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.

Any person who visits Edinburgh Zoo, engages with, collaborates with or is employed by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) will understand our continual commitment to making nature more accessible through inclusive barrier removal and improvements to our zoos, activities and events.  

We celebrate diversity, challenge discrimination and support everyone to be their true self and as a result, to be more open to further engagement and connection to nature, always remember that nature is for everyone. 

RZSS would like thank everyone who has supported us on our journey to becoming more inclusive and accessible.

Sensory bags

Sensory bags have been developed to provide ways to improve focus and create relaxation with certain demanding cognitive tasks for some neurodiverse individuals but they can be used by anyone who feels they may benefit.  

The sensory bags include sensory 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 or head to the info desk. A £15 deposit is required, which is fully refundable on return of the bag and contents to the point of collection.

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 to certain areas is restricted, including indoor and walk-through exhibits. Our assistance dog map will help you navigate the zoo. 

We work closely with Guide Dogs Scotland to ensure the welfare of assistance dogs and our animals. Further information is available on arrival or by contacting us at info@rzss.org.uk.  

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. Dogs in training are not permitted to enter the park.