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London Zoo - Pink Zone

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

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Access Guide

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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 To (Pink Zone via West Tunnel)

  • This section describes the route to the Pink Zone from the main entrance to the Zoo, via the West Tunnel.
  • There are steep ramps leading into and out of the West Tunnel, which provides access to the Pink Zone from the Zoo's main entrance.
    The West Tunnel is located to the right at the bottom of the slope as you enter the zoo.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.

Access To (Pink Zone via East Tunnel)

  • This section describes access to the Pink Zone via the East Tunnel, leading into the zone from Barclay Court.
  • There are steep ramps leading into and out of the East Tunnel, which provides access to the Pink Zone from Barclay Court, between the Terrace Restaurant and the Shop.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.

Grounds Summary (Pink Zone)

Grounds (Pink Zone)

  • From the Zoo main entrance, follow the path downhill and turn right.
    Go through the West Tunnel.
    The Pink Zone is located immediately ahead of you as you exit the tunnel.
  • Access and Circulation View
    • Access in this area includes ramps.
    • There are both slight and steep ramps and slopes throughout the Pink Zone.
    • There are main pathways with a surface width of less than 150cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
    • All areas of the Pink Zone are accessible to wheelchair users; however there are steep ramps to enter and exit the zone itself (from the rest of the zoo); as well as throughout all areas of the Zone.
    • There are some features in this area which could cause a potential trip hazard.
    • The surfaces of the main pathways include wood, concrete, tarmac, concrete paving slabs, rubberised bark and block paving.
    • The surface may be uneven in places.
    • The paths can become slippery when wet.
    • There are resting areas in this area.
    • Seating in the resting area(s) include(s); bench seating and picnic tables with fixed seating.
    • There are bench seats and picnic tables with fixed seating at regular intervals throughout the entire zone.
  • Signage and Audio View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • Wayfinding signage includes symbols or pictures.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is not consistent throughout the area.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
    • Maps and information boards are available in this area.
    • There is background music/noise in this area.
    • Background noise includes the general ambience of the city (vehicles, aircraft, etc.), as well as birdsong, the noise of the animals, and people talking.
      Only outside Monkey Valley is any recorded sound played (crickets chirping and monkey sounds), and these are at a moderate amplitude.

General Enclosures

  • The types of animal enclosures in this area are indoor enclosures, outdoor enclosures and interactive enclosures.
  • The enclosures with step-free access include: Mongooses, Otters and African Hunting Dogs (part).
  • The enclosures with steep ramped/sloped access include: African Hunting Dogs (part), Chinese Water Deer, Pygmy Hippo Hot Tub, Giraffe House, Okapis, Monkey Valley, Rainforest Life, Nightlife and In With the Lemurs.
  • The enclosures with information boards available are Mongooses, Otters, African Hunting Dogs, Chinese Water Deer, Pygmy Hippo Hot Tub, Giraffe House, Okapis, Monkey Valley, Rainforest Life, Nightlife and In With the Lemurs.
  • The enclosures with seating available nearby are Mongooses, Otters, African Hunting Dogs, Pygmy Hippo Hot Tub, Giraffe House, Okapis, Monkey Valley, Rainforest Life, Nightlife and In With the Lemurs.
  • The enclosures with low level viewing areas include: Mongooses, Otters, African Hunting Dogs, Chinese Water Deer, Pygmy Hippo Hot Tub, Giraffe House, Okapis, Monkey Valley, Rainforest Life and In With the Lemurs.
  • The enclosures with floor level viewing areas include: Pygmy Hippo Hot Tub, Giraffe House, Africa Hunting Dogs, Monkey Valley, Rainforest Life, In With the Lemurs, Otters, Mongooses and Chinese Water Deer.
  • There are low level viewing areas in some enclosures.

Grounds (Woodland Walk)

  • Within the Pink Zone, there are five access points to the Woodland Walk along the main path between the Canal and the Outer Circle.
  • Access and Circulation View
    • Access in this area includes steps.
    • There are steep gradients, uneven surfaces and steps throughout the majority of the Woodland Walk, although step-free access down to the side of the canal is possible by taking the first access point into the Woodland Walk as you emerge into the Pink Zone from the East Tunnel.
      Having entered the woodland, follow the path straight ahead, and you will shortly reach the canal.
      Although step-free, this route still has steep slopes without handrails and uneven surfaces throughout.
    • There are main pathways with a surface width of less than 150cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
    • The entire area has uneven surfaces, steep slopes and protruding tree roots along the pathways.
      There is also stepped access into the area at three out of the five access points.
    • There are some features in this area which could cause a potential trip hazard.
    • The surfaces of the main pathways include concrete, tarmac, concrete paving slabs, gravel and bark.
    • The surface may be uneven in places.
    • The paths can become slippery when wet.
    • There are resting areas in this area.
    • Seating in the resting area(s) include(s); bench seating.
    • There are bench seats at the bottom of the Woodland Walk, on the path running alongside the canal.
  • Signage and Audio View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
    • There is background music/noise in this area.
    • Background noise includes the general ambience of the city (vehicles, aircraft, etc.), as well as birdsong, the noise of the animals, and people talking.

Food and Drink

  • The following information describes the food and drink counters located in the Pink Zone.
  • The following food and drink counters are available in this area; Woodland Kiosk.
  • The food and drink counters are clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access to the food and drink counters.
  • The following food and drink counters are at a medium height (87cm - 110cm); Woodland Kiosk.
  • There is not a lowered section at the food and drink counters.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system at the food and drink counters.
  • Takeaway cups are available.
  • There is a member of staff available to provide assistance with ordering food and drink.
  • A member of staff can assist in taking food and drink to the designated seating area(s).
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • There is step-free access to the picnic area.
  • There are bench seats and picnic benches.
  • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 76cm.
  • All chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • The type of flooring in this area is tarmac and concrete tiles.
  • Comments View
    • The Woodland Kiosk was closed when surveyed. As such, some of the questions remain unanswered.

Toilet with Adaptations (Into Africa - Transfer Both Sides)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located underneath the Giraffe House.
    • There is stepped access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 159cm x 236cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 9in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 61cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 62cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin and a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • There is not a/are not wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 96cm (3ft 2in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • Additional Fixtures and Fittings View
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary, nappy/incontinence items bin, general waste (with no lid), pedal bin and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 137cm (4ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is high.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 109cm (3ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 90cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is a 7cm step up into the facility, located on the threshold of the door.

Standard Toilet(s) (Into Africa)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located underneath the Giraffe House.
    • There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 82cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are available in both the female and male toilets.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 90cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is a 7cm step up into both the male and female toilets, located on the threshold of the door.

Ramp(s) / Slope(s) and Step(s) (Toilet Block outside Community and Learning Hub)

  • Ramp / Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope located to the right as you face the toilets.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access the toilet block outside the Community and Learning Hub.
    • 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 ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) located directly in front of the toilets.
    • The step(s) is/are used to access the toilet block outside the Community and Learning Hub.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • Handrails do not cover the full length of the ramp throughout its length.

Toilet with Adaptations (Outside Community and Learning Hub - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located in the toilet block in the community garden, outside the Community and Learning Hub.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the Community and Learning Hub entrance.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 294cm (4ft 11in x 9ft 8in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 109cm (3ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • Additional Fixtures and Fittings View
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 140cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 94cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 89cm.

Standard Toilet(s) (Outside Community and Learning Hub)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located to the left as you approach the Community and Learning Hub.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 12m from the Community and Learning Hub entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 90cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are low to moderate.

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