Accessibility
The Columbian Park Zoo is a six-acre facility on relatively flat terrain. Pathways are ADA compliant and consist of various substrates including concrete, gravel, sand, and mulch. Wheelchairs and other ADA mobility devices are permitted in all public areas, including contact yards and immersion exhibits (Wallaby Walkabout, Butterfly Garden Party, Family Farm). Please be aware that mobility devices taken into contact yards and immersion exhibits may come in contact with animals and/or their droppings and the Zoo cannot accept any liability for their damage. Alternate exterior viewing opportunities are available for patrons who do not wish to enter contact areas and immersion exhibits with mobility devices.
Strollers, Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters
The Columbian Park Zoo has a wheelchair available for loan out to patrons needing assistance with mobility. The wheelchair can be checked out at the zoo gift shop located at the zoo entrance. In order to check out the wheelchair some form of ID will need to be given to the zoo staff, and will be returned once the wheelchair is returned. We are unable to accept reservations for this item, and it is available on a first come, first served basis.
Other than ADA mobility devices, scooters and other motorized vehicles are not permitted on Zoo grounds.
Strollers for convenience purposes are welcome on Zoo grounds, but are prohibited from contact yards and immersion exhibits. Please use designated stroller parking areas and take all valuables with you.
The Columbian Park Express Train and Wild Tykes Play Zone rides are not wheelchair accessible.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome on Zoo grounds and should be properly leashed or harnessed. Service animals are not permitted in the following contact yards or immersion exhibits: Wallaby Walkabout, Family Farm and Butterfly Garden Party exhibit. Alternate exterior exhibit viewing areas are available.
Parking
Handicap spaces are available in the Wallace Street parking lot. This is the nearest parking to the main Zoo entrance gate, which is located in the interior of Columbian Park. Walking distance from the parking lot to the entrance gate is several hundred yards. Please contact the Zoo administrative office at 765-807-1540 in advance of your visit if you need special entry accommodations due to a disability.
Sensory Bags
A Sensory Bag is available for check-out. This bag contains tactile zoo artifacts selected to enhance the visit of patrons with visual impairments. Please contact the Zoo administrative office at 765-807-1540 in advance of your visit to request the Sensory Bag. Some form of ID is required for check-out, but no fee applies if items are returned without damage.
Allergy Concerns
We want everyone’s visit to be a safe and enjoyable one! That’s why we want you to know that Columbian Park Zoo is not an allergen-free zone. Please be aware that the Zoo uses common allergens such as, but not limited to, peanuts, tree nuts, seeds, eggs, dairy, and a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains in animal diets. These items are stored in various locations around the Zoo and visitors may be exposed to allergens in any public area or through education program participation, either at the Zoo or off-site. In addition, the Zoo is a welcome home to a variety of native insects, including bees, which are commonly encountered in the Butterfly Garden. Visitors with environmental allergies to these items are welcome to call the Zoo Administration Office at 765-807-1540 for more information regarding exposure risks.
Building Access and Restrooms
The Zoo Administration Office, Gift Shop and DeFouw Education Center and included restrooms are all ADA accessible.