SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Zoo is now sensory-inclusive, providing a welcoming and accessible environment for all visitors and employees thanks to a partnership with KultureCity, zoo officials announced in a press release.
KultureCity is a non-profit that creates sensory-inclusive environments for individuals with sensory needs.
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Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by 1 in 6 individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other similar conditions, according to the press release.
As many individuals with sensory needs often have a sensitivity to overstimulation and noise that the zoo can have, the zoo has created designated quiet and headphone zones throughout the property to provide a calm and quiet area for visitors with sensory needs.
Sensory bags, complete with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads, can also be checked out to provide a more relaxed and comfortable experience.
Guests interested in checking out a sensory bag can do so at either of the zoo’s entrances with a valid ID.
“We are thrilled to partner with KultureCity and become a certified sensory-inclusive zoo,” said Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo. “This initiative is very close to our hearts, and we’re proud to take this essential step towards creating an inclusive environment for all visitors and Zoo Crew. Our staff has undergone sensory inclusion training, and we now have the tools and resources available to best support our visitors and staff with sensory sensitivities. At San Antonio Zoo, we believe everyone deserves a memorable and enjoyable experience, and we’re excited to work with KultureCity to make that a reality.”