Row Erupts Over Use of 'Drag Queen' in Dublin Zoo Mothers Day Advertising Campaign - 09/03/2026

Dublin Zoo has said it is "disappointed" at some of the online discourse surrounding an advertising campaign for the zoo's All-Things-Irish Takeover next week.On Thursday, Dublin Zoo launched its 'mams go free' offer for Mother's Day to help families celebrate moms around the country, offering a complimentary adult ticket when a full paying adult or child ticket is purchased online next Sunday.As part of the launch campaign, Dublin Zoo recruited Irish social media star and TV presenter James Patrice as the ambassador for the takeover, who donned his well-known Malahide Mammy character, which the zoo has said is rooted in "humour and fun".Despite a mostly positive reaction to the campaign, there has been a backlash across social media from some politicians and members of the public, who slammed the campaign, including Independent Ireland TD Ken O'Flynn and Senator Sharon Keogan, taking umbrage with the use of the 'Malahide Mammy' character for the light-hearted campaign.Deputy O’Flynn joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.