A Zoo with a view !
5
5
Date of visit: June 2014
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around and seeing.
Overall Rating
Excellent
Everyone said it would be tricky as a wheelchair user! Great to be able to report that it was fantastic !! After thinking I would struggle to get around as a wheelchair user it was great to find although hilly it was possible and the mobility vehicle a great plus.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
Although the Zoo is very hilly a lot of work has gone into making it as accessible as possible. The icing on the "cake" was the new mobility vehicle which is on hand to take wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments from point to point within the Zoo. I was met on arrival at the Zoo and shown the accessible route to the mobility vehicle where I met the driver. I wheeled on board and he took me up to the top of the Zoo so I could see the magnificent views. As we went up through the Zoo he pointed out all the places to see and the routes to take.
Parking & Transport
Good
My evening at the Zoo started by arriving on the bus. Lothian buses are accessible and the Airlink bus stopped just across the road from the entrance. The bus stop to make my way home was right outside the entrance. Couldn't get much closer if you tried.
Accessible Toilets
Good
There are several accessible toilets throughout the Zoo. The one I used was good. There was plenty of space and room for a carer. It had grab rails and the sink and dryer were all within easy reach. On top of that it was really clean and tidy.
Staff
Excellent
The Zoo staff and volunteers were really good. From being greeted at the door and given an accessibility map, through to the mobility vehicle driver and the various volunteers dotted about it was a great experience. Staff took time to explain the best routes to take, what to see and where to get the best views.
Additional Information
My time at the zoo started with research on the website which was very helpful with lots of access information. Carers and PAs get free entrance when accompanying a disabled person. The mobility vehicle can pick you up and drop you off at various points. You're given a phone number to call as and when you want the vehicle to pick you up. The experience was great and this is one of those places where I will go again now I know how good it is!
