Nashville Zoo is a member of the Inclusion Network of Nashville and is committed to being both accessible and inclusive for our community!
The Zoo makes a concerted effort to ensure our pathways, exhibits and facilities are accessible to all visitors. Below are resources that are available to help plan your next visit to Nashville Zoo.
Wheelchairs
Zoo visitors in need of a wheelchair are welcome to rent a manual wheelchair or one of our electric scooters at the Zoo entrance. Wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-serve basis. Due to the popularity of these rentals, we are unable to guarantee availability and this equipment cannot be reserved in advance.
Personal wheelchairs are always welcome at Nashville Zoo.
Service Dogs
Trained service dogs that are leashed and properly restrained are welcome at Nashville Zoo. Guests with a service dog are asked to alert a guest services staff member at the front entrance upon arrival. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service dogs under the ADA and are not permitted at Nashville Zoo.
Personal pets are also not permitted on grounds, including the parking lot.
Restricted areas
Service dogs are restricted from the following areas as a safety precaution for the Zoo animals in these exhibits:
- Lorikeet Landing
- Kangaroo Kickabout
- Critter Encounters
Accessibility Resources
The Nashville Zoo is committed to being an inclusive community! We have a number of resources available to those with Autism Spectrum Disorders or other sensory sensitivities.
Zooper Packs: These complimentary packs are available at the Zoo's ticket booth. Each Zooper Pack contains resources to aid in a fun, stress-free day at the Zoo, including a visual schedule, sensory-friendly map, fidget toys, earplugs, ID bracelets and more.
Visual Schedule: Print out this schedule (pdf) ahead of time to help plan your visit. Also available as a Spanish printable (pdf).
Sensory-friendly Map: This version of our Zoo map (pdf) indicates areas that might be loud, crowded, or have strong odors, as well as Quiet Areas.
Social Stories: Use these social stories to help prepare for a Zoo visit.
My Day at Nashville Zoo (pdf) | Spanish (pdf)
Animal Shows (pdf) | Spanish (pdf)
Lorikeet Landing (pdf) | Spanish (pdf)
Touching Animals (pdf) | Spanish (pdf)
Waiting in Line (pdf) | Spanish (pdf)
Playing at the Jungle Gym and Promise Park (pdf) | Spanish (pdf)
Visiting DinoTrek (pdf) | Spanish (pdf)