa, before subsequently moving to Ireland in 2014.
Stephanie was commissioned to create the sculpture of the red panda due to her love and years of experience with bronze casting.
Stephanie’s distinctive patinas, green or brown film on the surface of bronze produced as a result of a long period of oxidation, play an integral part in conveying the characters of her stylised animals, brimming with whimsy, playfulness, humour and tenderness.
Director of Dublin Zoo, Dr Christoph Schwitzer said: “The team at Dublin Zoo is thrilled to reveal the new red panda sculpture and publicly mark our gratitude to all those who supported us through the challenging period which resulted in the ‘Save Dublin Zoo’ fundraising campaign.
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"During that time, it was difficult to say whether Dublin Zoo would make it through to experience the incredible milestones of the past two years, including the births of some endangered species.
"It is only with thanks to the people of Ireland as well as our Government that we have been able to celebrate the opening of the Himalayan Hills habitat, which is now home to the snow leopard and red pandas at Dublin Zoo.
"I am excited to welcome families and friends to mark International Red Panda Day with Dublin Zoo, and hope our visitors take the time to enjoy the new red panda sculpture by award winning Dublin sculptor, Stephanie Hess.”
Visitors can avail of 50 per cent off tickets for Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18 when booked online at www.dublinzoo.ie
This offer is only valid for tickets booked online and applies to adult, child and family tickets only – groups and concessions are not included.
