Adelaide Zoo expands its inclusive opportunities

A South Australian Government funding boost of $10,000 will allow Zoos SA to expand and deliver its series of relaxed experiences for the State’s autistic and autism communities.

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 additional State Government funding has allowed those hours to be extended to Mondays and Wednesdays, weekly, between 3pm and 4.30pm from 1st May 2023 – ensuring more people will be able to access these quieter times at the Zoo.

The funding will also allow Zoos SA to further train their staff in inclusive practices and update signage and materials for the autistic and autism community through the installation of a communications board.

Multiple ‘relaxed zoo’ experiences have already taken place, with positive feedback from the Autistic and autism community.

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.

Bensted enthused “we are thrilled that each of our Relaxed Zoo Mornings have been so well received by the community.

“We’ve had fabulous feedback and each has been well attended – we’ve even welcomed guests from as far afield as Mount Gambier and Port Lincoln.

“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.”

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.

Image. Adelaide Zoo Relaxed Morning session. Credit: Play and Go