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WILD THINGS
Sept/Oct 2008
By Candy Harrington & Charles Pannell
At first glance, it might appear that animal encounters aren't exactly the best choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. After all, animals are unpredictable. Additionally, the great outdoors is filled with natural access obstacles; from roots and ruts, to mud, rocks and logs. But animal encounters come in a variety of flavors; from the more controlled environments of zoos and wild animal parks, to the truly unpredictable nature of an African safari. And the good news is, there are accessible choices in just about every category.
A Day at the Zoo
Located in Forest Park, the St. Louis Zoo was established shortly after the 1904 world's fair; largely due to the popularity of the World's Fair Bird Cage in the park. Today the cage is home to the Edward K. Love Conservation Foundation Cypress Swamp, which features 16 species of North American birds that thrive in the cypress swamps along the Mississippi River. The cage was renovated for its centennial anniversary in 2004, and it boasts eight-foot wide boardwalks, plenty of maneuvering room and barrier-free access to most areas. It's truly a birder's delight.
Other must-sees at the zoo are the Monsanto Insectarium and the nicely accessible Children's Zoo. And when you get tired, hop on the Zooline Railroad for a good overview of the 79-acre property. Each Zooline train features one ramp-equipped car.
Most of the attractions at the zoo offer barrier-free access, including the restaurants, exhibits and the gift shop. Additionally, an access map is available at the entrance, and rental wheelchairs are available at The Living World and the South Gate.
Ride on the Wild Side
Safari parks are another way to encounter exotic animals; however many safari parks use high profile vehicles that are inaccessible to wheelers and slow walkers. Self-drive safari parks, where visitors drive their own vehicles through the compound, are a very accessible alternative. Fossil Rim Park, located 55 miles southwest of Dallas, offers that option.
Billed as a world class wildlife preserve with a tourist component; Fossil Rim Park spans 1,700 acres of open spaces filled with deer, rhinos, giraffes, ostrich, antelope and zebras. And although tourism is big business at Fossil Rim, the management is quick to point out that animal preservation is their top priority.
There is ramp access to the visitors center, where you can pay your entry fee and buy some animal food. It's important to note, that although animal feeding from your car is allowed – and even encouraged – visitors are not allowed to hand-feed the animals; all food must be dropped on the ground. Still it's a very entertaining experience, and a good opportunity to get some fun animal photos. The whole 9.5-mile loop takes about 2.5 hours to complete.
And don't miss the Overlook Cafe, located halfway along the drive. Even if you're not hungry, stop by for a view from the back deck. There is level access to the viewing area and cafe; and if you'd like to stretch your legs a bit, check out the level boardwalk trail around the cafe. There's also a nice picnic area if you'd prefer to bring your own lunch.
On the Dark Continent
Of course if you want the traditional safari experience, you need to head for Africa. Although it's not usually thought of as the most accessible continent, there are a few African safari operators who specialize in wheelchair-accessible safaris.
Based in Cape Town, Endeavour Safaris provides accessible safaris in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique and South Africa. Game drives are conducted in a ramped Toyota Landcruiser; and wheelers can stay in their own wheelchair or transfer to a vehicle seat. Overnight accommodations are provided in tents with level access, plenty of room to maneuver and an accessible toilet. Attendant care services are also available, which is quite an unusual offering, even for an accessible safari.
Last but not least, there's Mala Mala Game Reserve, a private game reserve which shares a common border with Kruger National Park in South Africa. Accessible overnight accommodations are available at Mala Mala Main Camp, which features a ramped suite with wide doorways, wheelchair-height furniture and a bathroom with a roll-in shower. Game drives are conducted in four-wheel drive vehicles, and wheelchair-users can either transfer to the front seat or remain in their own wheelchair in the back. It's also important to note that the accessible facilities at Mala Mala were designed with the assistance of the Quadriplegic Association of South Africa, so rest assured they offer a high level of access.
If You Go
St. Louis Zoo
(314) 781-0900
www.stlzoo.org
Fossil Rim Park
(254) 897-2960
www.fossilrim.com
Endeavour Safaris
+27 (21) 556 6114
www.endeavour-safaris.com
Mala Mala Main Camp
+ 27 (13) 735 9200
www.malamala.com
Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of 101 Accessible Vacations; Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.BarrierFreeTravels.com.
photos by Charles Pannell
slzoo.jpg - Accessible car on the Zooline Railroad at the St. Louis Zoo.
fossilrim.jpg - Accessible boardwalks near the Overlook Cafe at Fossil Rim Park.
giraffe.jpg - Up close and personal with a giraffe.
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