Access Guide
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.
Access Point (Land of the Lions - Stone Archway)
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Access Point
View
- This information is for the access point located opposite the Wildlife Garden.
- There is step-free access at this access point.
- There is open access.
- There is not an information board/map at this access point.
Access Point (Gir National Park)
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Access Point
View
- This information is for the access point located opposite the Lubetkin Penguin Pool.
- There is step-free access at this access point.
- There is open access.
- There is not an information board/map at this access point.
Access Point (Stairs and Ramp)
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Access Point
View
- This information is for the access point located opposite the Animal Adventure entrance.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this access point.
- There is open access.
- There is not an information board/map at this access point.
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Ramp/Slope
View
- The ramp/slope is located opposite the Animal Adventure entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step(s)
View
- The step(s) is/are located opposite the Animal Adventure entrance.
- There is/are 9 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 14cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
Access Point (Lift and Stairs)
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Access Point
View
- This information is for the access point located opposite Blackburn Pavilion.
- There is step-free access at this access point, via lift.
- There is open access.
- The width of the gap is 97cm.
- There is not an information board/map at this access point.
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Step(s)
View
- The step(s) is/are located opposite Blackburn Pavilion.
- There is/are 8 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 14cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
Lift (Access Point)
- The lift surveyed is located opposite Blackburn Pavilion.
- This lift is a platform lift.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
- The ground floor and upper walkway are accessed by this lift.
- The lift door has a high visual contrast.
- The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
- The external lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 100cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 104cm (width) x 135cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
- All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
- Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit and a visual floor indicator.
Animal Enclosures (Land of the Lions)
- This enclosure is outdoor.
- Land of the Lions is located within the Orange Zone.
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Animal Enclosure
View
- There is not level access throughout this area.
- There are ramps and steps throughout the enclosure.
All steps can be bypassed by ramps or lifts. - Clear directional signage is provided in this area.
- There are walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
- During busy periods this area can become congested.
- The flooring in the enclosure is hard flooring and concrete or tarmac.
- Some flooring is uneven.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are provided in some areas.
- This area does not play background music/sound.
- There are resting/seating areas within this area.
- Information in this area includes the following formats: tactile, pictorial, information board, television/screen and mobile app.
- The enclosure does not have a hearing assistance system.
- A staff member is in the enclosure at certain times.
- There is an upper viewing area and walkway in this enclosure.
There is a platform lift or steep ramp to access this area. - There is a low level viewing area at 0cm high.
- Visitors cannot handle/touch animals in this area.
- The lighting levels in this area are varied.
- There is a high colour contrast between some walls and the walkways in this area.
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Comments
View
- You exit the enclosure via any of the access points.
Indian Village - Sasan Gir
- The Indian Village has uneven surfaces and a slight ramp to access the Sasan Gir railway station platform.
- There are benches available throughout the area.
- There is an animal enclosure with low viewing areas.
Lift (Indian Village)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located within the Indian village.
- Signs indicating the location of the lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 75m (82yd 1in) from the Land of the Lions - Stone Gate.
- The lift is a platform lift.
- A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are ground, and upper viewing area.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
- The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
- The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is Medium.
- The clear door width is 97cm (3ft 2in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 104cm x 140cm (3ft 5in x 4ft 7in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does not have an audible announcer.
- The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- There is not a hearing loop system.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are good.
- There is a/are similar lift(s) available.
Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Sasan Gir Railway Station)
- There is a ramp/slope located at the entrance to Sasan Gir Railway Station within the Indian Village.
- The ramp/slope is used to access the platform lift to the upper viewing level.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
- There are two steps to the right of the ramp at 16cm and 14cm high.
Stairs (Indian Village)
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Stairs
View
- The stairs are located opposite the Sasan Gir Railway Station within the Indian village.
- All levels are accessible by these stairs.
- There are 18 steps between levels.
- The height of the steps are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the steps are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the steps.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities/services are not provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are good.
Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Upper Viewing Area and Walkway)
- There is a ramp/slope located ahead and to the left of the Land of the Lions - Stone Gate entrance.
- The ramp/slope is used to access the upper viewing area and walkway - 'Langur Fort and Spectacular View.'.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the ramp.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 108cm (3ft 7in).
- The ramp has resting areas.
- There is a platform lift to overcome the ramp/slope.
- The platform lift is located within the Indian Village.
Walkways vary in width from 108cm to 216cm.
