You are on Summary (Edinburgh Zoo). Skip to the next section.

Summary (Edinburgh Zoo)

• The venue is in a pedestrian area.
• Services / facilities within the grounds include animal enclosures, animal houses, cafés and restaurants, kiosks, gift shop, education centre, Mansion House meeting and function rooms, play areas, picnic areas, and much more.
• For the Edinburgh Zoo - Parking and Entrance AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
• For the Edinburgh Zoo - Lower Park Area AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
• For the Edinburgh Zoo - Centre Park Area AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
• For the Edinburgh Zoo - Upper Park Area AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
• For the Edinburgh Zoo - Accessible Toilet Facilities AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
• For the Edinburgh Zoo - Gift Shop and Exits AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).

You are on Getting Here. Skip to the next section.

Getting Here

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• By Road View
  • Edinburgh Zoo is located to the west of the city and is on Corstorphine Road.
    The zoo can be accessed via the A720 Edinburgh bypass and the A90.
  • There are ample Blue Badge bays and standard parking bays within the main zoo car park which is located to the right of main building, to the rear of the Holiday Inn Edinburgh Hotel.
• By Bus View
  • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
  • The nearest bus stop is on Corstorphine Road, in front of the zoo, approximately 4 metres away.
    The bus stop is served by buses 12, 18, 26, 31, X12, X24, X25, X38, 100 Airlink, 900 Citylink, 909 Citylink and 904 Citylink, with links to Edinburgh, the surrounding areas and other cities.
  • For more information on local bus times please click here (opens new tab).
• By Train View
  • The nearest Railway Station is Haymarket.
  • Haymarket Station is approximately 3 miles away to the east, there are direct routes to Scotland and beyond. It is served by ScotRail.
  • For more information on train times please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on Haymarket Station please click here (opens new tab).
• By Tram View
  • The nearest tram stop is Balgreen.
  • The nearest tram stop is approximately 1 mile away on Balgreen Road to the south east of the zoo.
  • For more information on tram times please click here (opens new tab).
• Useful Links View
  • For information on Balgreen Tram Stop please click the link below.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance

• For the zoos information for visitors with disabilities please click here (new tab).
• Please click here for information on opening times.
• The following are available: zoo maps, sensory maps, accessibility maps, mobility scooter maps, assistance dog maps, downloadable zoo maps, downloadable sensory maps, downloadable accessibility maps, downloadable mobility scooter maps and downloadable assistance dog maps.
• There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
• There is a member of staff trained in basic British Sign Language.
• The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; large print and different languages.
• There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
• The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located on the grass areas throughout the zoo.
• Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
• There are mobility aids available.
• The mobility aids available include wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
• To obtain mobility aids please contact the information desk at the main entrance.
• There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk.
• Sensory packs are available and include: ear defenders, fidget toys, sunglasses, binoculars, accessible maps and sensory maps. For more information about reserving a pack, and any charges, please contact the venue before your visit.
• Edinburgh Zoo Information - Visitors with Disabilities For accessibility information from the Edinburgh Zoo website, for assistance dog information, or to download a zoo map, wheelchair accessibility map or mobility scooter map, please click here (new tab).

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

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• Parking View
  • The venue does have its own parking facilities.
  • The car park is located off Corstorphine Road, to the rear of the Hilton Edinburgh Hotel.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • The car park does have a barrier control system.
  • There is a touchscreen at the barrier.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
  • All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
• Blue Badge Parking View
  • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • There is/are 10 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 230cm x 465cm (7ft 7in x 15ft 3in).
  • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
  • The marked zones around the Blue Badge parking bay(s) have not got at least the recommended width of 120cm.
  • The marked zones are 87cm wide.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
• Paying View
  • There are parking charges for the car park.
  • Parking charges apply for all users except Blue Badge holders.
  • All visitors to the zoo using the car park will received a parking ticket upon arrival to activate the barrier at the at the entrance to the car park.
    Payment using this ticket will validate the ticket and allow the visitors vehicle to exit the car park.
    Visitors who are carers, or holders of a Blue Badge can have their parking validated by visiting the ticket desks within the main building.
    Members of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) may also park for free by getting their ticket validated at the members' gate or at the main entrance.
  • Payment signs are provided.
  • Payment signs are clearly presented.
  • Payment signs are located at the payment machines in the car park.
  • Payment term signs do make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
  • Payment for parking charges is made at a payment machine.
  • Payment machines are located at the side of the car park.
  • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
  • To see the parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
  • A discounted parking rate is in operation. Payment for parking can be made at any of the ticket desks within the main building and the ticket validated.
• Access from the Car Park View
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
  • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
  • The entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is clearly signposted.
  • The surface on the approach to the entrance is tarmac.
  • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
  • There is no tactile paving on dropped kerbs between the car park and the entrance.
  • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 140m (153yd 4in) from the main entrance.
• Drop-off Point(s) View
  • There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
  • There is a taxi rank on Corstorphine Road in front of the main entrance.

You are on Electric Vehicle Charging Points. Skip to the next section.

Electric Vehicle Charging Points

• There is a/are electric vehicle charging point(s) available.
• The provider of the charging point(s) is BP Pulse.
• Type 2 charging is available.
• The electric vehicle charging point(s) is/are located to the top left as you enter the car park.
• Staff are not able to provide assistance with the electric vehicle charging points.
• There is/are 2 electric vehicle charging point(s).
• The electric vehicle charging bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
• The dimensions of the electric vehicle charging bay(s) surveyed are 320cm x 400cm.
• The charging point(s) is/are located to the rear as you approach the bay(s).
• The height of the electric vehicle charging point controls/screen is 130cm.
• The height of the electric vehicle charging point nozzle slot is 110cm.
• An app is required to use the charging point(s).
• Payment for charging is made via an app/online.
• Charging is free to use with the BP Pulse App.
• For more information and a guide to electric vehicle charging please click here.
• There is not a/are not designated electric vehicle charging point(s) available for Blue Badge holders.

You are on Access Point (RZSS Members' Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Access Point (RZSS Members' Entrance)

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• Access Point View
  • The RZSS Members' Entrance provides access to the zoo for members of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, bypassing the ticketing counters at the main entrance.
  • This information is for the access point located at the top left corner of the car park.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this access point.
  • There is a gate which opens away from you (push).
  • The gate is easy to open.
  • The width of the gap is 106cm.
  • There is an information board/map at this access point.
  • There is a chalk board with information on talks and gate closing times.
  • There is a second gate at the top of the ramp that opens towards you and is easy to open. The gate is 96cm wide.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located on the path immediately beyond the gate.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 135cm (4ft 5in).
• Comments View
  • The Members' Entrance may also be used as an exit for RZSS members.

You are on Access To (Main Entrance from Car Park). Skip to the next section.

Access To (Main Entrance from Car Park)

• To access the main entrance from the car park, take the path to the right of the car park entrance barrier and go down the ramp as guided.
  The path will take you past the end of the entrance building.
  The accessible entrance and main entrance are to the right at the font of the building.
  During busy periods there may be queuing from the car park to the main entrance.
  For visitors who wish to use the accessible entrance, please speak to a member of staff who will direct you past the queue.
• The ramp is on the path from the car park to the main entrance building and is approximately 120 metres long. There is a resting place approximately halfway down.
  There is a handrail on the right for the full length of the ramp.
• The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.

You are on Access To (Main Entrance from Corstorphine Road). Skip to the next section.

Access To (Main Entrance from Corstorphine Road)

• To access the main entrance from Corstorphine Road, where there is a taxi rank drop off and also where the bus stops are located, take either the path or the steps opposite the pedestrian crossing up to the main entrance.
  The accessible entrance is on the left of the main entrance and is signposted.
  During busy periods there may be queuing from the car park to the main entrance.
  For visitors who wish to use the accessible entrance, please speak to a member of staff who will direct you past the queue.
• The ramp is in front of the building and starts to the right of the steps.
  The ramp is approximately 50 metres long. There are 3 resting places approximately 10 metres apart.
  There are handrails on both sides for the full length of the ramp.
• The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
• The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
• The steps are directly in front of the building, opposite the pedestrian crossing in Corstorphine Road. There are three flights.
  At the top turn right for the accessible entrance.
• There are 30 steps.
• The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
• The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
• The steps are not clearly marked.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
• The steps have a handrail on both sides.
• Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
• Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• Handrails are easy to grip.
• Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
• There is a landing.

You are on Outside Access (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • This entrance is signed with 'ENTRANCE'.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The width of the opening is 220cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
  • There is an accessibility only entrance on the left.
    The main entrance is on the right.
    Both doors are similar.

You are on Inside Access (Entrance Lobby). Skip to the next section.

Inside Access (Entrance Lobby)

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• Access and Circulation View
  • There is step-free access throughout the building.
  • The type of flooring throughout is vinyl.
  • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There are mats on the floor that might be perceived as holes.
  • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
  • There are seats with armrests on both sides at regular intervals.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
• Signage View
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
• Safe Place(s) View
  • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
• Audio View
  • This venue does play background music/sound.
  • Music/sound is played within the main entrance building.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Comments View
  • There are scooters and wheelchairs available to borrow.
  • Low and high level lockers are available to hire.
  • Sensory packs and sunflower lanyards are available.
  • Please enquire at the information desk or at the ticket desks.

You are on Counter (Ticket Desks). Skip to the next section.

Counter (Ticket Desks)

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• Counter View
  • The counter is located ahead as you enter via the main entrance.
  • The counter is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step-free access to the counter.
  • There is free admission for carers. For more information please click here.
  • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
  • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The counter is not placed in front of a plain background.
  • The lighting levels at the counter are good.
  • The height of the counter is 90cm.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is a lowered section of the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 76cm.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
  • There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
  • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided near the counter.
  • Music is played everywhere.
  • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • The lowered ticket desk is located to the right of the standard height desks.

You are on Counter (Information Desk). Skip to the next section.

Counter (Information Desk)

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• Counter View
  • The counter is located to the left as you enter the building via the main entrance.
  • The counter is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step-free access to the counter.
  • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
  • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The counter is not placed in front of a plain background.
  • The lighting levels at the counter are good.
  • The height of the counter is 110cm.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is a lowered section of the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 74cm.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
  • There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
  • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided near the counter.
  • Music is played everywhere.
  • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.

You are on Entrance (Zoo Park Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Zoo Park Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the main entrance building.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the opening is 220cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.

You are on Access To (Zoo Park - Accessible Route). Skip to the next section.

Access To (Zoo Park - Accessible Route)

• To by-pass the stepped access to the zoo lower park area from the main entrance building, turn left to follow the path signposted Accessible entrance.
  As you pass the building and meet the roadway, take a sharp right to go back up the slope to arrive at the top of the steps and to access the right side of the park.
  Alternatively, go straight onto the mobility car pick up area, or cross right to continue past the Pelican enclosure to access the left side of the park.
• The slope is on the roadway to the right and is used to access the top of the steps and the right side of the park.
• The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
• The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

You are on Access To (Zoo Park - Stepped Route). Skip to the next section.

Access To (Zoo Park - Stepped Route)

• To access to the zoo lower park area from the main entrance building directly via the steps, after exiting the main entrance building, continue straight ahead to use either of the two similar set of steps which turn left to follow the path signposted Accessible entrance.
  As you pass the building and meet the roadway, take a sharp right to go back up the slope to arrive at the top of the steps and to access the right side of the park.
• The steps are directly ahead as you exit the main entrance building. They access the lower park area and the main route up the right hand side of the park.
• There are 16 steps .
• The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
• The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
• The steps are clearly marked.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
• The steps have a handrail on both sides.
• Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
• Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• Handrails are easy to grip.
• Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
• There is a landing.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Car Park). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Car Park)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The male toilet is located in the car park, at the top left near the members' entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
• Toilet Facilities 2 View
  • The female toilet is located in the car park, at the top left near the members' entrance.
  • There is ramped/sloped access to the toilet(s).
  • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
  • Lighting levels are low to moderate.

You are on Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Car Park - Female Standard Toilets). Skip to the next section.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Car Park - Female Standard Toilets)

• There is a ramp/slope located at the side of the car park toilet block.
• The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
• The ramp/slope is permanent.
• There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
• The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up the ramp.
• The width of the ramp/slope is 137cm (4ft 6in).

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Entrance Building - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Entrance Building - Right Hand Transfer)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located in the toilet block on the right as you exit the zoo park entrance.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the zoo park entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is low.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 177cm x 360cm (5ft 10in x 11ft 10in).
  • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 107cm (3ft 6in).
  • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin and a waste disposal bin.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a lever flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is medium.
  • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the left.
  • There is not a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is medium.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • The toilet has a backrest.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
• Additional Fixtures and Fittings View
  • There is not an emergency alarm.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are sanitary and nappy/incontinence items bin disposal units.
  • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • There is a mirror.
  • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is medium.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
  • There is not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • There is a handheld soap dispenser available.
  • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the hand dryer is 99cm (3ft 3in).
  • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.
• Baby Changing Facilities View
  • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
  • There is a flip down baby change table available.
  • The height of the baby change table is 97cm.
• Comments View
  • The wall fixed soap dispenser was out of use at the time of survey (April 2023).
  • The accessible toilet is also used as the standard male facility.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Entrance Building). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Entrance Building)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The female toilet is located in the toilet block on the right as you exit the zoo park entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m from the zoo park entrance.
  • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is low.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 82cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
  • Lighting levels are good.