Dudley Zoo awarded gold

Dudley Zoo are celebrating after scooping a top award from industry professionals for work to making the attraction more inclusive.

The zoo has been awarded gold in the Diversity and Inclusion category in the prestigious British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquarium (BIAZA) Awards, for creating an autism friendly attraction.

Zoo Director Matt Lewis, said: “As the first zoo to receive an autism friendly accreditation from Dimensions UK last year, we’re incredibly proud to be recognised by the zoo community for our ongoing initiatives, which will hopefully enable more people to connect with nature while enjoying a day out at DZC.”

This is the second BIAZA Diversity and Inclusion gold award they have won in three years. As part of ongoing inclusivity work, bosses have installed signage and information across the 40-acres to help visitors identify different sensory environments found at the zoo, as well as a BSL trail on how to sign some of their species’ names. A number of staff also received autism training from Dimensions UK.

Plus, they have also added a simple illustrated social story on their website, which can help those with sensory needs prepare for their zoo visit, while sensory bags are available to hire from the Safari Shop for anyone who may benefit.

BIAZA CEO Dr Jo Judge said: “This is an incredible achievement reflecting the very best in the zoo and aquarium community. We are at the very forefront of the fightback for nature, which needs all our help.

"As leaders we are absolutely committed to the very highest levels of animal welfare, conservation, education and research – all while offering brilliant days out for the family.”