You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Grounds Summary (Orange Zone). Skip to the next section.

Grounds Summary (Orange Zone)

• The Orange Zone is located on the left hand side of the Zoo.
• The following facilities are available in this area; a Changing Places facility, an accessible toilet, standard toilets, baby changing facilities and changing facilities.
• The nearest changing places is located within Animal Adventure.
• For more information on the changing places please click here (new tab).
• The nearest accessible toilet is located within Animal Adventure.
• The nearest standard toilets are located within Animal Adventure.
• The nearest baby change facilities are located within Animal Adventure.
• For more information on the standard toilets/baby change facilities please click here (new tab).

You are on Grounds (Orange Zone). Skip to the next section.

Grounds (Orange Zone)

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• Access and Circulation View
  • Access in this area includes ramps.
  • The Wildlife Garden is accessed by steep slopes.
    There are steep slopes leading to Tiny Giants, toilets and In with the Monkeys.
  • There are some features in this area which could cause a potential trip hazard.
  • The surfaces of the main pathways include concrete and concrete paving slabs.
  • The surface may be uneven in places.
  • The paths can become slippery when wet.
  • During busy periods this area can become congested.
  • 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 picnic tables located opposite Blackburn Pavilion, Tiny Giants, Display Lawn and The Farmyard.
• Signage and Audio View
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Wayfinding signage includes symbols or pictures.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the area.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Maps and information boards are available in this area.
  • There is not background music/noise in this area.

You are on Grounds (Wildlife Garden). Skip to the next section.

Grounds (Wildlife Garden)

• The two entrances/exits to the Wildlife Garden are opposite the Land of Lions - Stone Gate.

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• Access and Circulation View
  • Access in this area includes ramps.
  • Both entrance slopes are steep with uneven surfaces.
    Pathways have uneven surfaces.
  • There are some features in this area which could cause a potential trip hazard.
  • The surfaces of the main pathways include stone.
  • 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.
• Signage and Audio View
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • There is not background music/noise in this area.

You are on Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Wildlife Garden). Skip to the next section.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Wildlife Garden)

• There is a ramp/slope located opposite the Land of Lions - Stone Gate.
• The ramp/slope is used to access the Wildlife Garden.
• The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
• There is an additional steep slope to access the other end of the garden.

You are on General Enclosures (Orange Zone). Skip to the next section.

General Enclosures (Orange Zone)

• The types of animal enclosures in this area are indoor enclosures, outdoor enclosures, interactive enclosures and viewing platforms.
• The enclosures with step-free access include: In with the Monkeys, Land of Lions, Penguin Beach, Animal Adventure and Farmyard, Butterfly Paradise, Giants of the Galapagos, Tiny Giants, Three Island Pond, and Blackburn Pavilion.
• The enclosures with slight ramped/sloped access include: Tiny Giants, Penguin Beach, and Blackburn Pavilion.
• The enclosures with steep ramped/sloped access include: In with the Monkeys, and Giants of the Galapagos.
• The enclosures with information boards available are In with the Monkeys, Land of Lions, Penguin Beach, Animal Adventure and Farmyard, Butterfly Paradise, Giants of the Galapagos, Tiny Giants, Three Island Pond, and Blackburn Pavilion.
• The enclosures with seating available nearby are In with the Monkeys, Land of Lions, Penguin Beach, Animal Adventure and Farmyard, Butterfly Paradise, Giants of the Galapagos, Tiny Giants, Three Island Pond, and Blackburn Pavilion.
• The enclosures with talks and shows are Land of Lions, Penguin Beach, and Tiny Giants.
• The talks/shows with a designated space for wheelchair users take place in the following enclosures: Penguin Beach.
• The enclosures with low level viewing areas include: Land of Lions, Animal Adventure and Farmyard, Giants of the Galapagos, and Tiny Giants.
• The enclosures with floor level viewing areas include: In with the Monkeys, Land of Lions, Penguin Beach, Animal Adventure and Farmyard, Butterfly Paradise, Tiny Giants, Three Island Pond, and Blackburn Pavilion.
• All enclosures have a floor level viewing area.

You are on Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Tiny Giants/Toilets/In with the Monkeys). Skip to the next section.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Tiny Giants/Toilets/In with the Monkeys)

• There is a ramp/slope located leading up to Tiny Giants, the toilets, and In with the Monkeys.
• The ramp/slope is used to access Tiny Giants, Toilets, and In with the Monkeys.
• 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 does not have resting areas.

You are on Food and Drink (Orange Zone). Skip to the next section.

Food and Drink (Orange Zone)

• The following information describes the food and drink counters located within Orange Zone.
• The following food and drink counters are available in this area; Amreli Street Food, The Peckish Parrot, Ice Cream Kiosk (Tiny Giants).
• The food and drink counters are clearly signed.
• There is ramped/sloped or stepped access to the food and drink counters.
• The following food and drink counters are at a high height (111cm+); Ice Cream Kiosk (Tiny Giants).
• The following food and drink counters are at a medium height (87cm - 110cm); Amreli Street Food, and The Peckish Parrot.
• 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.
• Takeaway cutlery is available.
• Drinking straws 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 available.
• The vending machine controls range from 110cm to 158cm.
• The vending machine is located opposite Tiny Giants.
• There is step-free access to the picnic area.
• There are picnic benches and adapted picnic benches.
• The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 76cm.
• All chairs are permanently fixed.
• All tables are permanently fixed.
• The type of flooring in this area is concrete and tarmac.

You are on Quiet Space - The Bus Stop. Skip to the next section.

Quiet Space - The Bus Stop

• The Bus Stop is located opposite the Blackburn Pavilion.
  
• There are fixed bench seats which are 43cm high.
  
• There is a step with a height of 9cm to access the far right of the bus stop.
  
• There are three pillars at the entrance to the bus stop with an opening width of 162cm.
  
• This is a designated smoking area.

You are on Display Lawn. Skip to the next section.

Display Lawn

• This area has a slightly sloped access point and a second access point with a steep slope and steps.
  
• The steps have a height of 16cm and width of 45cm.
  
• There are hand rails on both sides, which are difficult to grip.
  
• The railings are 100cm high with a lower level at a height of 64cm.
  
• The steps are not clearly marked as markings have faded.
  
• The ramp located immediately after the steps is steep.
  
• The pathway around the display lawn has an uneven surface.
  
• There is a signed wheelchair viewing point.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (By Tiny Giants - Transfer Both Sides). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (By Tiny Giants - Transfer Both Sides)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.

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• Location and Access View
  • The accessible toilet was out of use at the time of the survey.
  • This accessible toilet is located opposite Tiny Giants.
  • There is step-free 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 inwards.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
  • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 233cm x 223cm (7ft 8in x 7ft 4in).
  • 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 89cm.
  • The lateral transfer space on the right is 106cm.
  • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • The toilet has a backrest.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder cannot 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
  • 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) 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 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 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 98cm.
  • 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 143cm (4ft 8in).
  • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is high.
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the hand dryer is 82cm (2ft 8in).
  • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (By Tiny Giants). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (By Tiny Giants)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The female and male toilets are located opposite Tiny Giants.
  • There is step-free 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 height of the lowered wash basin is 72cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
  • Lighting levels are good.
  • There are outer doors leading to the toilets with an opening width of 60cm.
• 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 92cm.

You are on Changing Places (By Animal Adventure - Transfer Both Sides). Skip to the next section.

Changing Places (By Animal Adventure - Transfer Both Sides)

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• Location and Access View
  • The facility is located within Animal Adventure.
  • The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
  • The facility is not located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
  • There is level access into the facility.
  • The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
  • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
  • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
  • You do need a key for the facility.
  • The key is a radar key.
  • The key can be obtained from staff by contacting 07812 235 540.
  • There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The door is locked by a locking handle.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The width of the door is 108cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the facility are 420cm x 202cm.
  • The ceiling height is at a minimum of 2.4m.
  • There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
  • The facility has a non-slip floor.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
• Toilet Details View
  • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
  • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • Dropdown rails are provided.
  • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is medium.
  • As you face the toilet there are vertical grab rails on both sides.
  • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
  • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • There is a spatula flush.
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 80cm.
  • The toilet has a cistern.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
  • There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
• Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
  • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
  • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
  • The length of the facility changing bench is 190cm (6ft 3in).
  • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
  • The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
• Shower Details View
  • There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
  • The shower head is height adjustable.
  • The adjustable shower head can be placed between 120cm and 140cm when mounted.
  • There is no seat for the shower.
  • There is not a vertical grab rail for the shower.
• Other Facilities View
  • A privacy screen is available.
  • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
  • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • The colour contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall is high.
  • There is a soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 105cm.
  • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
  • The wide paper roll dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
  • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 110cm.
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
  • The height of the hand dryer is 107cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 110cm.
  • There is a mirror.
  • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
  • There is a/are female sanitary and pedal bin disposal units.
  • There is an emergency alarm for the facility.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
  • There is a coat hook.
  • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 110cm and 140cm from the floor.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • The lighting levels are good.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (By Animal Adventure). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (By Animal Adventure)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The female and male toilets are located opposite the Lubetkin penguin pool.
  • 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 signage on or near the toilet door.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
  • The height of the lowered wash basin is 64cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
  • Lighting levels are good.
• Baby Changing Facilities View
  • Baby change facilities are available in the female toilets.
  • There is a flip down baby change table available.
  • The height of the baby change table is 86cm.

You are on Related Access Guides (Orange Zone). Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides (Orange Zone)

• To view other AccessAble Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• In with the Monkeys link (new tab) - click here.
• Land of the Lions and Indian Village link (new tab) - click here.
• Penguin Beach link (new tab) - click here.
• Animal Adventure and Farmyard link (new tab) - click here.
• Butterfly Paradise link (new tab) - click here.
• Giants of the Galapagos link (new tab) - click here.
• Tiny Giants link (new tab) - click here.
• Blackburn Pavilion link (new tab) - click here.
• Penguin Beach Café link (new tab) - click here.
• London Zoo Lodges - Adapted Lodge link (new tab) - click here.
• London Zoo Lodges - Standard Lodge link (new tab) - click here.