Fort Worth Zoo to Host Sensory-Friendly Day

The Fort Worth Zoo has announced that it will host its first Sensory-Friendly Day on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020. The Zoo will open an hour early – at 9 a.m. – especially for those participating in the day.

Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Zoo

Sensory-Friendly Day is specially designed for individuals on the autism spectrum as well as those who have sensory sensitivities. Some sensory-sensitive accommodations will allow these individuals to enjoy a fun-filled day at the Zoo with their families and caregivers.

Participants have access to quiet rooms in the Zoo’s education centers for breaks as well as quiet zones inside the Zoo, which are available to create relief from any overwhelming situations. Other accommodations will include keeper chats throughout the park, educational activities in multiple locations as well as animal encounters.

“Animals can reduce stress levels for all of us, but especially for those with autism, and we’re looking forward to devoting a day to these specially designed activities,” said Kathy Dorris, the Zoo’s director of education.

Photo by Jeremy Enlow

A limited number of Sensory Bags are available to Zoo guests. Each bag contains items that might assist in making the Zoo a friendlier experience for guests with sensory sensitivities. Sensory Bags contain a weighted animal the guest can hold, noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and other resources. The bags are available for checkout from the Guest Relations office at the front of the Zoo. There is no rental fee; we ask that all items be placed back in the bag and returned at the end of the visit. The bags are available on a first-come, first-served basis so they cannot be reserved.

There will also be interpretive specialists and keepers throughout the park, sharing facts about the animals

For more information, please visit http://www.fortworthzoo.org/sensory-friendly.