A ZOO FOR ALL
Learn about access at the zoo
ACCESSIBILITY
Woodland Park Zoo is free of most physical barriers and obstacles. For complete details on sensory considerations, bathrooms, getting involved at the zoo, and more please download the Accessibility Guide. This includes a map describing trail conditions and accessibility features to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.
ACCESSIBILITY GUIDE
Sighted Guides
Woodland Park Zoo is dedicated to providing experiences that connect everyone to wildlife and conservation. Blind and low vision guests can request a trained sighted guide for their visit. With 14 calendar days’ notice, we will do our best to match you with a trained volunteer as your sighted guide for the zoo. Guides are prepared to assist with navigation, connect guests with tactile experiences, read signage, and provide auditory context about the exhibits and the animals in them.
At least 14 days prior to your visit, please fill out the Sighted Guide Request Form or call 206.548.2450 to fill out the form verbally.
Service Animals
Woodland Park Zoo is responsible for the health and well-being of all of its animals, including many sensitive species. Therefore, there are additional steps to bringing fully-trained service animals on grounds.
Please read the service animal guidelines thoroughly before your visit.
When you arrive, we require that you and your service animal check in at either the Membership Office at the West Entrance, or Ticket windows 3 or 4 at the South Entrance.
Aides, Attendants and Interpreters
One-to-one aides or attendants of guests with disabilities receive complimentary admission with the exception of ticketed events, such as ZooTunes. This includes family members or friends who are serving as an interpreter for Deaf guests or as a guide for blind guests. Please let the ticket office know that you are visiting with a one-to-one attendant to receive their free admission.
If you or a member of your party would like to request a certified interpreter please fill out this form.
Bathrooms
Accessible stalls and family/all gender restrooms are available at several locations, as indicated on the Accessibility Map.
If you or someone in your party are in need of an adult-sized changing table, we have one located in the family restroom near the West Guest Entry/ZooStore.
Sensory Considerations
This Sensory Map will guide guests with different sensory needs to a variety of locations around the zoo where they can relax, romp or explore.
Before your visit, use the Whole Zoo Social Story as a helpful guide to familiarize yourself and your child with what you can expect from a visit to Woodland Park Zoo. You may also want to read the Zoomazium Social Story if you plan on spending part of your visit in Zoomazium.
Mobility Equipment Rentals
Mobility equipment including wheelchairs and ECV scooters will be available to rent at the Guest Services locations inside the West Entrance and near the ZooStore at the South Entrance. These items will be thoroughly cleaned between rentals for your safety.
Wheelchair (non-electric)*
$10.00
Electric mobility scooter or ECV**
$25.00
*Recipients of EBT/Washington Quest, WIC assistance, and foster and kinship families can receive a 50% discount on wheelchair rentals. Must present verification such as EBT/Washington Quest card, WIC voucher/card or appointment folder, DCYF caregiver authorization form, or foster caregiver ID card or license certificate. Discount valid only on manual / push wheelchairs and not on electric convenience vehicles.
**Conditions: Must leave $200 refundable deposit and valid driver’s license; 18 years and older, or 16 years with parent/guardian permission; 400-pound weight limit.
Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion
Woodland Park Zoo (WPZ) believes all people should have safe access to the zoo and culturally affirming and responsive experiences with our staff, programs and curriculum. WPZ strives to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences.
Find out more