Special Children’s Day at ZSL London Zoo
Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May 2013
The award-winning Special Children’s Day is back at ZSL London Zoo, helping to make the magic of the animal kingdom accessible for all.
Taking place from Saturday 18 to Sunday 19 May 2013, Special Children’s Day caters for families of children with disabilities, with extra features like British Sign Language interpreters at the Zoo’s talks, and guided ‘Touch Tours’ for visually-impaired children.
Awarded the 2012 'Best Education Project: Public and General Visitor’ by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), Special Children’s Day is carefully planned to ensure that the Zoo caters for everyone’s needs.
Guests will have the chance to explore the Zoo’s brand new Tiger Territory exhibit, home to Sumatran tigers Jae Jae and Melati, and hear all about the amazing big cats at the Tigers Live! talk. Tiger Territory, with help from a generous grant from the City Bridge Trust, has been designed to suit all access needs with sloping walkways, lifts to high viewing areas and floor-to-ceiling windows to allow everyone to see the magnificent animals.
Rainforest Life, London's only living rainforest will play host to the all-new Rainforest Experience*, a multi-sensory experience for children with sight impairment.
Developed in collaboration with the National Autistic Society, there’s a visual story available to download at www.zsl.org/specialchildrensday andThe Discovery Zone, where children can take part in storytelling sessions and arts and crafts activities, or simply relax in the chill-out area.
As well as getting up close to more than 750 species of animals at ZSL London Zoo, Special Children’s Day guests will be entertained by a live band throughout the weekend.
With extra staff and facilities to ensure a happy day for all – Special Children’s Day includes changing tents, additional disabled toilets and a chance to meet specialist charities offering information and support.
To book tickets for Special Children’s Day, or to find out more please visit www.zsl.org/specialchildrensday.
Special Children’s Day
With more than 750 different species to see, ZSL London Zoo is a great day out for the whole family. Special Children’s Day is an annual event held at ZSL London Zoo, specifically designed for families of children with disabilities. Dates for 2013, are Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May. Special Children’s Day tickets are available at www.zsl.org/specialchildrensday
*Rainforest Experience
The Rainforest Experience is an amazing sensory visit for children with sight impairment in Rainforest Life at ZSL London Zoo – this special experience is free but pre-booked only with limited capacity per day. For more details and to book please email: learning@zsl.org
Tiger Territory
Tiger Territory, a brand-new £3.6m flagship exhibit, is home to ZSL London Zoo’s latest arrivals, Jae Jae and Melati, a pair of Sumatran tigers. Visitors to Tiger Territory will see Jae Jae and Melati in their stunning Indonesian-inspired habitat, which was designed by ZSL’s team of tiger keepers and conservationists to meet every sensory need of these endangered animals. Featuring a pool, climbing trees and heated rocks for relaxation, it is hoped that the big cats will breed in the new 2,500sqm (27,000sqft) enclosure. Visit www.zsl.org/tigers to find out more.
Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
Founded in 1826, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international scientific, conservation and educational charity whose mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. Our mission is realised through our ground-breaking science, our active conservation projects in more than 50 countries and our two Zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. For more information visit www.zsl.org
City of London Corporation’s charity, City Bridge Trust
City Bridge Trust is the grant-making arm of Bridge House Estates. It was established to make use of funds surplus to bridge requirements and provides grants totalling around £15m per year towards charitable activity benefitting Greater London. City Bridge Trust supports charitable activity across Greater London. The City of London Corporation is the sole trustee of City Bridge Trust and members of its Court of Common Council form the Trust’s Grants Committee. The Trust’s Grants Team is based within the City of London’s main offices at the Guildhall.