Parking

Vehicles with a valid disabled parking permit receive free parking in any space. There are reserved accessible parking spaces in each of the zoo’s five parking lots.

Concerts and Special Events

Woodland Park Zoo accommodates individuals with disabilities who wish to attend our ZooTunes concerts and other special events. Follow the link for event-specific accommodations and contact information.

Additional accommodations can be made for any of the zoo’s after-hours events; please email zooinfo@zoo.org to make arrangements or ask questions.

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.

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 arrange a trained volunteer as your 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 206.482.2592 to fill out the form verbally.

Bathrooms

All bathrooms at Woodland Park Zoo have an accessible stall. 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 sanitary space for changing or medical needs, please visit Guest Services near the South Entrance or West Entrance. They have a private space with a medical bench that you are welcome to use.

Mobility Equipment Rentals

Guests can rent mobility equipment at Guest Services near the South or West Entrances. Equipment is available on a first-come first-served basis; we apologize that we are unable to accept reservations.

Guests must provide an ID card and payment for the following prices:

• Wheelchair, non-electric, $10*
• Electric mobility scooter or ECV, $25**
• Single stroller, $8
• Double stroller, $10
• Wagon, $11

*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.

**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.

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. Sensory tools are available for checkout at the Zoomazium front desk.

For those with sensory needs, tools (fidgets, noise-cancelling headphones, weighted vests, pin-wheels, etc.) are available to borrow at Zoomazium and either Guest Service locations. These tools are given out first-come first-served. Simply ask a staff member at the front desk to check out an item from the sensory toolbox. When leaving the zoo please return any borrowed items to Zoomazium, or at either Guest Services location, so these tools can help others.

Sensory Friendly Fridays

Fridays in Zoomazium are Sensory Friendly Fridays. On Fridays the Strangler Fig tree is closed to create a quieter and more comfortable environment for children with sensory sensitivities and their families. Soothing, exploratory sensory activities are also provided to support language development, motor skills, problem solving skills, and social interactions.

Camps and Classes

We are proud to be inclusive in our camps and classes!

Campers of all abilities are welcome to register for camp. We provide reasonable accommodations and scaffolding to our programs to make them accessible. We advocate for open, direct, respectful communication with all parents to help us learn about their camper and how to set their child up for success. We believe that the principles that help us to support children with disabilities improve the experience for all children in the program.

One-to-one aides for campers are welcome as a part of the group and can attend with their camper at no extra charge. This is necessary if your camper requires the full attention of an adult, if they need assistance toileting or with other medical needs, or if they are unable to eat without assistance.

Volunteering

Volunteers with disabilities are encouraged to apply!

We are prepared to provide accommodations to create a meaningful volunteer experience. The Volunteer Engagement team seeks to place volunteers in positions that highlight and strengthen their skills. All volunteers receive thorough training and are mentored for their first few shifts, with additional support available as needed. One-to-one aides, job coaches, or family supports are welcome to be involved in creating the right volunteer position for you. Find more information about volunteer opportunities, or email tany.holzworth@zoo.org with questions.