Africa Alive Zoological Reserve is the latest visitor attraction to open a state-of-the-art Changing Places toilet.
The fully accessible restroom, designed specifically to cater to the needs of individuals who require more support and space, includes a hoist, adult sized changing bench and space for carers.
"We are extremely grateful and excited about the opportunities that the addition of a Changing Places toilet facility at Africa Alive will bring to our wider community, allowing more people to get closer to nature end experience our conservation education offers,” said Jandre Smuts, Head of Mission at The Zoological Society of East Anglia Ltd (ZSEA) which runs the reserve.
According to a survey commissioned by the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers, 88.3% said that they would like to see Changing Places facilities at tourist attractions such as zoos and safari parks, whilst 86% of those surveyed, who have used the toilets at tourist attractions, said that it allowed them to have a day out, highlighting the importance of increasing accessibility.
A consortium of leading charitable organisations including Muscular Dystrophy UK, Age Concern and the Disability Alliance have been actively campaigning for widespread access to Changing Places since 2006.
“Our primary mission is to utilise the technology we have in order to make the UK a more equitable society with access for everyone,” said Tom Hulbert, Managing Director of Innova Care Concepts, which devised and installed the Changing Places toilet at Africa Alive.
Set in 100 acres of stunning Suffolk countryside the reserve is home to hundreds of animals from around the world.
To find out more about accessibility at Africa Alive go to https://www.zsea.org/reserve/plan-your-visit/accessibility