Zoo launches sensory-friendly spaces to encourage inclusivity
A trip to the zoo can become overwhelming for people sensitive to noise, light, crowds and even smells. That includes people on the autism spectrum, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and elders with dementia.
Wanting to ensure everyone’s needs are met at the San Antonio Zoo, officials worked with nonprofit Kulturecity to make it a sensory-inclusive certified venue.
The zoo’s official launch of three sensory spaces and quiet places is set for Wednesday.
Visitors can rent a Kulturecity sensory bag at the guest services window at the front entry gate. Rentals are free, and 15 are available. Each bag includes noise-canceling headphones that can be used in loud areas and fidget items with different textures and kinetic movement to keep minds focused.
A Kulturecity VIP card is available for guests who may feel overstimulated and unable to communicate verbally. The cards can be used to alert zoo staff visually if needed. Each department has a sensory kit available for zoo team members. “Quiet Area” signs are posted throughout the zoo.
Kulturecity works with organizations nationwide to create more inclusive spaces for all. The nonprofit’s motto is “Make the Nevers Possible.”
According to Kulturecity, more than 550 locations have sensory-inclusive certifications. One in six people has an invisible disability or sensory need, according to the nonprofit.
Alex Rodriguez, who spearheads the zoo’s diversity program, said all employees are trained to talk about the bags. She helped San Antonio Zoo CEO Tim Morrow bring in Kulturecity. Rodriguez said accessibility barriers aren’t new, but listening to the concerns of affected communities has brought better under
standing.
“Equality is a destination,” Rodriguez said. “Equity is the vehicle that gets us there. We have to be equitable in our decisions, and we have to provide resources and different accommodations to make everything accessible so everybody can have an equal opportunity to enjoy the zoo.”
Since arriving at the zoo in 2014, Morrow said he’s sought better ways to offer sensory spaces for guests. When Morrow saw theme parks become certified as sensory-inclusive spaces, he knew it was needed at the zoo.
That idea was reinforced in July while watching “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation.” During the episode, Jenni “Jwoww” Farley spoke about her son Greyson, diagnosed with autism, and an experience at an airport. Farley said her son was upset and nonverbal, and the flight was delayed. A lack of understanding of how staff could have assisted Farley with her son led her to seek ways to train airport staff about sensory issues.
After she spoke about joining Kulturecity’s board, Morrow emailed his team to prioritize setting up quiet spaces at the zoo and contacting the nonprofit. Hearing Farley’s daughter Meilani talk about her brother with pride made him think of his children and how they support each other.
Morrow responded on Twitter to a tweet by Farley’s boyfriend.
“Sensory Inclusion Certification has been on our to-do list @Sanantoniozoo and @Sakiddiepark,” he replied. “We’re moving it to the top in honor of your story, Greyson and brave sister Meilani.”
Afterward, Morrow said Farley reached out about his tweet.
“I was very excited to tell her we were signing with Kulturecity to do our training,” he said. “We are thrilled to have this training and certification and that we will be better able to provide service and support to our guests with sensory challenges.”
Morrow said he’s donating the fees for Kulturecity training to staff members at Animal World & Snake Farm on Interstate 35 South in New Braunfels.
“Equality is a destination. Equity is the vehicle that gets us there.”
Alex Rodriguez, who spearheads the zoo’s diversity program