Enjoy the Mental Health Benefits of a Visit to the Zoo

As we transition from summer into autumn, Dublin Zoo are hoping to brighten up visitors’ days with a half price weekend offer* to encourage them to experience the mental health benefits that a visit to the Zoo can bring.

As we bid farewell to the grand stretch in the evenings until next year, visitors to Dublin Zoo will receive a 50% discount on tickets purchased online* for Saturday, 21st and Sunday, 22nd September as well as Saturday, 28th and Sunday, 29th September.

Green social prescribing, where medical professionals encourage people to engage in nature-based interventions and activities, has become increasingly common in recent years, with evidence showing that it plays an important role in improving mental and physical health and reducing loneliness2. Studies have shown that a visit to the Zoo can have a similar positive impact.

According to a recent study from the University of Exeter, with contribution from Dr. Andrew Mooney, Senior Conservation and Science Officer at Dublin Zoo, a trip to the Zoo can provide an automatic connection with nature and wildlife, promoting positive mental wellbeing.

After visiting an immersive zoo habitat, participants of a 2020 study demonstrated reductions in blood pressure and stress hormones. The participants also felt happier, more energised and less tense after the visit.

Dublin Zoo is one of the most visited cultural attractions in Ireland. For almost 200 years, the Zoo has been at the heart of community as the place for Irish people to learn about and connect with wildlife. As a world-class visitor attraction, Dublin Zoo connects people with wildlife from an early age, providing a gateway for people, particularly in urban areas, to engage with nature in the great outdoors.

Dr. Andrew Mooney, Senior Conservation and Science Officer at Dublin Zoo, commented: “We are excited to announce that visitors will be able to enjoy half-price tickets as we head into autumn. Like many city zoos, Dublin Zoo is situated close to the heart of the city centre, where access to large, naturalistic blue and green spaces is often limited. For many, particularly as the seasons change, a visit to Dublin Zoo is a unique opportunity to experience wildlife, and immerse themselves in a natural environment.

People are increasingly familiar with green prescribing, and initial trials in zoo settings have shown promising results.
“Dublin Zoo’s 28-hectare green space has a variety of immersive habitats, such as the Gorilla Rainforest and Kaziranga Forest Trail, all with the potential to reduce visitor stress and promote positive mental health and wellbeing during the colder periods of the year.”

T&Cs of half-price offer:

*The half price offer is only applicable for tickets booked online for Saturday 21st, Sunday 22nd, Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of September. Half-price ticket offer applies to adult, child and family tickets only – discounted tickets, groups and concessions are not included. Not applicable at the gate. Last entry to Dublin Zoo is 5pm.

References:

• Rose P and Riley L (2023) Five ways to wellbeing at the zoo: improving human health and connection to nature. Front. Psychol. 14:1258667. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1258667.
• National Academy for Social Prescribing
• https://www.mdpi.com/2673-5636/4/1/6#B105-jzbg-04-00006
• Audrey A. Coolman, Amy Niedbalski, David M. Powell, Corinne P. Kozlowski, Ashley D. Franklin, Sharon L. Deem (2020) Changes in human health parameters associated with an immersive exhibit experience at a zoological institution. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0231383