We endeavour to create an environment free from barriers and obstacles and ensure that our facilities and services are accessible to all.
Access
Banham Zoo extends to almost 50 acres of parkland and is considered reasonably wheelchair and pushchair friendly. Wheelchair access is available to the Pavilion Café, Pavilion Pantry, Gift Shop and all exhibits. The Woodland Walk is, by its nature set in undulating woodland and is not suitable for wheelchair access
Path surfaces are either tarmac or crushed and rolled stone
There is plenty of seating around the site
Viewing areas are designed with wheelchair users in mind allowing low level access and visibility
We regret the Safari Roadtrain is not adapted for wheelchair use however our staff will assist visitors where possible to board and disembark from the train
A lift is provided for use in the Giraffe House to access the first floor. A ramp also provides access via the Zarafa Heights Walkway
Car Parking
We have specific parking spaces allocated within the free car park dedicated to visitors with a disabled parking permit. Cars parked must display the card provided by local authorities under the government Blue Badge Parking Scheme
Wheelchair Loan
We are pleased to offer visitors the free use of a manual wheelchair. All we ask is for credit or debit card details to be left as security during the period of the loan. These are returned to you after the loan period.
On your arrival at the zoo, a member of the zoo’s admissions team will spend a few minutes briefing you on the use of the wheelchair. You will then be asked to sign a disclaimer. These are in limited supply so are offered on a first come, first served basis. We highly recommend reserving these in advance of your visit.
Please telephone our admissions team on 01953 715348 prior to your visit to ensure that they are available.
Mobility Scooter Hire
We are pleased to offer disabled visitors the opportunity to hire a mobility scooter.
Hire Price: £10 (Per Day)
All we ask is for credit or debit card details to be left as security during the period of the hire. These are returned to you after the loan period.
On your arrival at the zoo, a member of the zoo’s admissions team will spend a few minutes briefing you on the handling and controls of the mobility scooter. You will then be asked to sign a disclaimer
These are in limited supply so are offered on a first come, first served basis. We highly recommend reserving these in advance of your visit
Please telephone our admissions team on 01953 715348 prior to your visit to ensure that they are available.
Ear Defender Loan
We are pleased to offer visitors the free use of Ear defenders.
All we ask is for credit or debit card details to be left as security during the period of the hire. These are returned to you after the loan period.
On your arrival at the zoo, a member of the zoo’s admissions team will be able to brief you on their safe use. You will then be asked to sign a disclaimer.
These are in limited supply so are offered on a first come, first served basis. We highly recommend reserving these in advance of your visit
Please telephone our admissions team on 01953 715348 prior to your visit to ensure that they are available.
Assistance dogs
We regret we are unable to allow access for dogs within the zoo. This includes all assistance dogs
We are able to offer a secure environment for assistance dogs for the duration of your visit. This is not a kennelling facility and dogs will be provided with water only. Please confirm in advance on 01953 887771 option 2
To ensure the safety and welfare of the public, staff and animals on the premises, assistance dogs must wear their respective identifying jackets and their Environmental Health and Identification Cards must be carried and shown if required
The wearing of identifying jackets and the carrying of the Environmental Health and Identification Cards form part of the regulations for all Registered and Trained Support Dogs in the United Kingdom. If you have any queries regarding this policy please contact Assistance Dogs (UK)
We do not allow dogs to be left in cars unless accompanied by a responsible adult, even with ventilation and water, on our site because we cannot guarantee that sufficient shade will be available. This applies at any time of year and weather conditions. Anyone found leaving dogs in their car will asked to leave the zoo. We take this very seriously and take our guidance from the RSPCA – http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/health/dogsinhotcars
Guest Information
Our Guest Information staff will be very happy to help you in any way they can, so please call 01953 887771 option 2 or ask them on arrival for any required assistance
A portable hearing loop is available. Please ask a member of staff for assistance
Literature
At present our literature is only available as standard printed leaflets. If you would like an A3 photocopied version ask any member of staff or telephone 01953 887771 option 2
Reduced admission for Disabled Guests
Banham Zoo offers discounted entry for any guests who are registered disabled
Any guest requesting a disabled ticket will be asked to provide documentation to validate their need for the disabled discount. This could be in the form of a blue badge, staff must have access to the part of the badge with the photograph on, a letter from a recognised authority or a bank statement confirming the customer is in receipt of DLA or PIP. Once validation has been received the ticket will be processed in the normal manner
If the customer requests the need for a carer, as long as the above criteria’s have been met, a discounted carer ticket can be purchased alongside a disabled persons ticket. Only 1 carer ticket may be purchased per disabled ticket
Annual / 2 year pass for Disabled Guests and their Carers
Any guest wishing to purchase a Annual / 2 year pass will be asked to provide documentation to validate their need for the disabled rate. This could be in the form of a blue badge, staff must have access to the part of the badge with the photograph on, a letter from a recognised authority or a bank statement confirming the customer is in receipt of DLA or PIP. Once validation has been received the Annual / 2 year pass will be processed
A carer Annual / 2 year pass can be purchased alongside an Annual /2 year pass for the disabled guest, the carer will need to be named and photographed. All Annual / 2 year passes must be brought with them on a visit or normal admission will be charged
Toilet facilities
Toilet facilities are provided at the Pavilion Café, the Australian Paddock, Giraffe House and the Woodland Roadtrain Station. These are clearly marked on the map given out on entry. All have independent disabled toilet facilities which in some cases also have dual use for baby change facilities
Food at the Zoo
The Restaurants offer an extensive and varied choice of food. However, if you have specific special dietary needs we would be delighted to try and meet them. Please telephone the Zoo on 01953 887771 option 2 prior to your visit to discuss your requirements
Special Educational Needs
We can provide a memorable experience for special educational needs groups. In the Activities & Education Centre, which is conveniently situated in the centre of the zoo, experienced teaching staff can liaise with group leaders to arrange suitable input for your visit. Please telephone 01953 887771 option 2 for further details
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