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).
Animal Enclosures
- This enclosure is indoor.
- This enclosure is located to the left of the Education Centre, at the rear left of the Centre Park Area, beyond Penguins Rock.
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Entrance / Opening
View
- There is a single, manual door with an opening width of 75cm+, which may be difficult to open for access to this enclosure.
- The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
- The entrance/opening does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance/opening.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance/opening.
- There is a slight slope between 75cm and 150cm wide, with a handrail on the left.
- The slope has a level landing.
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Animal Enclosure
View
- There is level access throughout this area.
- 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.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
- This area does not play background music/sound.
- There are not resting/seating areas within this area.
- Information in this area includes the following formats: information board.
- There was not a staff member in the enclosure at the time of the survey.
- Visitors cannot handle/touch animals in this area.
- There is a low colour contrast between the walls and the walkways in this area.
- The lighting levels in this area are good.
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Exit
View
- Visitors can exit via a separate exit/opening.
- The exit is not clearly signed internally.
- There is a single, manual door with an opening width of 75cm+, which may be difficult to open when exiting this area/attraction.
- The exit is stepped.
- There are 9 steps to access the park, which are unmarked, with a handrail on the right.
- Handrails cover the length of the flight of stairs and do not extend beyond the first and last step.
- Handrails are not easy to grip and are at a recommended height.
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm, at 14cm high.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm, at 25cm deep.
- There is also an outdoor viewing area with ramped access beyond the Rhino House itself, as shown in photograph 13.