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London Zoo - Rainforest Life

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.

Outside Access (Rainforest Life and Nightlife Building)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the Rainforest Life and Nightlife Building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Entrance'.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the opening is 233cm.
    • There is not a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located directly in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.

Inside Access (Rainforest Life and Nightlife Building)

  • Access and Circulation View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is not a/are not door(s) in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • The type of flooring throughout is vinyl, stone and concrete.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is low colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors/walkways.
    • There are no seats/chairs 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
    • A member of staff can take you to a safe space if required.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does play background music/sound.
    • Music/sound is played outside Nightlife on Level -1.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Animal Enclosures (Rainforest Life)

  • This enclosure is indoor.
  • Rainforest Life is located in the Pink Zone.
  • 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 step-free access at this entrance/opening.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance/opening, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • 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.
    • 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 and information board.
    • The enclosure does not have a hearing assistance system.
    • There is a staff member in the enclosure for information and assistance.
    • There is a low level viewing area at 15cm high.
    • A one-way system operates in this area.
    • Visitors cannot handle/touch animals in this area.
    • There is a wash basin in this area.
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm.
    • The wash basin tap type is push.
    • This is a walk-through enclosure with free-flying birds and bats, and other animals moving around. The area is also hot and humid.
      Although visitors cannot handle or touch animals in this area (except on special experience visits), there are wash basins in the Rainforest Life and Nightlife Building foyer.
      These have soap dispensers at a height of 86cm, and hand dryers at a height of 116cm.
    • The lighting levels in this area are varied.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the walls and the walkways in this area.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via a separate exit/opening.
    • The exit is not clearly signed internally.
    • There are double, manual doors with an opening width of 75cm+, which may be difficult to open when exiting this area/attraction.
    • The exit is step-free.
    • There are similar second sets of double, heavy, manual doors with an opening width of 75cm+ to enter and exit the enclosure.