Accessibility

Edinburgh Zoo seeks to provide equal opportunities for all visitors and we are working hard to ensure that our visitor facilities are accessible to everyone. 

We are committed to ensuring everyone can access and experience nature at our parks and are looking into electric mobility scooters for zoo visitors. Although we do not have any available on site at the moment, visitors are welcome to bring their own mobility scooter. We also have manual wheelchairs available for hire for a fully refundable £10 deposit and a free mobility vehicle service for anyone who might need it.

Free admission for carers

Visitors who require special assistance are offered free admission for one accompanying carer when they pay the full adult/concession/child price. 

Please bring relevant proof of entitlement, such as an Access Card with a ‘+1’ symbol, a ‘plus one’ travel card, or a letter from Personal Independence Payment, as this will be asked for on arrival.

Blue Badge parking

A limited number of Blue Badge parking spaces are available in our car park.

Please follow this link for a full list of terms and conditions, including those for parking.

Accessible routes

Many of the paths around the zoo can be accessed by wheelchair. Due to the hilly nature of our location, some routes involve steps or steep slopes which are unsuitable for wheelchairs. Please download a copy of our accessibility map, which highlights these areas and may be useful for planning your visit before you arrive.

Mobility aid hire

A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available for free hire from the main entrance. A £10 deposit is required, which is fully refundable on the return of the wheelchair to point of collection. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are disinfected after each use.

Mobility vehicle

Our free mobility vehicle service runs year-round for visitors with accessibility requirements. The vehicle has space for one wheelchair or pushchair and four other passengers. From April to October we have an additional vehicle running which can carry one of our mobility scooters alongside other passengers.

Sensory bags

Sensory bags are designed to provide ways to improve focus and create relaxation with certain demanding cognitive tasks for children with ASD and ADHD. They can, of course, be used by any child who may benefit.

The sensory bags include accessible maps to clearly navigate the zoo, ear defenders to block out noise, sunglasses to dim bright lights, fidget toys to occupy hands and binoculars as a fun way to view our animals.

Bags can be picked up at the admissions area of the zoo, simply speak to an admissions assistant. A £15 deposit is required, which is fully refundable on return of the bag to point of collection.

Assistance dogs

Only assistance dogs that are accompanying their respective partner are permitted to enter the zoo. If you wish to bring an assistance dog into the zoo, please inform a member of our admissions team when you arrive. Be aware that access may be restricted to certain areas, our assistance dog map will help you navigate the zoo. Dogs in training are not permitted to enter the park.

In addition to the above admission, assistance dogs are subject to the following regulations of BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria).

• All assistance dogs must be up-to-date with all inoculations
• Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and under strict control
• Dogs must not be allowed to defecate anywhere on the zoo grounds and any incidents should be cleared away by their owners
• If the behaviour of our animals or your dog is affected, please move away from the area to ensure both their safety and those of our other visitors

Unfortunately, we are unable to allow assistance dogs into any indoor or walkthrough exhibits, or certain outdoor areas. Further information is available on arrival, by clicking here to download a copy of our Assistance Dog Restrictions, or by contacting us at info@rzss.org.uk.

Emotional support animals

As a leading conservation charity, the health and welfare of an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) and our own animals is always paramount. As such, we do not generally recommend the zoo as an appropriate environment for ESAs. With the exception of trained and accredited assistance dogs, for which we have an established process and provision, we strongly advise that guests should never simply arrive at the zoo with any animal, expecting entry. If you feel that you must visit with an ESA, you should contact us at least one week before visiting, so that we can identify whether adjustments can be made, or determine whether an animal’s health and welfare would be compromised by the visit.

Access statement

Our access statement can be downloaded here.

If you require any additional information, please contact us at info@rzss.org.uk.