New Hearing Loops

Following the installations of lots of Perspex screens for covid security lots of visitors and staff were finding it hard to hear each other. This feedback along with those who are hard of hearing asking for us to install hearing loops prompted the zoo to make some improvements to our front of house areas.

In July we welcomed ,Gordon Morris, a company who specialise in hearing solutions to help improve the visitor experience in several areas. This included installing 5 hearing loops and 3 speech transfer systems. The hearing loops are installed in the main Food Barn, Gift Shop, Farm Shop and at the ticket office. Whilst the Speech Transfer Systems help to improve communication in the Food Barn and Ticket Offices.

The installation of these systems is the latest step in improving the accessibility at the zoo and is part of our Ark for All initiative. The ‘Ark for All’ initiative, which launched in 2018, has seen improvements to toilet facilities including the installation of a changing places facility, new play equipment including a wheelchair accessible roundabout and basket swings as well as training for all staff in accessibility.

The zoo is part of the sunflower lanyard scheme with lanyards available for staff and visitors with invisible disabilities. Staff also regularly complete the Dementia Friends training and many staff have additional qualifications in British Sign Language, Autism Awareness and supporting those with additional needs.