Edinburgh Zoo
Able2uk asked me to do a review of accessibility on Edinburgh Zoo and talk about what it was like visiting as a disabled person. I'm on crutches, I have back and leg problems and I tire quickly, so I knew it was going to be physically challenging, but enjoyable too. Edinburgh Zoo is the only zoo in the UK that has koala's, they have over a thousand animals from all over the world, and with my passion for photography I thought this should be fun.
It was. I had a good day out at the zoo, saw penguins trying to eat sweets from a five year old little girl, watched a leopard pass within a couple of feet of some kids and heard their delight at the big cats proximity. I saw koala's, gorgeous pigeons (I'm not kidding), wild birds, strange wolves that looked like overgrown foxes from South America, big cats, gibbons, chimps, baboons and all manner of fierce and beautiful creatures, small and large.
It was. I had a good day out at the zoo, saw penguins trying to eat sweets from a five year old little girl, watched a leopard pass within a couple of feet of some kids and heard their delight at the big cats proximity. I saw koala's, gorgeous pigeons (I'm not kidding), wild birds, strange wolves that looked like overgrown foxes from South America, big cats, gibbons, chimps, baboons and all manner of fierce and beautiful creatures, small and large.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland has obviously worked hard to make their park as disabilitiy friendly as possible. They have wheelchair loans, ramps all over the place, their viewing platforms are low enough that you can see if you're the height of a two year old, and there are plenty benches scattered around if you need a seat. They have lots of signs, a induction-loop system, recommended access routes if you have mobility issues and they welcome assistance dogs too, although a few areas are naturally out-of-bounds.
The Zoo itself has one serious drawback though. It's built on Corstorphine hill, and it's a steep one. There's no way to avoid that over 50% of the paths are sloping or steep. If you suffer from mobility issues it's going to cause some problems for you, or your carer. I was utterly knackered and in quite a bit of pain by the time I left.
The Zoo also operates a 'Hilltop Safari' – a towed trailer with 20 seats and room for three wheelchair users, a lift for buggies and wheelchairs, and a driver/guide who tells you all about the zoo and the residents in its 15 minute journey from the zoo entrance to the top of the hill. I should warn you there are quite a few bumps from pot-holes, however this is by far the best way to get around the zoo. Get the Safari to the top and work your way back down to the entrance.
Prices for the Zoo can be expensive with a family ticket for two adults and two children coming in at £47.70, or £15.50 for one adult, and parking is £4 per car..On the plus side, any disabled person who requires assistance to visit the zoo gets free admission for their carer and parking is free with a blue badge.
Overall, Edinburgh Zoo is a good day out. There's a huge variety of animals, lots of information on them, presentations, educational buildings and at 2.15 every afternoon, the penguins go out for a walk around the playground. The disabled facilities are generally good, and the viewing platforms are well situated. There's no getting away from that hill though, and if you're in a wheelchair there are going to be a lot of bumps - bring an extra cushion!
And don't forget your camera!
Craig McGuire
Craig McGuire
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