Accessibility

Members of the Zoo’s Security staff are trained as first responders for emergency situations. Should you have an emergency while on Zoo grounds, please go to the Visitor Services Center near the front entry gate or the First Aid Station located near the Carousel, or ask any Zoo staff member for help.

In case of dangerous weather, many of the Zoo’s buildings are designated shelter areas. If you are unable to transport to one of these locations, reach out to any Zoo team member or call Zoo Security at 317-630-2085 for assistance.

The Indianapolis is Zoo is proud to be certified as a Sensory Inclusive institution by KultureCity. This certification assists the Zoo in providing the best experience for guests who have sensory needs. Look for the KultureCity symbol on our Accessibility Map and throughout your experience at the Zoo to identify specific aspects of the Zoo experience that support sensory needs, which include:

• Sensory bags: Sensory bags contain noise-reduction headphones, sunglasses, communication tools and touchable sensory items. Sensory bags are free to borrow during your visit. Stop by the Visitor Services Center or the Carousel ticket booth to pick one up or return your bag.
• Lap pads: Weighted lap pads are free to borrow at both the Dolphin Presentation and the White River Junction Train. Just ask a Zoo team member for one when you arrive at one of these experiences.
• Zoo signage and map: Keep an eye out for suggested Headphone Zones, which can be loud, as well as Quiet Zones and Smell Zones throughout your visit.

Before your visit, check out our social story about a visit to the Indianapolis Zoo on the KultureCity website or app to best prepare you and your group for your visit to the Zoo.

The Indianapolis Zoo is fully ADA-accessible. Accommodations include:

• Ramps at all multi-level exhibits and buildings
• At least one entrance and exit with automatic doors per building
• Wheelchair-accessible tables at the various food venues
• An elevator in the Hilbert Conservatory of White River Gardens for access to the second-level mezzanine
• A wheelchair lift for access to the Hulman Riverhouse in the Global Center for Species Survival
• Wheelchair seating in the Ascension St. Vincent Dolphin Pavilion for Dolphin Presentations—please check with a Zoo staff member if you need assistance

• All public restrooms are ADA-accessible.
• A family restroom is centrally located on the exterior of the Café on the Commons building, which is near Deserts.
• Diaper-changing tables for young children can be found in all restrooms.  There are 3 Pluie changing tables that are self-sanitizing using UV-C light when closed after use. The UV changing tables are located in the welcome center restrooms, gift shop restroom, and café commons family bathroom.
• An adult changing table is available in the restroom outside the Visitor Services Center.

• The Carousel and Skyline are wheelchair accessible.
• To ride the Kōmbo Family Coaster or White River Junction Train, guests using wheelchairs must be able to transfer to a seat on the ride. If assistance is needed, it must be provided by another guest. Zoo staff are not able to assist with the transfer process.
• For other kinds of ride accommodations, please request to speak to a Rides Supervisor when you arrive at the ride location.

Accessible parking spaces are available for both cars and vans in front of the Visitor Services Center at the Zoo entrance, as well as in the larger main parking lot and the Zoo’s South Lot. Wheelchair-accessible shuttles are available to and from the South Lot.

The Indianapolis Zoo provides both American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters as well as assistive hearing devices for the Dolphin Presentation. Please use the attached Accommodation Request Form to request either accommodation in advance of your visit (see below). After you have completed the form, a Zoo team member will contact you to confirm your request.

• Assistive hearing devices for the Dolphin Presentation need to be requested at least 48 hours in advance.
• ASL interpreters must be requested at least two weeks in advance.

Service animals consistent with applicable laws and regulations are welcome. Therapy or emotional-support animals are not permitted in the Zoo.

For the health and safety of our visitors, staff, volunteers, Zoo animals and visiting service animals, please adhere to the following guidelines:

• • Service animals must be harnessed, leashed or tethered.
  • The care and supervision of the service animal is the sole responsibility of the owner.
  • The owner is responsible for the removal of any animal waste.
  • Any service animal whose behavior poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others can be asked to leave the Zoo.
  • If a Zoo animal shows aggression or fear toward a service animal, creating a direct threat to the health or safety of others, the service animal will be removed from the immediate area.
  • An animal whose behavior (e.g., barking) fundamentally alters or disrupts presentations will be removed from the immediate area.
  • Service animals are not permitted in aviaries. Staff members can assist a guest in visiting the aviaries or watch the service animal while the guest is in the aviaries.

The Zoo has two Mamava Lactation Pods for lactation needs such as pumping or breastfeeding. One is located inside the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center, and the other is in the lower level of the Ascension St. Vincent Dolphin Pavilion. Each pod includes comfortable seating, a fold-down table and electrical outlets for your convenience. The code to open the door is located on the outside of the pod, and the door locks from the inside for privacy. Users can also open the door and access other features via the Mamava app.

Wheelchairs, electric carts, strollers and wagons are available for rent at the Visitor Services Center on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pricing:

• Wheelchair: $12.50
• Electric cart: $29 (with canopy: $34)
• Double stroller: $12.75
• Wagon: $15.50