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 building is located to the right of the Centre Park Area, near the picnic and play area.
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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 small lip on the threshold of the entrance/opening, with a height of 2cm or below.
- There is a slight slope over 150cm wide, with no handrails.
- The slope has no level landing.
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Animal Enclosure
View
- There is not level access throughout this area.
- There is a long steep ramp throughout the majority of the enclosure.
- Clear directional signage is provided in this area.
- During busy periods this area can become congested.
- The flooring in the enclosure is hard flooring.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
- This area does not play background music/sound.
- There is some flash photography within this area.
- There are resting/seating areas within this area.
- Information in this area includes the following formats: information board.
- There is a staff member in the enclosure for information and assistance.
- There is a low level viewing area at 65cm high.
- A one-way system operates in this area.
- Visitors cannot handle/touch animals in this area.
- There is a high colour contrast between some walls and the walkways in this area.
- The lighting levels in this area are good.
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Exit
View
- Visitors 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 ramped/sloped or stepped.
- There is a slight ramp between 75cm and 150cm wide, with handrails on both sides.
- The ramp has no resting area.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
- There are 3 steps to access the park, which are clearly marked, with handrails on both sides.
- 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 between the recommended 15cm and 18cm, at 18cm high.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm, at 29cm deep.