West Midlands Safari Park to host quiet morning and announces inclusivity plans

To celebrate World Autism Awareness Month, West Midlands Safari Park has shared plans for its commitment to inclusivity, including an upcoming morning for guests with additional needs.

On Sunday 28 April, the Park will host its first ‘quiet morning’, welcoming guests who would like to explore the walk-through areas of the Park, with limited stimulation.

The Park will open at an earlier time of 9am and for the first hour and a half, will have no music or immersive sounds playing. Guests will also have the option for an open Safari Drive time slot, giving them more flexibility during their day.

The Park’s Treetops Pavilion event space will be open as a quiet area, where guests can take part in some crafts, animal artefact talks, or just take some time out.  

Head of Operations and People, Charlotte Stokes, said, “One of our company values is togetherness and it’s through embracing and respecting diversity in people that this is achieved.

“We are committed to continuing to develop an inclusive environment for all our guests and team members, and it's been a pleasure to gain insight from a range of diverse voices to help us reach this exciting moment.”

As well as quiet mornings, which the Park hopes to run more of throughout the year and for special events, it has revealed further DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion) plans.

These include a permanent quiet room in the Adventure Theme Park – a safe space for guests to visit when they feel like they need a calm break from all the fun.

As part of the African Walking Trail development, which offers a more peaceful environment, a sensory garden will be created along the route.

The Park already has a social story, which is a sensory guide for guests, informing them of what they can expect to see, hear and smell in certain areas, so this will be expanded to include a trail map of busy and stimulating areas, so guests can more efficiently plan their visit.

Additionally, staff will be partaking in training sessions, including how to communicate with Makaton and the Park will hire out ear defenders, for guests that need them, for a returnable deposit.

The quiet morning and all the activities are included in the admission charge. Guests are encouraged to book online in advance for the best prices. Children under the age of three are free.

More information is available on the Park’s website: www.wmsp.co.uk