Not wheelchair Accessible
1
1
Date of visit: September 2019
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Bad
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.
Disabled Access In and Around
Bad
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.
Parking & Transport
Average
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.
Accessible Toilets
Average
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
Bad
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.
Additional Information
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
