Access Guide
Getting Help and Assistance (Highland Wildlife Park)
- For Highland Wildlife Park's Accessibility Statement please click here (new tab).
- Please click here for information on opening times.
- The following are available: zoo maps, sensory maps, accessibility maps, downloadable zoo maps, downloadable sensory maps and downloadable accessibility maps.
- There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
- There is a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
- The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; large print and audio.
- There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are not available.
- There are mobility aids available.
- The mobility aids available include wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
- To obtain mobility aids please contact the visitor centre.
- There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk .
- The designated place of safety is located in the First Aid room near the accessible car park.
- Sensory packs are available and include: accessible maps and sensory maps. For more information about reserving a pack, and any charges, please contact the venue before your visit.
- Mobility Assistance.
There are wheelchairs, pushchairs and electric mobility scooters available for free hire. These require a fully refundable deposit. Please enquire at the main entrance on arrival or at the visitor centre.
Some areas of the park may not be suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Steep slopes and steps are signposted with alternative routes and there is an updated mobility map available for visitors which can be downloaded below. - More information on the accessibility map for the park.
- More information on the sensory map for the park.
- Talks and Tours.
There are a number of talks and tours which take place around the park, some private and some public. This includes days with translated talks/tours including BSL.
Some talks are being translated into BSL which will be available onsite via QR code. Please enquire at the visitor centre. - Carers.
Visitors who require special assistance are offered free admission for one accompanying carer when they pay the full adult/concession/child price.
Please bring relevant proof of entitlement, such as a National Disability Card, an Access Card with a ‘+1’ symbol, a ‘plus one’ travel card or a letter from Personal Independence Payment, as this will be asked for on arrival.
Grounds (Wildcat Wood)
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Access and Circulation
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- Access in this area includes ramps and slopes.
- There are some features in this area which could cause a potential trip hazard.
- The surfaces of the main pathways include gravel.
- The surface may be uneven in places.
- The paths can become slippery when wet.
- During busy periods this area can become congested.
- There are not resting areas in this area.
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Signage and Audio
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- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Wayfinding signage includes symbols or pictures.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the area.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- Information boards are available in this area.
- There is not background music/noise in this area.
Animal Enclosures
- This enclosure is outdoor.
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Entrance / Opening
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- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this enclosure.
- The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
- 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 over 150cm wide, with no handrails.
- The slope has no level landing and no resting area.
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Animal Enclosure
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- There is not level access throughout this area.
- There are slight slopes throughout.
- Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
- During busy periods this area can become congested.
- The flooring in the enclosure is shingle.
- Some flooring is uneven.
- 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: pictorial and information board.
- The enclosure does not have a hearing assistance system.
- There was not a staff member in the enclosure at the time of the survey.
- There are shows/talks in the enclosure, with no designated seating available for wheelchair users.
- There is a low level viewing area at 84cm high.
- Visitors cannot handle/touch animals in this area.
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Exit
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- Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.
