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.
Summary
- The lodges are located within the Orange Zone in London Zoo.
- The venue is in a pedestrian area.
Access Point
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Access Point
View
- This information is for the access point located behind Land of the Lions in the Orange Zone.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this access point.
- There is a gate which opens away from you (push).
- The gate is easy to open.
- The gate has a padlock.
- The width of the gap is 100cm.
- There is an information board/map at this access point.
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Ramp/Slope
View
- The ramp/slope is located through the gate.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
Accommodation with Adaptations (Leopard Lodge)
- There is step-free level access into the accommodation.
- The door is manual with a key lock.
- The width of the opening is 83cm.
- The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high. The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance with a height of less than 1.5cm.
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Accommodation Features
View
- The following facilities are available in the room: a kettle, a porch and WiFi.
- Furniture can be moved to enable a turning space next to the bed (150cm x 150cm).
- The height of the bed to the top of the mattress is 56cm.
- The measurement between the bed base and floor is 12cm.
- The height to the top of the mattress of the second bed is 56cm.
- The measurement between the second bed base and floor is 12cm.
- The twin beds can be put together.
- The beds do not have a footboard.
- Light switches are within 120cm from floor level.
- Electric sockets are between 40cm and 100cm from floor level.
- Electric sockets are accessible from the bed.
- There is no emergency alarm.
- All flooring in the area is smooth and even.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
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Ensuite Facilities
View
- The ensuite door is manual, opens outwards and has a low colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- The width of the ensuite door opening is 82cm.
- The door has a locking handle.
- Internally the door has a low colour contrast.
- The dimensions of the ensuite are 310cm x 210cm and it has a turning space of at least 150cm x 150cm.
- All flooring in the area is smooth and even.
- The ensuite has a non-slip floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm at a recommended height (within 10cm from floor).
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- There is a lateral transfer space to the right of the seat.
- The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 220cm.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 42cm.
- There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
- Grab rails in the ensuite include: a horizontal grab rail on the door, a horizontal grab rail on the non transfer side, a vertical grab rail on the transfer side and vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The ensuite has a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 90cm.
- The following fixtures can be reached from the toilet seat: the toilet roll holder.
- The following fixtures cannot be reached from the toilet seat: wash basin and soap dispenser.
- The height of the wash basin is 72cm.
- The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
- 80.
- There are towel rails between 41cm and 82cm from the floor.
- The ensuite has: a wheel-in shower.
- There is an adjustable, detachable shower head at a recommended height (between 105cm - 185cm).
- The shower controls are twist turn and 75cm high.
- There is a dropdown rail for the shower.
- There is a drop down/tip up seat at a recommended height (48cm).
- The ensuite has: light switches at a recommended height (between 75cm - 120cm).
- The following have a high colour contrast with their surroundings: all grab rails, the dropdown rail and the floor.
- The following have a less clear colour contrast with their surroundings: the internal door and the toilet seat.
- A mobile hoist is available from the First Aid Clock Tower, and can be brought to the lodge if requested.
If the mobile hoist is required, visitors should bring their own sling.
The hoist has a hook and loop sling attachment.