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London Zoo - Information and Assistance

London Zoo, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY

Access Guide

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Opening Hours

Summary

Getting Here

Getting Help and Assistance

  • For general information on accessibility and assistance at London Zoo please click here (new tab).
  • Please click here for information on opening times.
  • The following are available: zoo maps, downloadable zoo maps and mobile app.
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There are mobility aids available.
  • The mobility aids available include mobile hoists, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact the Reptile Kiosk in the Blue Zone to the right as you enter the zoo.
  • There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk.
  • There is a safe space on site, ask a member of staff and you will be directed to or they will contact first aid.
  • For visitors who are blind or partially sighted, talks are given around the zoo throughout the day. Staff are available to provide assistance and to give more information throughout the site.
    There are also regular audio described tours on selected dates throughout the year at 10.45am. The tour will include tactile models of animals, immersive exhibits, and audio-descriptions of the animals' activities.
    For more information on Audio Described Tours, please click here.
  • For visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing, subtitles are shown on all videos shown in exhibits.
    There are regular Deaf-led tours throughout the year, you will need to contact in advance for the dates.
    For more information on Deaf-led BSL tours, click here.
  • For visitors with autistic spectrum or other neurodiversity conditions, there are online resources to support with a visit, including Sensory Story and Visual Story.
    There is a Penguin Pass to help those with additional needs to bypass queues. This may be downloaded from the website or mobile app. Show the pass to zoo team staff. It is also helpful to wear a sunflower lanyard.
    There are also regular relaxed opening tours. They allow neurodivergent people and other people who would benefit in a calm and safe environment to enjoy the Zoo and take place either before or after normal opening or closing times, depending on the time of year. They are led by the Engagement and Community Engagement teams along a set route, agreed in advance with the animal and operation teams to ensure the best possible experience.
    For more information on Relaxed Opening Tours, click here.
  • Assistance Dogs - Dogs are not permitted on site at the Zoo with the exception of assistance dogs under specific conditions: If you do not have evidence of your dog's training e.g. ADUK ID booklet, please email [email protected] ahead of your visit to talk through the best options for you and your dog.
    If you are bringing an assistance dog to the Zoo, you will be asked to meet with the Animal Duty Manager on arrival for an on-site briefing to confirm acceptance of our full terms and conditions and any special considerations on the given date of your visit. Your assistance dog may be asked to undergo a brief health check to protect the wellbeing of our animals on-site. Dogs are not permitted at animal demonstrations and talks, in any walkthroughs, or near big cat enclosures.
    Zoo animals and dogs can react to each other, so if you notice any behavioural changes of concern, please move to another exhibit.
    Your dog must remain calm and quiet, at least 2 metres away from any animal enclosure boundaries.
    Your dog must be fit and healthy when visiting the Zoo, and not shown any signs of ill health – including diarrhoea and vomiting – in the last 24 hours.
    They must have been resident in the UK for the last 6 months and have received all annual vaccinations and anthelmintic treatments.
    Poop bags are available at the main gate on arrival - you must clean up after your dog and never leave dogs unattended or off the lead.
    Water bowls are available for assistance dogs from the Terrace Restaurant upon request.

Counter (Mobility Equipment Hire)

  • Counter View
    • The counter is located straight ahead as you enter through the zoo main entrance.
    • The counter is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the zoo main entrance.
    • Clear signage for the counter is not visible from the lift.
    • There is step-free access to the counter.
    • Manual wheelchairs may be hired by leaving a refundable deposit.
      Mobility scooters are also available with a returnable deposit and a hire fee.
      It is best to book in advance. For full details and hiring please email [email protected] .
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is not placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the counter are good.
    • The height of the counter is 98cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided near the counter.
    • The type of flooring in this area is concrete.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is not a seating area close to the counter.

Lockers

  • The lockers are located approximately 65m from the Zoo Main Entrance, just beyond the Zoo Treats Kiosk.
  • There is step-free level access to the lockers once inside the zoo.
  • They are available in small and large sizes, and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • The lowest small locker is at a height of 52cm, while the lowest large locker is at a height of 74cm.
  • The highest small and large lockers are located at heights of 186cm and 159cm respectively.
  • There is a fee to use the lockers, which is £1/hour or £5/day for the small lockers, and £2/hour or £10/day for the large lockers.
  • Payment is made via a self-service touchscreen in the centre of the bank of lockers.
  • This is situated between 122cm and 145cm from floor level.
  • Cash (coins only) and card payments are accepted.
  • The card reader is 156cm high, while the coin slot is 162cm high.
  • Please ask at the Mobility Equipment Hire counter or the neighbouring Zoo Treats Kiosk if you need any assistance.
  • Contents must be removed at least 30 minutes before closing time.

Phone Charger Hire Vending Machine

  • The Phone charger hire vending machine is located immediately ahead as you pass through the Zoo main entrance, on the right hand side of the Mobility Hire Kiosk.
  • There is a touchscreen to operate the machine situated between 106cm and 154cm from the ground level.
  • Payment is by card only, with the card reader being 110cm high.
  • The charger return slot is 65cm high, and the point at which the chargers are dispensed is 82cm high.
  • At the time of survey (May 2024) the hire fee is £10, giving you up to 5 days' usage.
  • There is also a £15 deposit, refunded when you return the charger.

Related Access Guides (Zone Guides)

Related Access Guides (Cafés and Restaurants)

Related Access Guides (Other Buildings)

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Changing Places facilities are located by Animal Adventure, and in the Community and Learning Hub by arrangement.
  • Accessible toilet facilities are located by Tiny Giants,
    by Ibis Aviary (left hand transfer),
    by Zoo Treats (left hand transfer),
    by African Hunting Dogs (transfer both sides),
    and outside the Community and Learning Hub (left hand transfer).
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located by Animal Adventure,
    by Tiny Giants,
    by Ibis Aviary,
    by Zoo Treats,
    by African Hunting Dogs,
    and outside the Community and Learning Hub.
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the standard female toilet facility by Tiny Giants,
    in the standard female toilet facility by Animal Adventure,
    in the accessible and both standard toilet facilities by African Hunting Dogs,
    and in the accessible toilet facility outside the Community and Learning Hub.