Access Guide
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).
Entrance (Viewing Area to the Left of the Central Area)
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Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located at the very left of the central area, past the Education Centre.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'PENGUINS ROCK'.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the opening is 115cm.
- There is not a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
- There are 2 similar entrances to this viewing area.
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Ramp/Slope
View
- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
Entrance (Walkway Through Penguins Rock - Centre Area Left)
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Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located at the front left of Penguins Rock.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the opening is 140cm.
- There is not a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
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Ramp/Slope
View
- The ramp/slope is located on the path leading to the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 142cm (4ft 8in).
- The ramp does not have resting areas.
Entrance (Facing the Education Centre)
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Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located in the central area, facing the Education Centre.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'PENGUINS ROCK'.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the opening is 124cm.
- There is not a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
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Ramp/Slope
View
- The ramp/slope is located in front of and beyond the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
Entrance (Left of Penguins Café)
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Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located in the central area, to the left of Penguins Café.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'PENGUINS ROCK'.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the opening is 83cm.
- There is not a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
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Ramp/Slope
View
- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 99cm (3ft 3in).
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step(s)
View
- The step(s) is/are located to the left of the entrance.
- There is/are 6 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 30cm and 45cm.
- The depth of the steps are 44cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up the step(s).
- Handrails are not 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 second lower handrail.
- There is also a step in front of the entrance that can be overcome by using the ramp.
This step is 4cm high and has no handrails (photographs 7 and 8).
Animal Enclosures
- This enclosure is outdoor.
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Animal Enclosure
View
- There is not level access throughout this area.
- There are slight and steep slopes along the walkways.
- Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
- During busy periods this area can become congested.
- The flooring in the enclosure is hard flooring and concrete or tarmac.
- Some flooring is uneven.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are provided in some areas.
- This area does not play background music/sound.
- There are resting/seating areas within this area.
- Information in this area includes the following formats: information board and audio description.
- A staff member is in the enclosure at certain times.
- There are shows/talks in the enclosure, with a designated seating available for wheelchair users.
- There is tiered seating within the enclosure.
- There is a low level viewing area at 19cm high.
- Visitors cannot handle/touch animals in this area.
- There is a high colour contrast between some walls and the walkways in this area.
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Exit
View
- Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.