People with autism, seniors, wheelchair users: Denver Zoo prioritizes access

A red-tailed hawk stopped by the Business, Arts, Workforce and Aviation Committee of the Denver City Council Tuesday.Photo byDenver 8/City and County of Denver

Denver Zoo CEO Bert Vescolani briefed a City Council committee Wednesday on all the happenings at Denver Zoo, which recently changed its name to Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance.

While members of the Business, Arts, Aviation and Workforce Committee lauded the zoo for multiple accomplishments, in particular they gave Vescolani kudos for making the animal wonderland accessible to all.

The zoo recently became certified for people with autism by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. According to a news release from the board, the zoo completed “training and certification to better understand and welcome autistic or sensory-sensitive visitors and their families. (The board) also conducted an onsite review to provide additional ways the Zoo can accommodate visitors and create detailed sensory guides for each exhibit as part of the certification process.”

People with autism sometimes suffer from sensory overload, according to the news release. “Many autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals may find it challenging to visit new places or plan family trips due to a lack of staff training and understanding, the potential for sensory overload, and the need for flexible options or accommodations.” The board developed the training and certification programs specifically for theme parks, hotels, zoos, aquariums, and other attractions.

Council members Chris Hinds and Diana Romero Campbell praised Vescolani for making the zoo completely accessible by wheelchair. Hinds described using a ramp to a parking garage that otherwise only is accessible by stairs or an elevator. Elevators break, Hinds said, and Vescolani conceded that’s a problem they currently are dealing with. That’s why ramps are so important, Hinds said. The zoo also has wheelchairs and electric scooters available for rent, according to its website.

As part of its autism certification, the zoo now hands out “sensory kits,” according to its website. “Sensory Kits are available to check out at our concierge booth, located just inside the main entrance of the Zoo. These are free to check out and contain helpful tools to create a sensory-friendly visit with us. We do hold a photo ID during the time you’re using the kit and will return it when you bring your kit back at the end of your visit. Each kit includes ear defenders, sunglasses and fidget tools. Weighted lap blankets, coloring pages and crayons are also available for check out. “

For seniors, the zoo offers adult changing stations.

Are pandas in the zoo’s future?

Council member Diana Romero Campbell asked whether the zoo ever would get pandas. Vescolani said giant pandas are expensive to feed and care for. He said it is more affordable for zoos to keep pandas when they can grow their own food for the animals. He said Denver’s climate is not conductive to that. He said red pandas, however, are easier to care for and don’t eat as much. Hinds noted that the Pueblo zoo has red pandas.

The Denver Zoo has been in business 128 years. Its recent name change reflects its ongoing commitment to conservation efforts. The zoo recently assisted the state in the relocation of wolverines, for example.

Dark Skies Initiative

Council member Stacie Gilmore suggested the zoo become involved in the Dark Skies Initiative. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website, the initiative aims to keep animals safe. “Adding artificial light to natural habitat may result in substantial impact to certain species. For example, migrating passerine birds reference stars to fly at night and can be disoriented by city lights and towers. Sea turtle hatchlings orient toward the brightest light on the beach, but instead of being drawn to the safety of sparkling waves on the ocean, they are often drawn toward roads and parking lots, where they quickly perish. And amphibians, with vision far more sensitive than that of humans, are prone to be disoriented by light. Changes to cave environments can have a similarly disruptive effect. Research into the ecological consequences of artificial night lighting is revealing numerous connections between light pollution and species disruption.”

Red-tailed hawk steals show

A red-tailed hawk accompanied Vescolani to the committee meetings. Committee members marveled at the bird, and then it relieved itself. Vescolani assured the group the bird was not offended by anything someone said, and that wild animals will “deposit.”

On average, 1.7 million people per year visit the zoo, Vescolani said, and about a quarter of those come at reduced cost. He said people receiving food stamps get into the zoo for $1 and can bring up to 11 family members with them also for $1 per person. The zoo hosts seven free days per year.