There are a lot of good things about this zoo. I love that it has sensory friendly hours for people with sensory issues. The option for headphone rooms and quiet spaces is so appreciated. There's also an absolute ton of benches, im disabled and haven't walked a mile in probably a year because there were so many opportunities to rest that i was able to walk the entire mile loop.
I will say that the tram stops are not well marked, i started having issues with my disability at the half way mark and we kept looking for the tram stops and couldnt find them, so i emded up in a lot of pain after walking more than my body wanted. They do offer both manual and electric wheelchairs.
This is honestly the most accessible zoo i have ever been to, i hadnt gone to a zoo since i became disabled because i was worried about my ability to walk that long, Louisville made it, not exactly easy, but definitely manageable. I dont know if i would have been able to do it without them having so many seating options. I also originally mispurchased my tickets, and they were able to assist me in getting the incorrect tickets refunded.
As for the exhibits, they have a ton of animals, with informative signage and well maintained enclosures. In the rooms like the reptile room, they have steps built in to the building for children (or if you're like me, short adults.) Which was so extremely helpful, no having to stand on your toes to try and see into the enclosures. Animals had plenty of spaces to get out of view if needed, and all look well taken care of.
For kids (or adults), there's a splash park, two playgrounds, and a rope course from what i saw. They also allow you to bring your own food, as long as that does not include straws and have many picnic spots. For smokers, there are two smoking areas in the zoo.
In conclusion, i will definitely be coming back, probably in the fall. I highly recommend this zoo, especially if you have sensory issues or limited mobility. It was an amazing experience, and i enjoyed every...
Read morePARKING: I bought a parking ticket online, and it was easy to find a spot. We didn't have to walk far. They have a parking lot.
ADMISSION: I bought the tickets online. I paid around $20 per person (adult). I thought the price was decent. We went on a Friday afternoon, and there was no line to buy tickets. I could've bought the tickets in person.
CLEANLINESS: I used the restrooms, and it was clean and had soap and papertowels. toilet paper and dryer. Also, each enclosure and section of the zoo are kept clean.
FOOD/DRINKS: They had water stations by the bathroom where you can get filtered water. The alcoholic drinks are priced super high. We got a pink cone with dole ice cream. It was good and pretty for pictures.
SHADE: It was hot. Some parts had shade but mostly expect to bring sunscreen, especially if you burn easily. They had buildings with air-conditioning.
ANIMALS: I've been to plenty of zoos, and this zoo is the first zoo that I can tell animals are happy. They were active. Their enclosures are very clean. You can tell that they are healthy. I didn't smell any foul smell. Usually, the zoo stinks, but not this one. One orangutan even interacting with us! She was very curious and gave everyone that comes in signal to look inside their bags. Some animals were sleeping, and some were playing. They had things in their enclosure that kept them entertained. We got there around 2 or 3 p.m., and they don't close until 6 pm. But they stop serving food and drinks around 5 pm. I wished we got there in the morning. We didn't get to see everything.
TL;DR Admission is decently priced. Animals are active. Plenty of parking. Food and drinks are priced high. They have water stations and the...
Read moreI have been coming to this zoo since I was a small child and now bringing my kids back brings me such joy!! We have moved away and I live in the DC area and am near to •many• zoos.
I will say this- the pricing-the parking-the lay out and the enclosures of the Louisville have kept it in the top 5 zoos for me!!
They have continued to update enclosures, animal areas, and buildings.
The silver back gorillas enclosure is one of a kind!! My kids absolutely love being that close to these animals! The goat petting area is always a hit! M
The elephant area is very neat to visit- the openness of the outside enclose for visitors to see is always a treat!
One of my favorite things about this zoo is the seasonal decorations it will have! Such as Chinese new year, Christmas.. etc
And when they are in season the camel riding is always a treat! (The camel riding is an extra fee) My kids LOVE the carousel at the end!!
The splash pad is great during the summer!! (This is free to use!)
The educational “shows” are excellent- and while every animal isn’t out all the time that is VERY normal for a zoo! My kids LOVE coming to KY to visit family and go to the zoo!!
The gift shop prices are average for animal gift shops- the food prices are average for canteens and restaurants in zoos and aquariums.
Because it is Kentucky the layout of the zoo lends itself to the hilly terrain- which is unavoidable. I have walked this zoo pregnant, I’ve also walked it pushing a double stroller while carrying an infant. I have walked it with my grandparents who have both been in wheelchairs- though hilly it is still an easy zoo to walk.
We love this zoo and won’t be...
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