The staff and volunteers of Brookfield Zoo Chicago welcome you and are happy to answer your questions. Brookfield Zoo Chicago makes a concerted effort to make its grounds, pathways, buildings, exhibits and programs accessible to all visitors. The information contained in our Accessibility Guide will be helpful in answering your questions.
Rentals
For Wheelchair or Electronic Convenience Vehicle (“ECV”) rental reservations, please click here. Reservations are not accepted for strollers or wagons.
KultureCity® Sensory Inclusion
As part of our ongoing mission to make Zoo for All a reality — and create a space that’s welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to every guest — we have earned Sensory Inclusive Certification with KultureCity®, a nonprofit organization celebrating 10 years of empowering communities to better support individuals with sensory sensitivities or sensory processing differences. With a presence in over 3,000 organizations across 6 countries, they are redefining accessibility for the 1 in 4 individuals who live with sensory processing challenges.
What are sensory processing differences?
Our nervous system processes information through eight senses (yes, eight!). For many people, that system functions automatically. But for individuals with sensory processing differences—such as those with autism, ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, dementia, traumatic brain injuries, and more—everyday environments can be overwhelming. Bright lights, loud sounds, crowded spaces, or strong smells can lead to sensory overload, making places like zoos feel inaccessible.
Now, with our certification and tools, we are better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities and sensory processing differences.
KultureCity Sensory Bags: We are pleased to offer KultureCity sensory bags which can be borrowed and returned at both North and South Gate Guest Services. The bags contain: noise-reducing headphones, strobe reduction eyeglasses, fidget tools, a feeling thermometer, visual cue card, and ID Card with lanyard.
KultureCity Signage: Signage is placed throughout Brookfield Zoo Chicago to indicate areas where there may be sensory challenges such as noise, smells and sounds, as well as, indicate quiet spaces for relaxing.
KultureCity Social Story: To help prepare for a visit to Brookfield Zoo Chicago, view our social story, complete with visuals and details.
Our staff members receive KultureCity training on sensory sensitivities and sensory processing challenges. Please do not hesitate ask for assistance.
Accommodations
We strive to provide inclusive recreational programs to all of our Brookfield Zoo Chicago guests. To request a reasonable accommodation, ideally no less than 14 days in advance (other than a wheelchair or ECV), please complete the ADA Accommodation Request Form or call the ADA Coordinator at (708) 688-8559.
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Nos esforzamos para proveer programas recreativos para todos los que visitan Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Para pedir acomodación, si es posible con por lo menos 14 dias de aviso, por favor utiliza este formulario: ADA Accessibility Request Form o llama al coordinador de ADA al (708) 688-8559.
RENT WHEELCHAIR/ECV