The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a popular destination for animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, for visitors with disabilities, navigating the zoo’s hilly terrain can present unique challenges. In this blog post, we’ll explore the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s efforts to ensure accessibility and provide accommodations for guests with special needs.
Wheelchair Rentals and Accessibility Options
One of the primary concerns for visitors with mobility issues is the ability to navigate the zoo’s grounds. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers push wheelchair rentals for $13 per day, providing a convenient option for those who need assistance. While the zoo does not provide motorized wheelchair rentals, guests are welcome to bring their own motorized wheelchairs.
The zoo’s location on the side of a mountain can make accessibility challenging, with many doors being difficult to enter and steep grades making it challenging to explore the entire facility. However, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and strives to make the zoo accessible to everyone.
Caregiver Assistance and Guest Service Shuttle
For guests with disabilities who require the assistance of a paid caregiver, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers a complimentary admission for one caregiver or aide to accompany the guest and perform their duties. Visitors should identify themselves to the Admissions staff to receive this accommodation.
In addition to the wheelchair rentals, the zoo also offers a guest service shuttle for $3 per person per day, which includes an all-day hand stamp. This shuttle is wheelchair and stroller friendly, allowing guests to skip the longer hills and navigate the zoo with ease. It’s important to note that some shuttle stops may be temporarily unavailable due to ongoing construction projects.
Elevation and Accessibility Considerations
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s elevation ranges from 6,714 feet at the front admission gate to nearly 7,000 feet above sea level at the highest points. This significant change in elevation can pose challenges for visitors, especially those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. The zoo advises guests to stay hydrated, take their time, and consider using the guest service shuttle to get around the zoo grounds.
Service Animals and Medical Emergencies
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo welcomes service animals that are trained to perform tasks or work for people with disabilities. Guests with service animals may tour certain areas of the zoo with their animal, in compliance with the ADA. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents their use.
In the event of a medical emergency, guests can contact any zoo team member or visit the Administration building in the Australia Walkabout area, which is open daily during zoo hours.
Conclusion
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s commitment to accessibility and accommodations for visitors with disabilities is commendable. By offering wheelchair rentals, a guest service shuttle, and welcoming service animals, the zoo strives to make the experience enjoyable for all guests, regardless of their physical abilities. While the zoo’s hilly terrain and high elevation can present challenges, the zoo’s efforts to comply with the ADA and provide a welcoming environment for all visitors are truly admirable.
References:
– Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Accessibility Information
– Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Service Animal Policy
– Cheyenne Mountain Zoo FAQs and Rules
– Tripadvisor Reviews on Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Accessibility