17 May 2022
Jersey Zoo has been awarded for being the first zoo across the UK and Europe to be certified as Sensory Inclusive. The largest of the Channel Islands, Jersey will now provide visitors with an accommodating and positive experience for all those with a sensory issue that visit the zoo.
According to a poll by Ipsos MORI, it is estimated that 5% and 16.5% of the general population have symptoms associated with sensory difficulties, however over a third (36%)1of adults have never heard of these sensory difficulties which can lead to many challenges for families on a day-to-day basis, including picking a holiday destination.
KultureCity, a non-profit using resources to effect change in the community for those with sensory needs, has partnered with Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust to train all staff at Jersey Zoo on how to recognise guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise-cancelling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads are now available to all guests at the zoo who may feel overwhelmed by the environment.
Amanda Burns, CEO of Visit Jersey, says, “We are proud of Jersey Zoo for leading the way as the first sensory inclusive zoo in the UK and Europe and hope others will follow. It is important to us that Jersey feels safe, welcoming, and accessible to all visitors. We are so pleased to have on-island partners that go above and beyond to constantly improve and enhance their visitor services, creating the best possible experience for all.”
Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions (one in six individuals). One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise, which can be a big part of the environment in a venue like Jersey Zoo. With its new certification, the zoo is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when visiting the zoo.
Graeme Dick, Director of Zoo Operations, says, “Here at Jersey Zoo, we are really excited to be launching this brand-new initiative for some of our guests. At the zoo our aim is to not only care for our animals and save species from extinction, but to connect people with nature, and that's really important for us at all levels in our community. There are some people who do not wish to visit the zoo because they may not feel it's a safe space or they may have difficulties connecting with our mission and the work that we do, so having KultureCity here allows our guests with sensory differences to have an additional comfort blanket and make Jersey Zoo a really safe and secure place for them to visit.”
Prior to their visit, families can download the free KultureCity App where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also, on the App is the Social Story, which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying a visit to Jersey Zoo.
Uma Srivastava, Executive Director at KultureCity, says, “Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that Jersey Zoo is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing. We're honored to partner with Jersey Zoo to provide a truly inclusive experience for all guests!”
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For more information and images, please contact Visit Jersey Press Office at One Green Bean: visitjersey@onegreenbean.com
Lauren Fisher: 07707393796
Georgie Quayle: 07815604111
Sarah Barnett: 07813844738
Notes to Editors
About Visit Jersey
Visit Jersey was established in March 2015, with the mission to promote tourism to and within Jersey in an innovative, economic and efficient way. Under the leadership of CEO Amanda Burns since 2020, Visit Jersey brings a fresh approach to telling Jersey's story, repositioning the destination in the minds of current and potential visitors as a fresh and vital escape. Today, Visit Jersey aims to be considered as the Curiously Brit…(ish) Island, a distinctly different, familiar yet exciting holiday destination. Jersey.com @VisitJerseyCI #theislandbreak
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is an international charity working to save species from extinction. Headquartered at Jersey Zoo in the Channel Islands, Durrell focuses on the most threatened species in the most threatened places.
Established by author and conservationist, Gerald Durrell, in 1959, Durrell's overall aim is for more diverse, beautiful and resilient natural landscapes in which species can thrive and people can enjoy a deeper connection with nature. Their approach concentrates on the rewilding of animals, the rewilding of ecosystems and the rewilding of people. Durrell.org
KultureCity
KultureCity is a leading non-profit recognised for using its resources to revolutionise and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs, not just those with autism.
Since the program's inception, KultureCity has created over 900 sensory-inclusive venues in five countries: this includes special events such as the NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl, MLB World Series, and MLB All Star Weekend. KultureCity has won many awards for its efforts, including the NASCAR Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award in 2017 and the 2018 Clio Sports Silver for social good in partnership with Cleveland Cavaliers/Quicken Loans Arena. The Cleveland Cavaliers' Quiet Space Sensory Room at Quicken Loans Arena was a finalist for the 2018 Stadium Business Award, KultureCity was named one of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2019 and 2020 by FastCompany and recently won the Industry Partner Award in TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Awards 2019. kulturecity.org
