• The zoo walkways and paths are level, relatively broad, and paved. The two exceptions to this are the paths leading into the koi deck (narrower path, moderate incline) and the path leading to the red wolf exhibit (narrower path, steep slope).
• The bridge over the path in the Animal Encounter exhibit also contains a slight incline.
• We have ADA Wheelchair Accessible Picnic Tables around our main concession area.
• Playground substrate is rubberized for a softer play area, and some portions of the playground equipment are accessible from the ground and are interactive

A family restroom is available in the Discovery Center hallway to accommodate family needs such as breastfeeding, diaper changing, toddler use with parents, etc. A chair and outlet are available in the family restroom and it is wheelchair accessible.

Diaper changing stations are available in the Discovery Center and Wolf’s Paw Concession restrooms.

The Zoo is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all our guests, including those with sensory needs.

The Niabi Zoo has earned Sensory Inclusive™ certification through a partnership with KultureCity, a nationally recognized nonprofit that provides sensory inclusion training and tools to venues and large-scale events. With our certification, the Zoo is better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when visiting.

Sensory Bag

The Zoo is pleased to offer sensory backpacks for individuals with sensory processing challenges. These backpacks include noise-canceling headphones, weighted lap pads, fidgets, and more. They are available to check out for free at the entrance gates.

Signage

Signage is placed throughout the Zoo indicating areas with sensory challenges, such as noise and quiet spaces for relaxing.

Helpful Tools

See our Sensory Inclusion document to assist with your Zoo trip, along with a zoo map indicating our quiet areas and headphone zones.

Niabi Zoo now has sensory communication tools that is in a form of a chart that may be accessed by QR code around the zoo. This is our next step in the Zoo’s commitment to creating a sensory inclusive and welcoming environment for guests. Communication charts are essential visual tools that allow non-speaking children and adults to express themselves by pointing to symbols or images. These charts are particularly beneficial for those with autism, individuals with speech or language differences, or those with communication disorders, as they promote independence and community interaction.  Please check these sensory charts out around the zoo by clicking on the QR codes and when checking out Kulture City Inclusion bags at the Zoo Entry Plaza.

Niabi Zoo Communication Board

Service animals are welcome at Niai Zoo.

Service Animal Policy

Niabi Zoo permits the use of service animals to provide assistance to people with disabilities in order to participate in experiences at the Zoo wherein so they are able. In compliance with ADA policies, service animals include a dog or miniature horse that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for and directly related to the person’s disability.

Niabi Zoo does allow admission of emotional support and therapy animals (dog/miniature horse only). These terms are used to describe animals that provide a supportive service for a person.

Service animals are not permitted to enter the following areas:

• Rides (Train, Carousel)
• Domestic Animals
• Guinea Pig Feeding Area
• Giraffe Feeding Platform
• Education programs where live animals are utilized (must maintain 25 ft. distance)
• Viewing areas around the Cat House
• Any area where the animal is causing disruption and is deemed out of control.

If a service animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, or if the animal is not housebroken (for indoor areas), staff may request that the animal be removed from the premises.

As per ADA policy, at a Zoo, service animals can be restricted from areas where the animals on display are the natural prey or natural predators of dogs, where the presence of a dog would be disruptive, causing the displayed animals to behave aggressively or become agitated.  They cannot be restricted from other areas of the Zoo.

The Niabi Zoo Express Train is ADA-compliant and can accommodate two wheelchairs per ride.

The Endangered Species Carousel is ADA-compliant and can accommodate a single wheelchair per ride.

A family restroom is available in the Discovery Center hallway to accommodate family needs such as breastfeeding, diaper changing, toddler use with parents, etc. A chair and outlet are available in the family restroom.

Q: Does Niabi Zoo have peanuts, peanut products, or tree nuts in the zoo that could trigger allergies?
A: Yes, Niabi Zoo has peanuts, peanut products, and tree nuts in the zoo. Some animals receive peanuts or tree nuts as part of their diet, enrichment, or medication plan, and some food items sold in the gift shop and concessions may contain peanuts, peanut products, or tree nuts.

Q: What should guests with severe allergies to certain foods do when visiting Niabi Zoo?
A: Guests and their children who have allergies to certain foods should take responsibility for monitoring themselves and their children when they encounter foods with specific allergens. Guests can ask the staff for information about areas in the zoo where peanuts, peanut products, or tree nuts may be found and avoid those areas if necessary.

Q: Can Niabi Zoo guarantee that their sourced materials have not co-mingled with peanuts or tree nuts?
A: Niabi Zoo cannot guarantee that their sourced materials have not co-mingled with peanuts or tree nuts somewhere in the process. Many food manufacturers cannot make this guarantee either.

Q: What are some areas in Niabi Zoo where peanuts, peanut products, or tree nuts may be found?
A: Peanuts, peanut products, or tree nuts may be found in the Domestic Animal Area (in whole, dried oats that may have come in contact with peanuts), the Koi Pond (in Koi Food that may have come in contact with peanuts), and the concessions area (in a Thai wrap and popcorn popped in peanut oil, and Dippin Dots that has an allergy alert on their packaging). Some of the animals in Biodiversity Hall, Primate Habitats, and some Ungulate and Carnivores may also have peanuts, peanut products, or tree nuts in parts of their diet, enrichment, and used as vehicles for medicine administration.

Q: What other potential allergens should guests know at Niabi Zoo?
A: Guests should be aware of other potential allergens such as celery, cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, lupin, mollusks, milk, mustard, sesame, soy, and sulfur dioxide/sulfites. Many of these allergens may be found in the foods fed to the animals or sold in the concessions area. Guests are advised to take responsibility for knowing their allergens and taking proper precautions.