New sensory inclusive options come to the Indianapolis Zoo

Indianapolis, Indiana – There are now sensory-friendly areas and backpacks available throughout the grounds of the Indianapolis Zoo.

The zoo’s alternatives became available after it was awarded a Sensory Inclusive Certification by KultureCity, a nonprofit organization that supports accessibility for individuals with special needs. Employees are trained to identify and support clients with special requirements.

Interpretation Manager Beth Kosiba stated, “The zoo truly wants everyone to feel welcome and included when they come to visit here.” We therefore aim to assist in positioning individuals for success.

There are eighteen designated sensory-safe zones in the venues. The zoo’s most recent map, which includes all accessible choices, shows that there are two silent spaces, ten headphone zones, two smell zones, two locations for picking up sensory bags, and two locations for picking up weighted lap pads.

There is a sensory bag pickup location at the Visitor Services Center, which is situated outside the zoo’s main gate. The Carousel Ticket Booth is inside where the other location is.

Certain helpful items are included in the bags. Each bag contains various items such as sunglasses, a “VIP” lanyard, a communication card, fidget gadgets, and noise-canceling headphones.

After every use, the contents of the bag are cleaned.

Additionally, the zoo offers weighted lap pads in two locations.

“We have these weighted lap pads at the train and at our dolphin presentation,” Kosiba stated. “Therefore, these are beneficial for promoting calmness when you sit for extended periods of time.”

Click this link to examine the accessibility map of the zoo on the zoo’s website before visiting.
The 26th KultureCity Sensory Inclusive venue in Indiana is the zoo.