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Edinburgh Zoo - Upper Park Area

Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS

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Access Guide

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Summary (Edinburgh Zoo)

Getting Help and Assistance

Grounds Summary

  • The Upper Park Area covers everything at the rear of the park, starting from the Warty pig, Visayan deer, Koala Territory and Wallaby Outback enclosures up to the hilltop viewpoint.
  • The following facilities are available in this area; an accessible toilet, standard toilets and baby changing facilities.
  • The nearest accessible toilet is located towards the top of the hill, opposite the Giraffe House.
  • The nearest standard toilets are located towards the top of the hill, opposite the Giraffe House.
  • The nearest baby change facilities are located in the accessible toilet towards the top of the hill, opposite the Giraffe House.
  • The guest information point is located in the main entrance building.
  • For more information on the guest information point please click here (new tab).
  • The medical centre is located to the left of the Centre Park area, below Penguins Rock.
  • For more information on the medical centre please click here (new tab).

Grounds

  • The Upper Park Area is located beyond the Central Park Area at the rear of the park, starting from the Warty pig, Visayan deer, Koala Territory and Wallaby Outback enclosures.
  • Access and Circulation View
    • Access in this area includes steps with ramps to overcome them.
    • The recommended route in this area is to go up and down the hill using the less steep paths to the rear left of the zoo, and to use cross paths to access enclosures.
    • The main path to the rear right of the zoo, marked by gates and steep slope signs, is unsuitable for wheelchairs or electric scooters. Alternative less steep paths to enclosures are available.
    • There are some features in this area which could cause a potential trip hazard.
    • The surfaces of the main pathways include concrete and tarmac.
    • The surface may be uneven in places.
    • The paths can become slippery when wet.
    • During busy periods this area can become congested.
    • There are resting areas in this area.
    • Seating in the resting area(s) include(s); bench seating, picnic tables with fixed seating and tables with fixed seating.
  • Signage and Audio View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • Wayfinding signage includes symbols or pictures.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is not consistent throughout the area.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
    • Maps and information boards are available in this area.
    • There is background music/noise in this area.
  • Play Area View
    • There is a route around the play equipment which is not firm and even, but is over 150cm wide.
    • The play equipment is in easy reach for seated and standing users, and users of different heights.
    • The following play experiences are available: climbing, balancing, sensory (visual, audible and or tactile).

Ramp(s) / Slope(s) and Step(s) (Upper Park Area near Magic Forest)

  • Ramp / Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope located leading up beside the steps from the centre park area, near the Magic Forest.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access the Upper Park Area.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) located leading up from the centre park area, near the Magic Forest.
    • The step(s) is/are used to access the Upper Park Area.
    • There is/are 14 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are in the centre of the step(s).
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • Comments View
    • There are many further steep slopes throughout the area.
    • The steep slope to the rear left of the park, as shown in photographs 5 and 6 is suggested as the least steep option around the hilltop loop.
    • There are some long slopes without resting points throughout.
    • There are very steep slopes to the rear right beyond the Giant Panda towards the Zebra, and in the central path between the Asiatic Lion and Sumatran Tiger.
    • There are other sets of steps near the lower tiger enclosure, and rear Dinosaurs picnic area which can be bypassed using slopes.

General Enclosures

  • The types of animal enclosures in this area are indoor enclosures, outdoor enclosures, interactive enclosures and viewing platforms.
  • The enclosures with step-free access include: Warty pigs, Visayan deer, Koala Territory, Wildcat, Gelada baboon, Egyptian vulture, Przewalski's horse, Giraffe, Giant anteater, Asiatic lion, Sumatran tiger, Dinosaurs, The Aquarium (Dinosaurs), Hilltop viewpoint, Zebra, Nyala, Giant Panda and Wallaby Walkabout.
  • The enclosures with slight ramped/sloped access include: Warty pigs, Visayan deer, Gelada baboon, Egyptian vulture, Giraffe, Giant anteater, Sumatran tiger, Dinosaurs, The Aquarium (Dinosaurs) and Zebra.
  • The enclosures with steep ramped/sloped access include: Warty pigs, Visayan deer, Koala Territory, Wildcat, Przewalski's horse, Asiatic lion, Sumatran tiger, Dinosaurs, Hilltop viewpoint, Zebra, Nyala, Giant Panda and Wallaby Walkabout.
  • The enclosures with stepped access include: Gelada baboon, Egyptian vulture, Sumatran tiger and Giant Panda.
  • The enclosures with information boards available are Warty pigs, Visayan deer, Koala Territory, Wildcat, Gelada baboon, Egyptian vulture, Przewalski's horse, Giraffe, Giant anteater, Asiatic lion, Sumatran tiger, Dinosaurs, The Aquarium (Dinosaurs), Hilltop viewpoint, Zebra, Nyala, Giant Panda and Wallaby Walkabout.
  • The enclosures with seating available nearby are Warty pigs, Visayan deer, Koala Territory, Wildcat, Gelada baboon, Egyptian vulture, Przewalski's horse, Giraffe, Giant anteater, Asiatic lion, Sumatran tiger, Dinosaurs, The Aquarium (Dinosaurs), Hilltop viewpoint, Zebra, Nyala, Giant Panda and Wallaby Walkabout.
  • The enclosures with low level viewing areas include: Warty pigs, Wildcat, Gelada baboon, Giraffe, Giant anteater, Asiatic lion, Sumatran tiger and Giant Panda.
  • The enclosures with floor level viewing areas include: Warty pigs, Visayan deer, Gelada baboon, Przewalski's horse, Giraffe, Asiatic lion, Dinosaurs, Hilltop viewpoint, Nyala, Giant Panda and Wallaby Walkabout.
  • There are low level viewing areas in some enclosures.

Food and Drink (Kiosks)

  • The following information describes the food and drink counters located in the Dinosaurs enclosure.
  • The following food and drink counters are available in this area; Ròst and Giraffe Café.
  • Some of the food and drink counters are clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access to the food and drink counters.
  • The following food and drink counters are at a high height (111cm+); Ròst and Giraffe Café.
  • There is not a lowered section at the food and drink counters.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system at the food and drink counters.
  • Takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • There is a member of staff available to provide assistance with ordering food and drink.
  • A member of staff can assist in taking food and drink to the designated seating area(s).
  • There are seasonal food and drink counters and kiosks which are not included in this information.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • The Giraffe Café was not open at the time of survey.
  • There is ramped/sloped access to the picnic area.
  • There are picnic benches and adapted picnic benches.
  • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 67cm.
  • All chairs are permanently fixed.
  • All tables are permanently fixed.
  • The type of flooring in this area is loose chippings and grass.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Changing Places facilities are located to the left of the Centre Park Area, below Penguin, below Penguins Rock and next to the First Aid centre.
  • Accessible toilet facilities are located in the following locations:- Lower Park Area - Entrance Building, Centre Park Area - Chimpanzee Budongo Trail, Centre Park Area - Animal Antics, Centre Park Area - Grasslands Restaurant, Centre Park Area - Penguins Café, Centre Park Area - The Gannet Fish Bar and Upper Park Area - Giraffe House.
  • Female standard toilet facilities are located in the following locations:- Car Park, Lower Park Area - Entrance Building, Members' entrance, Centre Park Area - Chimpanzee Budongo Trail, Animal Antics, rear of Wee Beasties, Grasslands Restaurant, Penguins Café, The Gannet Fish Bar and Upper Park Area - Giraffe House.
  • Male standard toilet facilities are located in the following locations:- Car Park - near Members' Entrance, Lower Park Area - Entrance Building (shared accessible facility), Members' entrance, Centre Park Area - Chimpanzee Budongo Trail, Animal Antics, One Horn Rhino path (stepped access), Grasslands Restaurant, Penguins Café, The Gannet Fish Bar and Upper Park Area - Giraffe House.
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the following locations:- Lower Park Area - Entrance Building, Centre Park Area - Animal Antics, Wee Beasties, Grasslands Restaurant, Penguins Café, The Gannet Fish Bar and Upper Park Area - Giraffe House.
  • For detailed information on the toilet facilities available please click here (new tab).

Toilet with Adaptations (Giraffe House - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located in the toilet block opposite the Giraffe House.
    • There is ramped/sloped access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is low.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is medium.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 173cm x 288cm (5ft 8in x 9ft 5in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 push button flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is 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 high.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • Additional Fixtures and Fittings View
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary, nappy/incontinence items bin and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is 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 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • 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 high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 105cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is low.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • 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 88cm.

Standard Toilet(s) (Giraffe House)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located in the toilet block opposite the Giraffe House.
    • There is ramped/sloped access into the toilet(s).
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is low.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 88cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are good.