Zoo Accessibility

The Detroit Zoo is committed to ensuring our campus, buildings and programs are accessible and welcoming to all.

Wheelchairs and Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs)

Wheelchairs and Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs) are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Rentals are available from April to October at Chrysler Main Train Station and Africa Train Station. The Guest Relations Office has rentals available during the winter months. Guests must be 18 years of age or older to rent ECVs. No reservations are accepted. Rentals are available on a same-day basis and may only be used inside the Zoo.

Segways Prohibited

Segways are prohibited at the Detroit Zoo. However, if you have a personal Segway and a physician’s note indicating that the Segway is a prescribed mobility device, you will be offered an ECV or wheelchair to use free of charge.

Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs) Speed Regulation

Guests using mobility scooters/ECVs, please keep your speed to the walking speed of those around you. Adjust and lower your speed while maneuvering through enclosed spaces such as restrooms, merchandise and food and beverage locations.

Limited Assistance

Some attractions require guests to transfer from their wheelchairs or ECVs to the attraction. Zoo staff are not permitted to assist guests physically in the transfer.

ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION EVENTS

Upcoming Events

Experience the Zoo in a way that’s welcoming to all! From sensory-friendly hours to special evenings for families with unique needs, these events are designed to provide an inclusive and comfortable visit for everyone.

Jan 13 - Dec 8

Discover the Zoo in a sensory-friendly environment!

Jun 7

Dream Night, presented by Michigan Educational Credit Union, provides families of children with chronic or terminal illnesses a night to remember. Our goal with this event is to give these children and their families a no-cost, stress-free evening surrounded by their favorite animals and fun activities. To accomplish this, Dream Night will be limited to 1,000 pre-approved guests to ensure a smooth, safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Presented by:

Accessibility & Support Services

Hearing

Assistive Listening Devices are available in the Ford Education Center Theater for guests with mild to moderate hearing loss.
If you would like a sign language, oral or cued speech interpreter, please call (248) 541-5717 ext. 3750 at least two weeks before your tour, education program, etc. Please be specific about the type of interpreter, e.g., ASL or signed English.

Accessibility

Electronic-assist doors are located in the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, Ford Education Center and Table 28.
All restrooms are equipped with an accessible stall.
Adult changing tables are available at the Picnic Grove family restrooms, Coney Corner family restroom and the Mitten Market family restrooms.

Guests with Sensory Needs

We strive to support individuals with diverse backgrounds and learning abilities, including autism. Our staff is trained through the Michigan Autism Safety Training by the Autism Alliance of Michigan and KultureCity’s certification program. These initiatives ensure our team can recognize guests with sensory needs and effectively manage sensory-overload situations.

We provide sensory bags containing noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, a visual cue card and a VIP lanyard to guests who may feel overwhelmed. A weighted lap pad and strobe glasses are also available upon request. These resources are available for checkout at Customer Care and the Park Safety Office.

Visual Support

All guests receive free access to ReBokeh, an assistive tech app designed for low-vision users. It enhances live cellphone camera feeds with customizable filters to adjust contrast, color, zoom and lighting. The app also features AI-powered image descriptions, providing real-time text analysis of guests’ view of animals, habitats and special exhibits at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center. Learn more and download ReBokeh on the Apple App Store.

Kulture City App

Download the KultureCity App for iOS or Android devices for resources before and during your visit. It will help you have a great time at the Zoo!

Download the app

Sunflower Program

Have a hidden disability? Discreetly indicate you need support or assistance during your Zoo visit by wearing official Sunflower Hidden Disabilities Program products available upon request. Visit the Guest Relations office at the front of the Zoo for more information.

Learn more

Social Narrative

Explore what a day at the Zoo can look like with our social narrative. This sensory-friendly slideshow will give you all the information you need for a successful Zoo visit.

View the Narrative

Help us help you

We are always looking to improve and better support our diverse community. Let us know how we can make your Zoo visit more inclusive.

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Drop-off and Pick-up: If a member of your party has mobility limitations, there is a drop-off and pick-up area in front of the main admission gates. Please follow the signs.

Wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs): We recommend that guests bring their own wheelchairs and electric scooters. A limited number of wheelchairs and electric scooters are available for rent at the Chrysler Main Train Station while quantities last. Wheelchairs are $10, and ECVs are $30.

Guests are welcome to bring their own wagons and strollers.

Single and double strollers, wagons, wheelchairs and Electronic Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are available for rent at the Main Train Station (near the front of the park) and at the Africa Train Station (in the far corner of the park when the train is operating). Rented items cannot be taken on the Tauber Family Railroad.[ Convenience Rental Pricing ]

Segways, bicycles and other self-propelled vehicles are not permitted at the Detroit Zoo.

The Detroit Zoological Society is committed to accommodating individuals with diverse backgrounds and learning abilities. We have a strong desire to be autism- and special needs-friendly, and we hope all families have an enjoyable experience!

Sensory Support:  Fall Fest events contain interaction with sound and live entertainment. You may want to consider bringing these items to support a sensory-friendly experience:

Noise-reducing headphones or ear plugs

Fidget tools

Weighted lap pad

KultureCity sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and verbal cue cards are available while supplies last to guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. Guests can check out the bags at Customer Care and the Park Safety Office.

Weighted lap pads and strobe glasses are available upon request.

A dedicated sensory room is available for those who may need a quieter and more secure space.

Purchase Membership

Zoo Accessibility

Wheelchairs and Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs)

Segways Prohibited

Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs) Speed Regulation

Limited Assistance

ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION EVENTS

Upcoming Events

Sensory-Friendly Hours

Dream Night

Hearing

Accessibility

Guests with Sensory Needs

Visual Support

Kulture City App

Sunflower Program

Social Narrative

Help us help you

Package title

Accessibility

Outdoor Conditions

Wagons, Strollers, Segways and Bicycles

Sensory Needs

Restrooms

Zoo Accessibility

Wheelchairs and Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs)

Segways Prohibited

Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs) Speed Regulation

Limited Assistance

ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION EVENTS

Upcoming Events

Sensory-Friendly Hours

Dream Night

Accessibility & Support Services

Hearing

Accessibility

Guests with Sensory Needs

Visual Support

Kulture City App

Sunflower Program

Social Narrative

Explore The Detroit Zoo Virtually

Help us help you

Fall Fest 2024 - Accessibility

Package title

Accessibility

Outdoor Conditions

Wagons, Strollers, Segways and Bicycles

Sensory Needs

Restrooms