Creating a Sensory Oasis: A Guide to Inclusive Zoos for All

Understanding Sensory Needs: Autism-Friendly Zoos and Beyond

Imagine this: Emily, a bright and curious 10-year-old, loves animals. A trip to the zoo has always been a dream for her. However, Emily experiences sensory overload in crowded and noisy environments. The zoo’s sights, sounds, and smells, while exciting for many, are overwhelming for her.

Unfortunately, Emily’s story isn’t unique. In fact, many individuals, across the lifespan, experience sensory sensitivities or overload. This can be due to diagnoses like autism, ADHD, PTSD, post-concussion syndrome, hearing loss, dementia, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, long-covid, low vision, and sensory processing disorders, among others. Importantly, sensory sensitivity can be temporary or permanent.

The good news? Zoos can be incredible places for everyone! For instance, by creating a more sensory-friendly environment, you can open your doors to a wider audience, fostering inclusivity and accessibility – key aspects of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

This blog post offers a roadmap to creating a sensory-friendly zoo experience. Here, we’ll explore practical strategies with concrete examples to inspire you.

Autism Friendly Zoo: Understanding Sensory Sensitivities

For individuals on the autism spectrum, sensory processing can differ significantly. Sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures can be perceived more intensely, leading to discomfort or even meltdowns. Zoos are are naturally a “sensory-rich” environment. However, a sensory-friendly zoo experience caters to these differences, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Sensory Sensitivity vs. Sensory Overload

Think of sensory sensitivity as a heightened awareness of sensory input. For instance, someone might find a specific sound irritating or a certain fabric itchy. On the other hand, sensory overload occurs when the sensory input becomes overwhelming, causing anxiety, meltdowns, or withdrawal.

Creating a Welcoming Space for Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity celebrates the vast range of human brain function, including autism. Moreover, by incorporating sensory-friendly elements, you create a space where everyone feels comfortable exploring the wonders of the animal kingdom.

Sensory-Friendly Zoos: Strategies for Success

Let’s delve into specific strategies to transform your zoo into a haven for all sensory types:

1. Implement Sensory-Friendly Hours

Imagine a calmer zoo experience, with fewer crowds, lower noise levels, and less bright lighting. Importantly, sensory-friendly hours create a more manageable environment for those who are easily overwhelmed. Here’s how to implement them:

• Schedule: Dedicate specific times for sensory-friendly experiences. For example, early mornings or evenings might be ideal when crowds are smaller.
• Minimize Sensory Input: During these hours, consider dimming bright fluorescent lights if indoors, no flashing/spot lights, turning off distracting sounds like music or announcements, and limiting noisy equipment use.
• Manage Smells: Let visitors know if there are “smelly times,” like when animals are being fed or clean up is happening. And, add ventilation indoors. Furthermore, try to schedule those smelly times outside of sensory-friendly hours.
• Clear Communication: Promote sensory-friendly hours through your website, social media, and signage at the zoo entrance.

2. Offer Small Group Sensory-Friendly Zoo Tours

Guided tours can be a fantastic way to explore the zoo, but large groups can be overwhelming. For instance, small group sensory-friendly tours cater to a smaller audience, creating a calmer and more manageable experience.

Here are some key elements for successful tours:

• Trained Staff: Invest in staff training to understand sensory sensitivities and provide support to individuals with disabilities. Sensory Friendly Solutions can equip your staff with the knowledge and tools they need to create a positive experience with our training. We can also certify your location!
• Tailored Tours: Design tours that cater to specific sensory needs. For example, offer tours with limited walking distances, incorporate quiet areas for breaks, and avoid exhibits with loud noises or strong smells.
• Interactive Experiences: Engage visitors with activities and prompts that cater to different learning styles. Consider tactile experiences, visual aids, and opportunities for storytelling to enhance the learning experience.

3. Quiet Areas: A Sanctuary for Sensory Respite

Imagine a designated haven within the zoo’s bustling environment. Quiet areas provide a much-needed escape for those seeking a break from sensory overload. Here’s how to create them:

• Location: Choose calming locations away from loud exhibits. In addition, consider areas with natural elements like trees or water features.
• Sensory Considerations: Limit the number of people allowed in the quiet area. Utilize dim lighting and avoid music or announcements. Moreover, offer comfortable seating with options for individuals who prefer to stand or even lie down for a bit.
• Sensory Kits: Provide access to sensory kits containing noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, and calming visuals.
• Hydration and Comfort: Ensure access to water and healthy snacks.

Remember: If your zoo is large, consider having multiple quiet areas throughout the grounds. Importantly, clearly mark these areas on your sensory-friendly map for easy access.

4. Label Sensory-Rich Zones with Signs

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to navigating a sensory-rich environment like a zoo. Signage plays a crucial role in preparing visitors for what to expect.

Sensory-Friendly Zoo Map: Guiding Visitors with Clear Communication

• Sensory Zone Designations: Develop a sensory-friendly zoo map that clearly labels different areas based on sensory experiences. For example, areas with loud animal noises can be marked as “noisy zones,” while exhibits with strong smells, like the reptile house, can be indicated as such.
• Visual Aids and Calming Colors: Use clear and concise visuals on the map. Employ calming color schemes that are easy on the eyes and avoid overwhelming patterns.
• Highlight Sensory-Friendly Features: Clearly mark quiet areas, sensory support stations with fidget toys and noise-canceling headphones, and designated restrooms.
• Use Sensory Friendly Solutions free map guide to help you create your own!

Beyond the Map:

• Website Accessibility: Consider incorporating an accessibility feature on your zoo website that allows visitors to filter exhibits based on sensory experiences.
  • Read our blog: Website Accessibility Includes Being Sensory-Friendly
• Interactive App: Develop a mobile app that offers an interactive sensory-friendly zoo map with additional features like audio descriptions and visual schedules for tours. We love Infiniteach!

Providing Sensory Supports: Tools for a Positive Experience

Sensory kits packed with helpful tools can empower visitors to manage their sensory input and have a more enjoyable zoo experience. Here’s what to consider including:

• Noise-Canceling Headphones: These can be lifesavers for those overwhelmed by loud noises like animal calls or construction work.
• Fidget Toys: Fidgeting can be a helpful way to manage anxiety and focus. Thus, provide a variety of fidget toys that cater to different tactile preferences.
• Visual Schedules: Create visual schedules that outline the day’s activities, including breaks and quiet areas. Furthermore, this can be especially helpful for visitors with autism or other cognitive differences.
• Calming Sensory Tools: Consider including calming tools like weighted lap blankets or chewy necklaces in your sensory kits.

Offer these kits for purchase, rental, or loan. Clearly communicate availability and location on your sensory-friendly map and website.

Remember: Staff training is essential! Train staff on how to use sensory kits and effectively support visitors with sensory needs with our online, on demand, low cost training!

Curious About an Autism Zoo Walk?

Creating a Fun and Inclusive Experience for Autistic Visitors

An autism zoo walk is a special event designed to provide a sensory-friendly zoo experience for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. For instance, these events typically take place during sensory-friendly hours, with reduced crowds, lower noise levels, and dimmed lighting.

Here are some key features of an autism zoo walk:

• Structured Activities: Structured activities and workshops catered to sensory needs can enhance the learning experience for autistic visitors. Think about hands-on activities, visual schedules, and opportunities for quiet exploration.
• Sensory Supports: Providing access to sensory kits, headphones, and designated quiet areas can help manage sensory overload and ensure a more comfortable experience.
• Trained Staff: Staff trained in understanding autism and sensory needs can create a welcoming and supportive environment for all participants.
• Social Interaction: Autism zoo walks can provide a safe space for social interaction and connection for autistic individuals and their families.

By incorporating these elements, your zoo can host a successful autism zoo walk event that fosters inclusivity and celebrates neurodiversity.

The Future of Sensory-Friendly Zoos: A World of Inclusion Awaits

Creating a sensory-friendly zoo is an ongoing journey, but the rewards are immense. By implementing these strategies, you can open your doors to a wider audience, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.

Imagine the joy on Emily’s face: Equipped with noise-canceling headphones and a fidget toy from the sensory kit, she excitedly explores the wonders of the zoo alongside her family. The zoo is no longer a place to be avoided, but a cherished destination for learning and creating lasting memories.

Making your zoo sensory-friendly is an investment in accessibility and inclusion. It demonstrates your commitment to creating a welcoming space for all. Sensory Friendly Solutions can help you navigate this journey with expert training, certification, consulting, and product recognition programs.

Ready to embark on this rewarding path? Watch this short video about our training membership that teaches your team everything you need to know about creating sensory-friendly experiences. Let’s work together to create a world where everyone can experience the magic of the animal kingdom!

Unleash the Power of Inclusion! Are you interested in learning other strategies to be sensory-friendly in tourism? Then read the following blogs:

• Make Plane, Train and Bus Terminals Sensory-Friendly
• Make Your Business Sensory Friendly
• 10 Ways to Make Tourism Sensory-Friendly
• An Art Museum Hosts a Virtual Sensory-Friendly Workshop
• Make Your Theme Park Sensory-Friendly

Expand Your Sensory-Friendly Expertise! Delve deeper into creating inclusive experiences with our latest blog posts: