POWELL, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is hosting an event to increase access for people who are blind, deaf and deafblind.
The Blind, Deaf, and DeafBlind Accessibility Day event features a variety of hands-on activities, resources and safe items to explore. The day is scheduled for June 9 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Local community partners will be set up in the Zoo's Conservation Courtyard near Conservation Lake to offer fun and educational experiences.
One of the highlighted events of the day is Keeper Talks, where guests will have the opportunity to learn from the zookeepers about the animals they take care of. ASL interpreters will be available at each session to ensure that everyone can fully engage and appreciate the insights shared by animal care teams.
Below is the Keeper Talks schedule:
- 9:45 a.m. Tigers (Asia Quest region)
- 10:30 a.m. Lions (Heart of Africa region)
- 11:15 a.m. Bears (North America/Polar Frontier region)
- 1 p.m. Koalas (Australia and the Islands region)
- 1:45 p.m. Orangutan (Australia and the Islands region)
- 2:30 p.m. Penguins (Shores and Aquarium region)
The zoo says the purpose of the accessibility day is to give everyone who participates an opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the zoo.
"We are excited to partner with local community organizations to provide inclusive experiences for our guests at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Together, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, enjoys and learns more about the world’s incredible wildlife. Our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity is at the heart of our work and our mission of ‘Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.’ We are proud to offer events that embody those values,” said Becky Nellis, Director of Curriculum and Partnerships at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
To learn more about the event and purchase passes, click here.
