Diversity Statement
Valuing diversity at Potter Park Zoo by creating an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for our employees, volunteers, and community.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Plan
Potter Park Zoo follows a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Plan. This is a working document that adjusts to the needs of our guests. The plan can be viewed here.
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.
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.
Check out our AbleVu page to see a detailed list of our accomdations with pictures and descriptions.
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 Accessible Restrooms
Family/Unisex Restrooms can be found in the Welcome Center (located next to the AniMall Gift Shop).
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 and Service Animals in Training 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 where 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, 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.
