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.

Download our accessible map

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.

Download our sensory map

Couple walking past wildcats holding hands IMAGE: Robin Mair 2022

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 a National Disability Card, 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.

Mother and child walking up to tiger tracks holding hands IMAGE: Robin Mair 2022

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 will be useful for planning your visit before you arrive.

Accessibility map

Visitor using a mobility scooter passing by sun bears IMAGE: FoSho 2023

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. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are disinfected after use.

A limited number of mobility scooters are also available to hire on a first-come-first-serve basis.

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.

Assistance dogs and emotional support animals

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

We are unable to allow assistance dogs into any indoor or walkthrough exhibits or certain outdoor areas. Further information is available on arrival or by contacting us at info@rzss.org.uk.

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.

Assistance dog map