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Business Sector: Visitor Attraction
Location: Brynsiencyn, Llanfairpwll LL61 6TQ
Website: www.angleseyseazoo.co.uk
Part of Anglesey’s Initial Pilot Project – April 2021
About Anglesey Sea Zoo
Anglesey Sea Zoo is an aquarium that has won many awards for displaying some of Britain’s best marine wildlife. It’s a family-friendly attraction with more than 40 tanks featuring creatures from the UK’s coasts including octopus, lobsters, seahorses, eels, jellyfish and sharks. As well as having a fun day out, you will also learn about Britain’s marine habitats, marine litter and the research and conservation work the zoo is doing to help save them. The Sea Zoo holds regular events and there is also an excellent cafe, gift shop and outdoor play area.
“We take pride in being extremely disability aware and are committed to making sure that the zoo and our events are fully accessible. We are members of the Disability Confident employer scheme and a champion within our local business community having been awarded Level 3 – Confident Disability Leader.”
Frankie Hobro, Director, Anglesey Sea Zoo
The Challenge
Having a holiday and exploring a new destination or going back to somewhere you’ve been before is something we all enjoy. But, for many people with accessibility problems it can be an extremely difficult experience. A stress-free holiday does not always come without having to overcome challenges. That is why research is very important and not only when looking for accommodation but also when choosing visitor attractions.
Support the Solution
Môn Sea Zoo is proud that its resources and events are accessible to everyone, regardless of age or physical limitations. To ensure an unforgettable experience, they recommend contacting the zoo before the visit to be able to discuss and overcome any accessibility problems.
Standard and family tickets are valid for 7 days, which means visitors can come back to the Zoo as many times as they like in a week, and that’s free. As one family who visits regularly said “That’s especially good for us as one of our children has ADHD, so his concentration can vary but we can come and go as needed. On some visits, we can only be there for about 5 minutes, but, on other occasions, we can spend almost a whole day. As he is familiar with the exhibitions, he knows what to expect and that is so much better for him. He especially likes the overwhelming wave that drops a ton of water every 30 seconds and trying to spot the fish that are hiding as well as all the interactive elements. There is so much to see, it’s definitely exceeded our expectations.”
Môn Sea Zoo regularly holds events, which are open to everyone including anyone with accessibility issues. As an active member of the Marine Conservation Society, visitors will be able to take part in one of the beach cleaning events, which are organized every month, or celebrate World Ocean Day, take part in a Shoreline Safari or join in a craft session. There are also sessions when no music is played and the lights are dimmed for people with special needs. Details of these events are on the website and on Facebook.
It is also possible to hire a wheelchair for free, and order them in advance. There are also car parking spaces for the disabled.
The Benefits
Everyone enjoys the holidays and rest needed to improve physical and mental health. With Môn Sea Zoo making sure that its attractions and events are accessible to everyone, all visitors to the island are welcome to enjoy an unforgettable stay.
How PIWS supports Anglesey Sea Zoo
Môn Sea Zoo is working with PIWS to adopt the use of international accessibility symbols as well as to promote the attraction for people with accessibility problems.
What resources were introduced?
Carers for free
Carers accompanying anyone who is registered disabled are admitted free. The carer must show proof, for example a carer’s identification card or Health Service paperwork.
Sunflower Design
The sunflower is a recognized sign that the wearer has a hidden disability. It is subtle but easy for others to recognize, recognize and understand that the wearer is facing challenges, whether it is the need for additional support, help or a little more time. Through PIWS, Môn Sea Zoo has registered to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme. Through its membership, the Zoo has added it to the scheme’s location map on its website and is also committed to training its staff to recognize the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower which ensures that they understand hidden disabilities better and learn how to approach and support customers who wear a Hidden Sunflower.
Current Access Statement
