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.
Animal Enclosures (Okapis)
- This enclosure is indoor and outdoor.
- The Okapis Enclosure is located in the Pink Zone.
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Entrance / Opening
View
- There are double, manual doors with an opening width of 75cm+, which may be difficult to open for access to this enclosure.
- The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
- The entrance/opening does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance/opening.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance/opening.
- There is a very steep ramp over 150cm wide, with no handrails.
- The ramp has no level landing.
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Animal Enclosure
View
- There is level access throughout this area.
- Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
- During busy periods this area can become congested.
- The flooring in the enclosure is hard flooring and concrete or tarmac.
- Some flooring is uneven.
- There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
- This area does not play background music/sound.
- There are resting/seating areas within this area.
- Information in this area includes the following formats: pictorial, information board, television/screen and subtitles.
- The enclosure does not have a hearing assistance system.
- There was not a staff member in the enclosure at the time of the survey.
- There is a low level viewing area at 7cm high.
- Visitors cannot handle/touch animals in this area.
- The indoor area of the enclosure has low lighting levels.
- The lighting levels in this area are low to moderate.
- There is a high colour contrast between some walls and the walkways in this area.
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Exit
View
- Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.