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
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- The ramp/slope is located through the gate.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
Approach
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Approach
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- The surface of the approach is tarmac.
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Ramp/Slope
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- There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
- The ramp/slope is permanent, has a steep gradient and has no handrails.
Standard Accommodation (Sunbird Lodge)
- There is step-free level access into the accommodation.
- The door is manual with a key lock.
- The width of the opening is 90cm.
- 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
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- The following facilities are available in the room: a sofa bed, a kettle, a porch and WiFi.
- The bed type is zip and link.
- The height of the bed to the top of the mattress is 57cm.
- The measurement between the bed base and floor is 12cm.
- The height to the top of the mattress of the second bed is 57cm.
- 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.
- There is a sofa available in the room surveyed.
- Light switches are within 120cm from floor level.
- 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.
- There is a table and chairs without armrests on the porch.
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Ensuite Facilities
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- 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 60cm.
- The door has a twist lock.
- Internally the door has a low colour contrast.
- 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.
- The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
- The ensuite has: a shower cubicle.
- There are other standard lodges in the same area, some with double beds.
