accessibility.
Northumberland Zoo is an inclusive site, we have various adaptations for visitors with a wide range of abilities. Click on a topic below to learn more about a specific area of accessibility.
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Terrain
The majority of the Zoo is on a flat area with a hill dropping down to the riverside on the northernmost part of the Zoo. The two access points to the river are opposite past the Arctic Foxes and next to Lemur Woods. These slopes are very steep and care should be taken if a wheeled chair is accessing these paths. The majority of the paths around the Zoo can be accessed by wheelchair however due to the hilly areas adjacent to the river, some routes involve steps or steep slopes which we consider are unsuitable for wheelchair users.
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Please see the map below for locations of the steep paths and read our Footpaths page for information about tarmacked and tarplaning footpaths.
Northumberland Zoo is Certified Sensory Inclusive.
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Click here to read our Social Story.
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The certification process entailed the staff at the zoo being trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize those guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise cancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads will also be available to all guests at the zoo who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions(1 in 6 individuals).
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One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over-stimulation and noise, which is an enormous part of the environment in a venue like the zoo. With its new certification, Northumberland Zoo is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending any event at the zoo.
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Social Story & Sensory Bags
Sensory Needs
Many of our staff are trained to respond to the sensory needs of our visitors. We will point out quiet and loud zones in the zoo and offer support to visitors who require assistance. Ear defenders may be useful in areas such as the Bear Falls Cafe, Softplay and the Stables.
We recommend visiting the site outside peak times if you require a quieter visit. At busy times there may be a long and noisy queue into the zoo, if you require assistance please let a member of our team know so they can assist you.
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Throughout the year, we will be planning quiet days at the Zoo - keep an eye out on our social media for more details.
Carers
If you require assistance around the site we are happy to provide free admission for one adult carer. In order to book free carer admission we require proof of eligibility such as a letter from the DWP confirming pip/dla or a blue badge. Other forms of evidence may be accepted, please contact us to check.
Viewing Points
Many of our animals have multiple viewing points, please ask a member of staff if you would like advice on the best places to see our animals. Some of the enclosures have glass viewing windows, these are not marked and do not have obvious barriers in front of them.
Some enclosures may have natural hedging in front of them, whilst we endeavour to achieve a balance between providing plants for wildlife we are aware this can at times make viewing of animals difficult.
All of our animals have the opportunity to use natural hedging and other plant life to obscure themselves from view. This is to ensure high levels of animal welfare and comfort.
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Please contact a member of staff during your visit to assist with spotting animals if required.
Accessible Toilets
Accessible toilets are found in the main entrance, male/female toilets opposite Bear Falls Cafe and again opposite the wallabies. Each of these are fitted with hand rails and an alarm. At present we do not have hoist facilities, however this is something we are working on.
Car Park
Accessible parking spaces are available near to the zoo main entrance. These spaces are designated for holders of Blue Badges. If necessary, you may unload outside the main entrance to the Zoo and then move your car into the car park.
There is level access from the accessible parking spaces to the zoo main entrance building.
Wheelchair Hire
There is a wheelchair at reception that can be hired out, please contact us ahead of your visit to reserve it. In the unlikely event that there are issues with the wheelchair please alert a staff member as soon as possible so we can assist you.
Zoo App
Our free companion Zoo app provides information about the animals in an easily accessible format. We are continuously developing the accessibility of the app so if you have any suggestions or improvements, please contact us.