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 (Wee Beasties)
- This enclosure is indoor and interactive.
- This building is located to the left of Centre Park Area, near the Education Centre and Penguins Café.
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Entrance / Opening
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- There are double, manual doors with an opening width of less than 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 a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance/opening.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped 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 steep ramp between 75cm and 150cm wide, with no handrails.
- The ramp has a level landing.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
- There are 9 steps to access the building, 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 between the recommended 15cm and 18cm, at 17cm high.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm, at 29cm deep.
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Animal Enclosure
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- 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.
- 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 and interactive exhibits at a recommended height for wheelchair users.
- 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 are 6 steps to the rear seating row.
- There is a low level viewing area at 55cm high.
- Visitors cannot handle/touch animals in this area.
- The lighting levels in this area are good.
- There is a low colour contrast between the walls and the walkways in this area.
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Exit
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- Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.
Auditorium
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Access to Seating
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- The auditorium is not clearly signed.
- This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the building.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 86cm.
- This entrance gives access to the front row.
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Auditorium Information
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- The seats do not have armrests.
- The lighting levels before and after events are good.
- The nearest accessible toilet is located within the neighbouring Education Centre or Penguins Café.
- There is a rubberised type of flooring in this area.
- There is step free access to a row of seating.
- The row(s) with step free access is/are the front row.
- The access to the majority of seating is located to one side of the seats (against wall).
- There is stepped access to the majority of seating.
- There is/are 6 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the 30cm and 45cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up.
- 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.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.