Accessibility - Central Park Zoo

Accessibility Service Dogs

This webpage provides information and identifies the accommodations we are broadly able to provide to support guests with disabilities during their visit. Please consult the current park map, available on your mobile device or posters at park entry, for daily information and schedules.

For additional questions, or assistance with visit planning, please contact Guest Relations at guestrelations@wcs.org or 718-220-5103. Due to high volume of correspondence, we recommend reaching out at least 7 days prior to a planned visit.

ACCOMMODATIONS UPDATE 3/7/22

Proof of vaccination is not required for a visit. Masks are recommended, but not required, and can be used based on personal preference. Guests and staff may continue to wear masks for a variety of reasons, so please be kind and considerate of others.

Policies are subject to change, and all guests must abide by the park rules in effect on the date of visit. When changes happen, we make every effort to align our website and park signage with updates in a timely manner. Always check the Know Before You Go page before you arrive for the most up-to-date information.

All buildings are wheelchair-accessible.

Exhibits	Steep Hill	Rough Terrain	Touch Exhibit	Low Light	Stairs	Assistive Listening
Tropic Zone			X	X	X*
Red Panda	X
Snow Monkey	X
Snow Leopard	X		X
Bears	X				X
Penguins & Sea Birds				X
Central Garden
Tisch Children's Zoo	X	X	X
4-D Theater				X		X

*Elevator access available to Tropic Zone mezzanine.

A limited number of free wheelchairs are available on a first come, first served basis. Ask any Admissions or Security staff for assistance.

Security & First Aid

In case of emergency, or when in need of first aid, please notify Security at (212) 439-6557.

SENSORY SENSITIVITIES

The Central Park Zoo partnered with KultureCity to improve the park’s ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory processing needs. The objective is to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for every guest, regardless of age and ability, including those with sensory processing disorders (SPDs). The zoo has installed signage identifying quiet zones and headphone zones to help visitors as they explore the grounds.

PREPARING FOR MY TRIP TO THE ZOO

SENSORY BAGS

Sensory bags containing fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones and other resources, are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) from the Admissions Building across from the Main Zoo entrance.

QUIET ZONES

The zoo is very compact, so most areas do have a level of noise/activity. Some areas that typically have less activity and are suggested spaces to sit and regroup after becoming overstimulated are: Main Zoo – southwest corner garden at the Sea Lion Pool. There are a number of other benches in the outer pathways that can also be good for breaks.

HEADPHONE ZONES

We have identified areas that are noisy and where guests tend to linger as “Headphone Zones.” These areas include: Main Zoo at Central Garden (sea lions); inside Tropic Zone (birds and lemur calls); inside Penguin building (bird calls); 4D Theater.

STAFF TRAINING

Another aspect of the KultureCity partnership involved training Zoo staff members to increase understanding of SPDs, informing them about the efforts the aquarium is making to better serve the community and to discuss strategies each department can implement to support this initiative.

Personal Care Assistant

All guests with disabilities must have a valid form of admission to the zoo. If a person with a disability requires a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) to experience the zoo, accommodations will be made for their visit. Reservations for the primary guest needs to be made in advance. Once a reservation is made, please contact guestrelations@wcs.org and provide the reservation Order number for assistance on PCA ticketing (subject: PCA admission). Due to high volume of correspondence, we recommend reaching out at least 7 days prior to a planned visit.

For groups of 10 or more, please contact Group Sales for ticketing assistance with PCA accommodations. wcsgroupsales@wcs.org (subject: PCA admission)