Accessibility - Prospect Park Zoo

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.

The Zoo's accessible entrance is at Children's Corner, located at the south end of the park, adjacent to the Carousel and Lefferts Historic House. The Zoo entry on Flatbush Ave. has a long flight of stairs.

All buildings are wheelchair-accessible.

Exhibit	Steep Hill	Rough Terrain	Touch Exhibit	Low Light	Stairs
Discovery Trail		X	X
Animal Lifestyles
Hall of Animals				X*
Barn		X	X
Sea Lion Court
Discovery Center			X

A limited number of free wheelchairs are available on a first come, first served basis.
*Low light is confined to the nocturnal area in Hall of Animals.

Security & First Aid

In case of emergency, or when in need of first aid, please notify Security at (718) 399-7339 Ext 609.

Service Animals

Only working Service Animals, in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), are allowed at the park. Under the ADA, “a service animal is a dog that has been individually trained to work or perform tasks for assisting a person with a disability.” Service dogs are working animals, not pets. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. Pets, comfort animals, emotional support or therapy animals are not permitted at the Zoo.

Upon arrival at the park, please check in with Admissions so a supervisor can review some logistical items with you and issue a Service Dog Admission pass*. Guest/handler for the service dog is solely responsible for the care and control of their animal. Thank you for your cooperation to ensure a safe and successful visit for yourself, your service dog, the animals cared for at the zoo, and other park guests.

*As stipulated by the ADA, Zoo staff may request that a service dog experiencing difficulty or demonstrating problematic behaviors, such as barking or lunging, be removed from the Zoo immediately. We ask that you promptly comply with any such request for the safety and welfare of all.

Sensory Sensitivity

The Prospect Park Zoo partnered with KultureCity to improve the Zoo’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 Zoo 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) at the Children's Corner Entrance.

QUIET ZONES

The zoo has designated “Quiet Zones” throughout the park. These areas typically have less activity and spaces to sit and regroup after becoming overstimulated.

Quiet and Calm Zones are in the following locations:

Near Otters on Trail
Memorial Bench in Hall of Animals

HEADPHONE ZONES

We have identified areas that are noisy and where guests tend to linger as “Headphone Zones.”

These areas include:

Sea Lion Pool
Entrance of Animal Lifestyles Building

STAFF TRAINING

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