Blog: A kinship to animals – how zoos and aquariums can be a sensory friendly sanctuary

In our latest blog, Sarah Walters (Autism Inclusion trainer and Founder of Peak Inclusion) writes about inclusion and the value of zoos and aquariums to neurodivergent visitors. 

Growing up I was a caged animal, being trained to ignore my natural instincts. But I always felt a connection with animals and their raw expression and purpose. Since understanding my ADHD and autism (AuDHD) I now know why I find zoos, wildlife parks and aquariums comforting, and it would be an honour to help you connect with your neurodivergent guests.

Me with my pawssistant, Willow

I’m Sarah and I have worked on autism friendly environment projects for over a decade; namely with cinemas and libraries, but more recently with some of BIAZA’s wonderful members including London Zoo, Dudley Zoo, and Woburn Safari Park. Together we embraced what it means to be autistic and the small (and big!) changes they can make to open a world of experience for many, often isolated, guests.

Did you know that almost 80% of autistic people feel socially isolated due to stigma and lack of understanding, and 43%-54% of young autistic adults have no friends or interactions outside of structured activities?

Please also consider that approximately 1 in 100 children in the UK are diagnosed autistic and it’s estimated there are 1.3 million autistic adults in England alone, though the true figure is expected to be much higher.

As rates increase, so does advocacy and the need for inclusion, accessibility, and fulfilment our non-neurodivergent peers are privileged to have.

Zoos, wildlife parks and aquariums already have great potential because, by the nature of the environments, they can be extremely calming for a neurodivergent dysregulated nervous system. In my experience, you also have some of the friendliest and open-minded staff I’ve encountered as a trainer, aunt and customer. These two things make the world of difference when you’re regularly criticised and judged for simply being yourself.

It also makes business sense, since the combined spending power of disabled households in the UK is now £446 billion per year, yet 75% of disabled people and their families have walked away from a UK business because of poor accessibility and customer service (The Purple Pound).

I’ve proudly (and rather determinedly) built my career to create more environments where fellow autistic people feel welcome and included. To continue this momentum, I’ve taken my expertise freelance and would like to offer a 25% discount to BIAZA members.

If you would like me to answer any questions or book a chat, please email me on [email protected]
And visit my website: peakinclusion.com
@PeakInclusion on Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn

- By Sarah Walters [she/her], Autism Inclusion trainer and Founder of Peak Inclusion

All blogs reflect the views of their author and are not necessarily a reflection of BIAZA's position