Overview

I've always rated this zoo as the best in the UK and I feel it has now begun to seriously include access for wheelchair users. Perhaps more could be done for visually impaired people who require tactile navigation or tactile models.

Transport & Parking

Drove straight in and parked by the entrance in one of several rows of accessible bays. Free to park. Firm Tarmac surface. The monorail is accessible to power chair users but not scooter users. There was only a very small lip and gap to board (level) which I hardly noticed. Carers ride free. The boat ride I didn't do but a wheelchair user was on board the flat deck of an accessible boat in the Islands.

Access

For once I had no thought as to access or route planning - it was all flat with no steep ramps. Wood walkways are smooth over to the Islands but bumpy in the core park area. Mostly it was smooth concrete. I saw a few tactile plaques of animals to feel but have see this better implemented. I think their are Audio described tours. Signs are in English, print and easily read from a low chair height. I didn't give a full 5 stars simply because, because of my low height , I sometimes couldn't see over the barrier or under (through the provided peep windows). If your chair rises or you can bend, it won't be a problem.

Toilets

There is one changing places toilet in a modern toilet block, clearly signposted. It's near the Jubilee monorail station and main food hall. It doesn't have a privacy curtain but does include all the usual features and ceiling hoist. A shower is included. There are modern standard wheelchair accessible toilets on the Islands - they should really have had a second CP toilet too as this section could take you 2-3 hours alone if you do the boat as well. I tried two other toilets (Jaguar house (small) and at the end of the Komodo dragons (old/tiny).

Staff

Very pleasant. No particular interaction to comment on.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Carer goes in free.

Photos