Accessibility

At ZSL London Zoo, we encourage and welcome everyone to enjoy time connecting with wildlife at our Zoos. Our goal is to create an experience that is accessible for people of all needs and abilities. This commitment to accessibility has us working with local people and specialist organisations to learn how we can improve, and make positive changes to ensure every visitor has a wonderful experience.

For further information, please see our very detailed Access Guide:

find out more

Download a PDF summary of the information below on this page:

Download Access Summary

Access

The Zoo is more than 170 years old and contains many old buildings, 12 of which are listed. However, most of the Zoo is accessible for wheelchair users and those with walking difficulties.

Land of the Lions is wheelchair friendly and has a lift available for visitors to use.

Tiger Territory is wheelchair friendly and has a lift available for visitors to access the higher viewing platform.

The historic Lubetkin penguin pool (listed Grade 1) has limited viewing for wheelchair users and very small children.

The paths are generally tarmac and there is level or ramped access to most buildings. We should also add that the slopes leading to the two tunnels in the Zoo are rather steep.

Access for Conference and Banqueting clients

Access for some conference and banqueting rooms is limited or currently unavailable. The following areas are fully equipped – The Prince Albert suite, Huxley Lecture Theatre, Bartlett Room and Regent’s Canal Room. The Raffles Suite and Mappin Pavilion have partial access facilities. Please contact us to find out more about the room you are using. 020 7449 6562 or email functions@zsl.org.

Parking

There is a disabled parking bay in front of the entrance to the Zoo, and disabled visitors can also park on the main road for up to four hours. We do also have disabled parking spaces in the main car park.

Accessible Toilets and Changing Places Toilet

Accessible toilets are located:

Opposite B.U.G.S
Next to the Reptile House
Near main entrance next to vulture aviary
The Terrace Restaurant

Changing Places logo As well as our accessible toilets, there is a modern Changing Places toilet facility located at Animal Adventure. The 12 metre squared facility is equipped with a ceiling track hoist, a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench, a height adjustable washbasin and a peninsular toilet.

It is secured with a RADAR key. If you aren’t able to bring one, it is available from our First Aid post - located between Barclay Court and the Main Entrance - as well as staff working at Animal Adventure. Please note anyone using the facility should provide their own sling for the hoist. Please view the map of the Zoo here.

Hiring Mobility Aids

Wheelchair Hire

We have a limited number of wheelchairs available for hire. We recommend booking these in advance by emailing generalenquiries@zsl.org. A deposit of £25 will be required, which will be refunded when the wheelchair is returned undamaged.

Mobility Scooter Hire

We have 1 mobility scooter available to hire for a hire fee of £20, plus a £30 refundable deposit will be required, which will be refunded when the scooter is returned undamaged. This must be pre-booked in advance by emailing generalenquiries@zsl.org.

Queue Hopper - ZSL's Penguin Pass

Great days out for everyone  - Supporting families with additional needs, the Penguin Pass queue hopper gives families the opportunity to hop queues at the Zoo.  Humboldt Penguin Map Icon

Get your Penguin Pass here:

Download your pass

There is no need to book your pass for ZSL London Zoo, simply download & print the pass or download onto your phone for a more discreet option. We also have passes available to collect on arrival from our admissions team, please return your pass to the main Zoo Shop at the end of your visit.

Show your Penguin Pass to our team at admissions, retail or catering outlets and our walk-through exhibits. Our staff & volunteers will do their best to reduce your queueing time.

Assistance Dogs

Dogs are not currently permitted on site at ZSL London Zoo, with the exception of assistance dogs under specific conditions:

If you do not have evidence of your dogs training e.g. ADUK ID booklet, please email generalenquiries@zsl.org ahead of your visit to talk through the best options for you and your dog.
Dogs are not permitted at our animal demonstrations and talks, in any of our walkthroughs or near our big cat enclosures.
Our animals and dogs can react to each other - so we ask that if you notice any behavioural changes of concern, to move to another exhibit.
Your dog must remain calm and quiet, at least 2 metres away from any animal enclosure boundaries.
Your dog must be fit and healthy when visiting the Zoo, and not shown any signs of ill health – including diarrhoea and vomiting – in the last 24 hours. They must have been resident in the UK for the last 6 months and have received all annual vaccinations and anthelmintic treatments.
Poop bags are available at the main gate on arrival - you must clean up after your dog and never leave dogs unattended or off the lead.

If you are bringing an assistance dog to the Zoo, you will be asked to meet with the Animal Duty Manager on arrival for an on-site briefing to confirm acceptance of our full terms and conditions and any special considerations on the given date of your visit. Your assistance dog may be asked to undergo a brief health check to protect the wellbeing of our animals on-site.

See our terms and conditions for further details. Please contact our Supporter Contact team in advance of your visit by emailing generalenquiries@zsl.org.

The Purple Program - Regular accessible activities

To improve access to the zoo experience, from summer 2021 we are now offer regular activities at London Zoo for people with disabilities. We’re hoping to grow and improve this program to be more diverse and more inclusive, if you have any suggestions for a new kind of activity that supports disabled access at the zoo, please get in touch via communityengagement@zsl.org.

See more on our What's On page

Downloads - Planning tools and activities to help you prepare for your visit