Accessibility and Sensory Information

At the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, we strive to provide inclusive experiences for all visitors. Please ask for assistance at the Visitor's Center or the Information Station near Lion/Tiger Hill.

All Zoo exhibits are accessible for visitors with limited mobility via escalators, elevators and ramps, though the terrain is hilly. A lift in the Visitor Center lobby provides access to restrooms and water fountains. Benches are conveniently located throughout the Zoo in both indoor and outdoor areas.

Parking and Entrances

Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in Lots A, B, and D with a paid parking pass. Refer to the Zoo Map for entrance locations, pathways, and building closures.

Rent wheelchairs, electronic convenience vehicles (or "scooters",) strollers, and wagons at retail kiosks inside the Visitor Center. Zoo Members enjoy a 15% discount on rental rates. 

  • Manual Wheelchair: Free
  • Single-seat Electronic Convenience Vehicle: $40
  • Stroller: $15
  • Wagon: $17

Visitors are also welcome to bring their own mobility devices.

Note: A photo ID or drivers license from the U.S. or other country of origin is required for all rentals. Passports are not accepted for security and safety concerns. Operators must be 18 years or older.

Restrooms are located at the Visitor Center, Panda Plaza, Elephant Outpost and Conservation Pavilion. All restrooms throughout the Zoo are accessible. The Visitor Center's restrooms and water fountains are accessible via a wheelchair lift.

Family restrooms are located in the Visitor Center, Elephant Outpost and Conservation Pavilion. All restrooms at the Zoo have automatic flushing mechanisms.

Service animals are welcome at the Zoo. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. 

Pets, emotional support, therapy, comfort and companion dogs, and dogs in training are not considered service dogs under the guidelines of the ADA. 

Access Services

Access services, including sign language interpretation, CART and audio description, are available upon request. Please email NZP-VisitorServices@si.edu two weeks in advance to request these services.

Aira

The Zoo is a location for the Aira Access mobile information and verbal description service.  Visit Aira Access for more information.

Social Narratives

Social narratives are resource guides for individuals with cognitive disabilities and are useful as pre-visit guides to animal areas within the park. The social narratives highlight what visitors may encounter while touring the Zoo. In addition to showcasing animals in the collection, these guides also provide information on quiet areas, educational demonstrations, hands-on activities and artistic works. View and download the Zoo's social narratives. 

Please note that social narratives may not reflect which exhibit buildings and areas of the Zoo are currently open. See the Exhibits page for a list of open exhibits.

Tactile Elements

Tactile elements are provided for all visitors throughout the Zoo. However, access to some elements may be restricted or undergoing maintenance. The Zoo asks guests to follow safe hygiene guidelines when choosing to interact with tactile elements.

Quieter Times to Visit the Zoo

Labor Day through Easter (excluding Thanksgiving through New Year’s) is typically a less busy, quieter time of the year to visit the Zoo. For additional information related to visiting during special events, please see the events page. Visitation varies depending on holidays, school vacations, weather and other factors. Light, noise and crowds vary widely between animal exhibits.

Our web pages have been designed to meet or exceed the Section-508 standards and to conform to the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, Level AA. 

If you have feedback or concerns related to the accessibility of any content on this website, or have ideas or comments that would help improve the accessibility and usability of this website, please contact the Office of Communications through the Site Feedback form.

The Zoo has a lactation space available in the Think Tank exhibit. Please ask at the Information Desk if you need assistance locating it. 

Baby changing stations are available in all restrooms.