One of my earliest memories was Sunday Afternoon and My Family loading up in our 1955 Blue Chevy and going for a ride. This was the time of the week for us to spend time together and explore the world. One of my favorite places to go was the Ft. Worth Zoo. This was the late 50’s and the Zoo was Free. Today I still want to go But can I? My daughter wanted to go see the Elephant, Can we do this?
We Decided to Plan a Trip
I am 70 and have had my hips replaced. Frequently I must sit because of crushed discs in my back. I use a cane and have to sit frequently or break down and use a scooter. My Daughter is nonverbal, developmental Delays with many characteristics of Autism. She tends to walk away from her group. My Friend Leslie uses a walker and wants to go to help with my Daughter and go to the Zoo. She had never been able to go. Can we do this?
The Fort Worth Zoo, was founded in 1909. it was established with one lion, two bear cubs, an alligator, a coyote, a peacock, and a few rabbits. As years passed Many citizens and Corporations of Fort Worth stepped up and helped with the expansion and development until it became one of the top zoos in the nation. The zoo is now home to 7,000 native and exotic animals.
Can the 3 of us Handle it?
I have found it best through the years to call ahead and ask questions. The Education Dept was very Informative. and provided me with this statement and sites:
The Fort Worth Zoo is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors, including those with special needs. They offer a range of services and accommodations to ensure that everyone can enjoy their visit. Here are some of the ways the Fort Worth Zoo has adapted for special needs people:
- Sensory bags: The Fort Worth Zoo provides sensory bags that contain noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and weighted stuffed animals to hold during the visit, among other items that can provide some comfort 1.
- Service animals: The Fort Worth Zoo welcomes any well-behaving service dog in the company of a guest with disabilities. If you plan to visit the Zoo with a service animal, please first read this policy and check in at the Guest Relations office upon arrival 2.
- The Fort Worth Zoo has taken several measures to ensure that visitors with physical disabilities can enjoy their visit. Here are some of the ways the Fort Worth Zoo has adapted for people with physical abilities:
- Wheelchairs and electric scooters: The Fort Worth Zoo provides wheelchairs and electric scooters for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. They are available at the Guest Relations office near the main entrance 1.
- Accessible pathways: The zoo has accessible pathways throughout the park, including ramps and elevators, to ensure that visitors with mobility issues can navigate the park with ease 2.
Ready Set Go To the Zoo!
We arrived on a beautiful January, Monday Morning to Go see the Elephants. We Bought our tickets at the gate and started our Day. If we had planned to go on a Wednesday the tickets would have been half price, info good to know for next time.
We went to the guest relations department and rented 2 scooters. The staff was very nice and explained in detail how to operate the scooters. They reviewed safety and what to do if we wanted to park it and walk about a few minutes. (TAKE the key).
We took off and saw the flamingos first. We were able to pull the scooters right up to the observation windows wherever we went and saw many benches to rest on. I also saw places where you could go and Pull away from the noise and activity when needed. Much needed for Many with Autism or other sensory sensitivities. The paths were in good shape, The bathrooms were roomy and very clean. My daughter wanted to find the elephants. We continued on our Hunt .
The Baby Gorilla was riding around on his mother’s back and had my daughter’s interest. Look at the wonderful picture she took! All the monkeys were a big hit but we were looking for the Elephants and were on a mission. We found many wonderful sites. The Penguins and Crocidilles were interesting but we were looking for the Elephants. The Reptile house had a very Big Iquania sitting in the Sun. I thought my friend Leslie was going to have a heart attack when she saw the Meir Cats. She thought they were so cute.
Finally, after a long search, We found the Elephants. Grandma, Mama, and baby! they were so cute and seemed happy in their big yard and watering hole.
Security to the Rescue
I am old and while leaving the restroom got too close to the wall and scraped my old lady skin. Now I need a band-aid. I asked an employee where I could buy a Band-Aid He said to wait right here and called security. In addition to making sure we were all safe, they carry a first aid kit with them and my scrape was taken care of.
We had a wonderful day, My daughter saw her Elephants and many more animals. The weather was great and the Zoo was welcoming. We were able to see it all!
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