Inclusion is a Core Value at Potter Park Zoo
In keeping with our core values, Potter Park Zoo strives to be accessible and inclusive to all and to ensure each guest has the best experience possible.
From the time a visitor walks through the gate to the time they exit, the Potter Park Zoo team wants all to feel welcome.
Diversity statement: Valuing diversity at Potter Park Zoo by creating an inclusive, equitable and accessible environment for our employees, volunteers and community.
Virtual Tours by Able Eyes
Potter Park Zoo partnered with Able Eyes to provide virtual walk-thru tours of the inside of the zoo’s buildings. Virtual tours allow customers of all abilities an opportunity to explore beforehand to decrease anxiety, but more importantly is a tool used by persons with disabilities to explore accessibility beforehand, making new experiences more comfortable and easily navigated.
The videos can be viewed below or on the Able Eyes website here.
Feline/Primate Building:
Bird/Reptile Building:
Animall Gift Shop:
Discovery Center:
Accessible Parking
There are spots located in the zoo parking lot designated for those with a disability. The parking spots are marked by a sign and painted blue.
Wheelchairs / Electric Scooters Rentals
| Item | Cost | Weight Limits |
|---|---|---|
| ECV’s** | $25/Deposit $22.50/day |
(500lb max) |
| Wheelchairs | $6/day | |
| Wagons | $11/day | (75lb max) |
| Double Strollers | $11/day | (100lb max + 5lb for extra gear in pouches) |
| Single Strollers | $8/day | (100lb max + 5lb for extra gear in pouches) |
All prices above do not reflect tax.
* Valid identification required for all rentals
** Weather permitting (limited use in cold and wet weather)
Please call to reserve an electric cart and check on wheelchair availability – 517-342-2765
Family/Unisex Restrooms and Handicap Accessible Restrooms
Family/Unisex Restrooms can be found in the Welcome Center (located next to the Animall Gift Shop).
Handicap accessible restrooms can be found in these locations: The Welcome Center, outside the Animall Gift Shop, the Discovery Center, the Savanna Grill restaurant, in the park near admissions and at the Tiger Den.
Service Animals
Service Animals are welcome at Potter Park Zoo. A service animal is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as a dog or miniature horse that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. All service animals must be on a leash, for the safety of our animals and guests. Since our zoo is home to almost 500 animals, there are some areas of the zoo that service animals are not allowed because of the safety of not only our animals but yours as well. Service animals are not permitted in our animal contact areas including Wings of Wonder, Contact Yard (goats) and behind the scenes tours. This rule is in place because of the prey-predator relationship the animals have and the potential disease transmission from our animals to the service animals and vice versa.
Emotional Support Animals
Pets, exotic species, therapy animals, or emotional support animals are not considered service animals under ADA and therefore are not permitted within the gated perimeter of Potter Park Zoo.
KultureCity
Potter Park Zoo was certified Sensory Inclusive in April 2019 by KultureCity. All full-time staff have been trained and equipped with the knowledge to help people with disabilities (such as PTSD, autism, dementia). Read more here.
KultureCity App
You can download the KultureCity App to find out more information about our zoo and other organizations that are sensory inclusive. Download the app here: Apple users and Android users
Social Story
Potter Park Zoo provides a social story to help our guests have the best experience possible. This allows individuals and their families prepare for their visit. You can find the story here.
Programming
FALCONERS
FALCONERS began in 2016 and has served over 4,500 people. The program is designed to allow children or adults of all ages with special needs and unique challenges (such as autism or developmental disabilities) and their whole family to have an enriching educational experience in a safe, welcoming, and sensory-friendly environment. The events are held once a month. You can learn more about the FALCONERS program here.