Accessibility

Sensory Bags

Available at the front desk of our visitor services building in entry plaza. There is no additional cost, only completion of a liability form required. Sensory bags include noise-canceling headphones (both adult and child sizes), whiteboard with marker, sensory and fidget tools, a social story, misting fan, and straws.

Sighted Guide Tours

Tours available for those who are blind or have low vision. A dedicated staff member or volunteer will assist you throughout your visit for up to two hours. Sensory experiences may be included upon availability for the day of your visit. Tours are provided free of charge and must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance of your visit. Please click here to request Sight Guided Tour services.

Rides Accessibility

Safari railway and African carousel located in Africa! are ADA accessible.

For more information on wheelchairs and motorized scooters, please see below.

Wheelchair and Motorized Scooters

A valid ID is required to rent a wheelchair or scooter. Hours of operation may vary due to season and weather. Motorized scooters must be rented by the user or a legally responsible party. All scooter riders must be 16 years or older unless special conditions apply. Scooters are provided for visitors that need the accommodation and are not intended for recreational use. Scooter availability is limited and scooters are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Service Animal Policy

Toledo Zoo welcomes service animals and complies with ADA Title III regulations. Service animals are defined as dogs or miniature horses, individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. The service animal must be under the control of its handler. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks. If the service animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, the animal may be excluded and asked to leave the premises. The owner is still welcome to visit. Additionally, if the service animals’ presence causes the zoo’s animals to alter their behavior, causing them to behave more aggressively or become agitated, they may be asked to be removed from that area.

Comfort Animal Policy

For the health and safety of the animals at the Toledo Zoo, emotional support, therapy, or comfort animals are not permitted on the zoo’s premises.

ASL Interpreters

Interpreters are available for those who need the service. A dedicated staff member will assist you throughout your visit for up to two hours. Interpreters are provided free of charge and must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance of your visit. Please call 419-385-5721 ext. 3039 to schedule an ASL interpreter. Interpreters are available for concerts, events, and daily visits. Please click here to request ASL Interpretation services.

Adult Changing Table

An adult changing table is located in the family restroom on the North side of the zoo, inside the Africa restroom.

AIRA app

Toledo Zoo guests who are blind or have low vision can now access an app that uses their smartphone cameras and connects to a call with a highly-trained agent who can see what is around the guest by pointing their phone in the desired direction. By downloading the ARIA app each guest has up to 30 minutes in duration, but visitors can always call back to continue the service

Click here to download the app.

Wheelchair Accessible Picnic Tables

Wheelchair accessible tables are available in the Zoo’s Main Plaza area near the Grill and Beastro, and also in Blade Plaza.

Telecoil Induction Loops

Main entrance ticket booths
Experience seamless communication at our main entrance with two Telecoil Induction Loops installed in our middle ticket booths. Visitors with compatible hearing aids and cochlear implants can now receive clear audio information directly to their devices, ensuring everyone gets the full experience right from the start.

Broadway entrance
Guests who enter through the Broadway Zoo entrance have access to a dedicated Telecoil Induction Loop. This is installed to facilitate easy and clear communication for those with compatible hearing devices. Start your zoo adventure with clarity and convenience.

Note: Ensure your hearing device is set to the 'T' or 'Telecoil' setting to take advantage of this feature.

Sensory Signage

Before entering certain exhibits, sensory signage throughout our Zoo grounds provides visitors with clear alerts about potential sensory triggers, such as louder noises or brighter lights. These signs ensure a comfortable and informed experience for all guests, enhancing their visit.

Personal Care Attendant Policy

The Toledo Zoo provides complimentary admissions for licensed personal care attendants (PCA), or aides, with staff identification, when they accompany a guest who requires such help to access the Zoo and its facilities.