Perth Zoo to enhance accessibility with new Changing Places facility

Perth Zoo will enhance its accessibility for visitors with disability with the addition of a new Changing Places facility – with the announcement coming as Western Australians celebrate International Changing Places Awareness Day (19th July), an initiative which helps raise public awareness of these life-changing facilities for people with disability.

The Western Australian Government is contributing $154,800 to the Zoological Parks Authority to construct the dedicated, specialist bathroom facility located on the Main Lawn in the heart of the Zoo.

The new Changing Place facility forms part of the next exciting phase in the Perth Zoo Master Plan. This will include an overhead Primate Run where gibbons will traverse ropes high above visitors, and the development of new visitor amenities to complement the recently completed café and playground.

Changing Places are for people who cannot use standard or accessible toilets and include a ceiling hoist, height-adjustable adult-sized change table and room for two carers to assist. They may also include a combined accessible shower facility and privacy screen to uphold the user's dignity.

The Changing Place at Perth Zoo will provide an opportunity for people with disability to extend their visit to the Zoo in comfort, safe in the knowledge that their needs will be catered for in a dignified and accessible manner. It is expected to be operational in late 2024 ahead of Perth Zoo's busy summer season.

This new facility forms part of the State Government's $2 million commitment to expand the network of Changing Places locations across WA since 2021.

WA Acting Disability Services Minister Tony Buti notes "Changing Places give people with disability the confidence to travel and enjoy time in the community with family and friends without worrying about access to appropriate facilities.

"Changing Places has proven to be a very successful initiative. Since 2021, we have committed to expanding the network of Changing Places locations across WA with an investment of $2 million."

WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby advised "Perth Zoo has long been a place for all in the community to gather and make memories and that's why it's important we continue providing amenities that can accommodate visitors of all abilities.

"This new Changing Places facility will enable those who need it to extend their visit and spend more time connecting with nature and enjoying wildlife within our inner-city oasis.”

Image. Changing Places facility at Australian Museum. As part of the Australian Museum’s  Accessibility and Inclusion Action Plan, the Museum installed a Changing Places facility in 2021 that provides a full sized change table and hoist to meet the needs of people with complex disabilities and their carers.