£30,000 grant to help make Jersey Zoo more disability-friendly

Monday 06 November 2023

Jersey Zoo has been able to kickstart a project to make the site more inclusive for disabled visitors thanks to a £30,000 charitable grant.

Awarded by the Association of Jersey Charities, the grant came from the Channel Islands Lottery Fund, which provides funding to community-based projects and services.

The money will go towards making the Zoo “an inclusive and enjoyable destination for individuals of all needs and abilities” after an accessibility audit found that improvements should be made to access to buildings and facilities, as well as upgrades to flooring, lighting, and ramps.

Pictured: Durrell’s curator of herpetology and invertebrates,  Matt Goetz, in the Zoo's reptile and amphibian house.

The cost of the initial renovations to improve accessibility identified by the audit will be funded by the CI Lottery grant – which will cover the cost of flattened and widened pathways and increased signage across the site, as well as a new floor and ramp for the reptile house.

Funds raised by the Tortoise Trail this summer will also be funding upgrades to the reptile and amphibian house, which was built 50 years ago. 

Jon Taylor, Presiding Officer of the CI Lottery said, “We are proud to contribute to Jersey Zoo’s efforts in making the site accessible to all, enabling every member of our community to connect with nature, learn about conservation and meet some of the world’s rarest animals.”

“This initiative also illustrates the power of collective actions, showing that when organisations, communities and charitable foundations unite, transformative change can be achieved, ensuring equal opportunities for everyone,” he added.

Pictured: The zoo sustained significant damage during Storm Ciarán.

Glynn Bower, Head of Site Services at Jersey Zoo, emphasised the importance of the ongoing work, acknowledging the challenges associated with maintaining accessibility in a historical property.

He said, “This initiative marks the first phase of a broader, sustained improvement campaign for the site. We want Jersey Zoo to be accessible for people of all needs and abilities so are looking at all entry and exit points, ensuring doors are user-friendly and that our ramps comply with the latest standards.”

Pictured: one of the Chilean flamingos died as 100mph gusts thrash Jersey Zoo last week. 

“We are extremely grateful to the ACJ and CI Lottery for their invaluable support, to help us on this journey”, he added.

The Zoo is currently closed "until further notice" after Storm Ciarán inflicted significant damage to its trees, enclosures, and buildings.

The storm also claimed the life of one "elderly" flamingo – although all other animals are safe and accounted for, the Zoo said.