Adelaide Zoo’s Relaxed Zoo Mornings will extend to weekly afternoon sessions thanks to extra support from the South Australian Government.
During a Relaxed Zoo Morning experience, the zoo’s gates open earlier with reduced human noises on site to ensure a quieter and calmer environment for the autism and autistic community.
The experience is held quarterly on the third Saturday morning in January, April, July and October, and allows guests one and half hours to explore the zoo at their own pace before opening to the general public.
However, Chief Executive of Zoos SA, Elaine Bensted, said the organisation will offer more inclusive opportunities including extra hours and visitor experiences thanks to the Government’s support.
“As a not-for-profit conservation charity, we are so thankful for the Government’s support of this program as it will allow us to invest in the development and installation of communication boards at Adelaide Zoo to allow guests with limited verbal communication to more easily communicate with their caregivers, our staff and other guests.
“Zoos SA staff will also undertake Autism Awareness training with Autism SA, we are looking at sensory space equipment for the zoo, developing an accessible map for visitors and hope to start looking at how we can offer a similar experience at Monarto Safari Park.
“Importantly, the funding will allow us to grow our Relaxed Zoo Morning program, add new hours and expand this important initiative to afternoon sessions weekly.
“We are so excited to bring this program to the community and ensure that the zoo is a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for everyone.”
Zoos SA is committed to increasing accessibility across its sites to ensure all visitors feel welcome and included.
The Relaxed Zoo Mornings program is part of Zoos SA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) charter, which aims to create an environment of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusiveness.
The next Relaxed Zoo Mornings in 2023 will be held on:
- Saturday 15 April 2023
- Saturday 15 July 2023
- Saturday 21 October 2023
Follow Adelaide Zoo on FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM for updates.
Find out what’s on at the Zoo during the school holidays.
For more information and all enquiries please visit the Zoos SA website.
What: Relaxed Zoo Mornings & Afternoons
When: Quarterly, extending to weekly (see their website for dates and times)
Where: Adelaide Zoo | Frome Road, Adelaide
Who: Autism and autistic community
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: supplied by Zoos SA
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