Disabled Access Information
The San Diego Zoo works with Accessible San Diego to evaluate and develop its facilities to be enjoyed by everyone. The Zoo’s accessible features include accessible parking spaces near the entrance, restroom facilities which are identified on the map, telephones including a telecommunications device for the deaf, and two accessible amphitheaters so guests may enjoy two entertaining and highly informative animal shows.
All disabled guests must pay admission fees to the Zoo.
The Zoo provides special assistance to its exhibits and attractions for those with limited mobility. Our bus tour offers space to store folding wheelchairs. Before boarding, it is recommended that you notify the bus attendant to reserve seats in the wheelchair area of the bus for other members of your party. Those guests in a non-folding wheelchair may leave it at the loading facility to be picked up at the end of the bus tour.
Guests with limited mobility may also enjoy spectacular views of the Zoo and surrounding Balboa Park from our Skyfari attraction. Those guests in folding wheelchairs may have their wheelchairs transported ahead by a gondola to be available upon their arrival at the opposite terminal. Those who have non-folding or electric wheelchairs may leave their wheelchair at the terminal and take a round trip.
Should guests need a ride to avoid steep grade areas, a shuttle service is available by asking a Zoo employee to call for one. In addition, for safety purposes it is not recommended for guests in wheelchairs to use the moving walkways. Again, shuttle assistance can transport disabled guests to their desired location.
We welcome Guests with disabilities that choose to bring their trained service animal into the Zoo. A copy of our guidelines for service animals may be obtained in the Security office. A kennel is available for those who choose to leave their service animal during their stay on Zoo grounds. (Pets are not allowed inside the Zoo.)
All services and attractions are listed in the guide map if you have additional questions. If you need more information or assistance during your visit, please ask any available employee. He or she can contact someone to help you. If you have additional questions about visiting the Zoo that have not been answered, please contact us.
Policy Change Notice
The Zoological Society of San Diego has revised the entrance policy for people who visit the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park using motorized wheelchairs or scooters.
The revised entrance policy should make visiting our two parks easier for people who use these mobility devices as they will no longer need to stop at the main entrance to receive information about the use of motorized mobility devices on our grounds and they will no longer need to sign a written liability agreement.
Under the revised policy, as guests using mobility devices pass through the entrance of both parks, a map will be made available containing safety information specific to the use of mobility devices on the unique terrain of the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park.
No signature will be required, no verbal warnings will be given, and users of these mobility devices will no longer be asked to sign liability agreements that affect their legal rights as a condition of entering the Zoo.
The Zoological Society of San Diego will not enforce any previous liability agreements entered into by users of mobility devices under prior entrance policies.
