Wheeling Around the Brevard Zoo

Yesterday, my mom and I went to the Brevard Zoo, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. It was a beautiful day outside. I was able to move through the zoo in my electric wheelchair with no problem. I could see various animals. The animal I enjoyed observing the most was a giraffe named Greg, who ate lettuce leaves from some of the people around me. Before leaving the zoo through its gift shop, I ate a tasty burger and fries for lunch at the Nourish 321 outdoors cafe, where there are two handicap accessible picnic tables.

I'm pleased with the accessibility of the Brevard Zoo. Only a few parts of the zoo, such as kayaking and Treetop Trek, are inaccessible. If you don't have your own mobility device, you can rent a wheelchair or an electric conveyance vehicle from Guest Services. This department also provides sensory bags to visitors with sensory processing disorder. The sensory bags contain a weighted lap pad, noise-canceling headphones, and fidget toys among other items. Wheelchair users can access the elevated walkway of the Rainforest Revealed section by the use of a lift. Children with special needs can play and learn about animals in the zoo's Exceptional Nature Space established in 2017. Those with autism spectrum disorders can download from the Brevard Zoo's website a social story that describes how they can have an enjoyable experience.

The Brevard Zoo plans to stay open despite coronavirus concerns. However, starting tomorrow, the Wildlife Detective Training Academy and the Paws On Petting Zone will be closed temporarily, and zoo visitors will not be allowed to participate in animal feedings until further notice. If you have questions about the zoo's accessibility, you can contact inclusion coordinator Lindsay Mathisen at lmathisen@brevardzoo.org. For more information about this wonderful attraction, go to https://brevardzoo.org/.

I by the Brevard Zoo map

(Photo by Tracy Jensen-McGrath)