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London Zoo - ZSL Library

London Zoo, Zoological Society of London, Outer Circle, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY

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Access Guide

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Opening Hours

Summary

  • Comments View
    • Library visitors do not have to enter London Zoo to use ZSL Library and Archives.

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.

Getting Here

Parking (Visitor Car Park)

  • Parking View
    • The venue does have its own parking facilities.
    • The car park is located to the east of the Zoo, off Outer Circle.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
    • All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
    • There is an additional car park for staff.
    • There is an additional staff car park opposite the Zoo main entrance.
      There is also ample Pay and Display parking on Outer Circle (see signage for details); as well as one Blue Badge bay directly in front of the Zoo main entrance (free for Blue Badge holders).
  • Blue Badge Parking View
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 253cm x 480cm (8ft 4in x 15ft 9in).
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The marked zones around the Blue Badge parking bay(s) have at least the recommended width of 120cm.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Paying View
    • There are parking charges for the car park.
    • The car park is free for Blue Badge holders only.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the entrance to the car park.
    • Payment term signs do not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located Payment is made through a payment window at the car park barrier. This is 120cm high. A mobile card reader is available.
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are dropped kerbs.
    • The entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is not clearly signposted.
    • The surface on the approach to the entrance is tarmac.
    • There is a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • There is no tactile paving on dropped kerbs between the car park and the entrance.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 450m (492yd 5in) from the zoo main entrance.
  • Drop-off Point(s) View
    • There is a/are clearly marked drop-off point(s).
    • The drop-off point(s) is/are located directly in front of the zoo main entrance.
    • The route from the drop-off point(s) to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • A portable ramp is available at the drop-off point.
      This has a slight gradient and is 79cm wide.
  • Comments View
    • There are 150 parking spaces with six Blue Badge bays.
    • The car park opens at 10am and closes one hour before the Zoo's closing time.
    • In winter this is 4pm, 5pm in the spring and autumn and 6pm during the summer.

Getting To (Zoological Society of London Main Office Building from Car Park)

  • Access View
    • The information below describes the access along the route between the car park and the Zoological Society of London Main Office Building main entrance.
    • There is step-free access along the route.
    • There is a steep slope, with no handrails, approximately 102m along the route.
    • This level change is shown in photograph 2.
  • Circulation View
    • The type of flooring along this section of the route is concrete.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided corridors/walkways along this section of the route.
    • There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Audio View
    • There is background music/noise along this section of the route.
    • Background noise includes the general ambience of the city (vehicles, aircraft, etc.), as well as birdsong, the noise of the animals, and people talking.

Outside Access (Zoological Society of London Main Office Building)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building, on Outer Circle.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Zoological Society of London'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key fob reader is 97cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the opening is 160cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the opening is 130cm.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
    • The key fob reader is located next to the second set of doors at this entrance.
    • There is a ramp with a very easy incline.

Inside Access (ZSL Main Office Building)

  • Access and Circulation View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is a/are door(s) in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • The type of flooring throughout is carpet, vinyl and tiles.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors/walkways.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
    • Access to other floors/levels is via stairs and lift.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music/sound.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Other Floors (to Library and Standard Toilets)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located straight ahead as you enter from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 6m from the main entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter the stairwell on the ground floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 0, M and 1.
    • There are 17 steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The depth of the steps are 25cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are low to moderate.
  • Comments View
    • These stairs also access a second Mezzanine Level above Level 1, but this is for staff only.

Lift (Enclosed Platform Lift to Library)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located through the door to the right as you enter the stairwell.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • A member of staff needs to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0 and M (Library).
  • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on the mezzanine floor.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is not 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 High.
  • The clear door width is 65cm (2ft 2in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 73cm x 125cm (2ft 5in x 4ft 1in).
  • 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 not 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 have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • The controls inside this lift refer to level 0 (ground floor) and level 1 (the mezzanine floor on which the library is located).
    • This lift cannot be used to access the standard toilets located on the true level 1 of the building.

Reception (Library Reception)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located straight ahead at the top of the lift on the mezzanine level of the building.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the platform lift.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the lift.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is not placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are moderate to good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 79cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet and vinyl.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Reception Seating Area View
    • There is a seating area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the seating area is unobstructed.
    • There are coffee tables, tables, high tables, sofas, high stools and a mixture of chairs with and without armrests available.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.

Library

  • The library is located on the mezzanine level of the building (between level 0 and level 1).
  • The library is 1m from the platform lift.
  • There is step-free access into the library.
  • There is step-free access within the library.
  • The type of flooring in the library is carpet and vinyl.
  • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in large print.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in audio format.
  • Staff can assist members of the public with reading books if necessary, and magnifying glasses are available.
    For those who cannot get to the library, there is a small table available at the foot of the stairwell on Level 1, immediately ahead as you enter the Zoological Society of London Building.
    This is 84cm high and has a clear knee recess.
    Staff can bring library materials down to this table when requested.
  • There is not an ordering service.
  • Equipment available for people with a visual impairment includes magnifying glasses.
  • There are reading/study desks available.
  • The majority of the reading/study desk(s) are 70cm in height.
  • There are no height adjustable desks available.
  • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
  • A member of staff is available to provide assistance.
  • The library does have a computer area.
  • The computer area is located to the rear of the library.
  • There is step-free access to the computer area.
  • The majority of the computer desk(s) are 70cm in height.
  • There are no height adjustable desks in this area.
  • The library does not have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are not available for computer users.
  • The seats do not have armrests in the computer area.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level 0 - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left and left again as you enter the ZSL Main Office Building.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • 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 low.
    • 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • 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 low.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 224cm (4ft 9in 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 the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 64cm (2ft 1in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • 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 the left.
    • There is not a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is not 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 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 76cm (2ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 110cm from floor level.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is low.
  • 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 lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 161cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 98cm.
    • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
    • 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 is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side 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 112cm.
    • 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 124cm (4ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located up the stairs from the Library, on Level 1.
    • There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 2m from the stairs.
    • 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 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.