Overview

The Isle of Wight Zoo is a small zoo, a family run charity that does an awful lot for wildlife protection and provides a sanctuary for rescued animals, mainly lions and tigers but also primates and some smaller animals but is mostly inaccessible to wheelchair users.

Transport & Parking

There is a bus stop directly outside the zoo. The zoo is situated on Yaverland seafront very close to Sandown town centre. Parking is in a large gravelled car park. There are half a dozen disabled spaces nearer the entrance. It is privately owned and blue badge holders pay £3 to park.

Access

It is all on one level, although situated on a hill. The pathways are gravelled and also consist of uneven broken concrete and is very uneven. Many of the enclosures had secondary fencing about 4 foot high of thick, black cording making it very difficult to see inside them from a wheelchair. The small 'farm animals' enclosure has a moderately steep wooden ramp which has a small step at the bottom due to erosion of the ground beneath it and a small 'hump' at the top. The porcupine house has concrete steps for children to view but impossible for wheelchair users to see into. The snack shack has a high step into it, but there are snacks and drinks available in the cafe.

Toilets

The disabled toilet has enough space to move around with a carer but has a small threshold step to get into. There is a pull down hand rail. It is shared with baby changing and being a family orientated attraction there can be a VERY long wait to get into there. There is not a changing places toilet.

Staff

The female staff member was patronising, demanding proof of disability in order to gain a concessionary ticket (free carer entry) despite my being in an active chair. A lecture on how 'proof is always required at attractions' was given in a patronising manner. There was no map, no information about accessibility - best routes, difficult areas etc - offered. There is 1 basic wheelchair for loan. Solid tyres, no cushion, that requires booking in advance.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I would not recommend a visit for those with walking disabilities. I would not visit again. The website takes some negotiation to find about accessibility and only incorrectly states that there are 'no steps' Emails go unanswered There is a cafe but has a steep concrete ramp and difficult to open, narrow door at the top. it is, however large & roomy