Celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day with a Giant Step for Inclusion

This Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we’re celebrating something very close to our hearts at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm: making sure every visitor feels welcome, included and able to enjoy a brilliant day out with us.

And this year, we’re marking the occasion in a wonderfully Wallace & Gromit way, by welcoming a giant pair of inflatable Wrong Trousers to the zoo as part of The Grand Appeal’s 2026 campaign, supporting children in hospital and their families.

It’s bold, it’s playful, it’s unmistakably Bristol and it’s a brilliant reminder that accessibility and inclusion can be joyful, creative and full of character.

A Zoo for Everyone

At Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, we believe that a great day out should be something everyone can look forward to. Whether you’re visiting with young children, coming along with friends, supporting someone with additional needs, or simply looking for a calm and welcoming place to connect with nature, we want our zoo to be a space where people feel comfortable, considered and included. Accessibility is not just about ramps and pathways, although those things matter enormously. It’s also about clear information, thoughtful facilities, friendly staff, flexible experiences and a culture of welcome. That’s why we continue to look at the visitor journey through the eyes of our guests and with their support, asking how we can remove barriers, improve confidence and make the zoo easier to enjoy for more people.

Making Information Easier to Access with Recite Me

One of our latest developments is the introduction of Recite Me on our website, helping visitors access information in a way that works best for them. The Recite Me toolbar offers a range of helpful features, including text-to-speech, translation, reading support and styling options. This means visitors can adapt our website to suit their needs before they even arrive, whether that’s changing colours and font sizes, listening to information aloud, translating content, or using tools to support focus and reading. Planning a day out can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for visitors with additional needs or families supporting someone who may need extra preparation. By making our online information more accessible, we hope to give visitors greater confidence before their visit and help more people feel ready to enjoy their day at the zoo.

Supporting Visitors Before and During Their Visit

We know that a positive visitor experience often begins long before someone reaches the entrance gate. Clear, accessible information can make a huge difference, which is why we continue to develop resources that help guests plan ahead. From accessibility information on our website to helpful visitor guidance, our aim is to make it easier for people to understand what to expect, where to go and what support is available. Across the zoo, we’re continuing to look at how we can improve the experience for visitors with different needs. This includes thinking carefully about signage, routes, facilities, communication and the quieter moments that can make a day out feel more manageable and enjoyable.

Celebrating Difference, Creativity and Community

The arrival of the giant Wrong Trousers feels like the perfect way to celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Wallace & Gromit have a special place in the hearts of so many families, and The Grand Appeal’s work supports children and families at some of the most challenging moments of their lives. By hosting the Wrong Trousers as part of the 2026 campaign, we’re proud to be part of something that brings smiles, sparks conversations and supports an incredible cause.

For us, it also connects beautifully with what accessibility is really about: helping people take part. Public art, family trails, playful photo opportunities and shared experiences all have the power to bring people together. They create moments that are fun, memorable and open to everyone.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Inclusion is an ongoing journey, and we know there is always more to learn. At Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, our team continues to work on ways to make the zoo more accessible and welcoming, from improving visitor information to developing more inclusive events, facilities and experiences. We’re proud to support families in many different ways, including creating spaces and opportunities where children can learn, explore and feel at ease. Our team is passionate about helping visitors connect with wildlife, conservation and each other in a way that works for them. Global Accessibility Awareness Day is a chance to celebrate progress, but it is also a reminder to keep listening. Every piece of feedback helps us understand what we’re doing well and where we can do better.

Come and See the Wrong Trousers

We can’t wait to welcome visitors to see the giant inflatable Wrong Trousers here at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm from 21st May – 26th May Half term. They promise to be a fun and eye-catching addition to the zoo, and we’re delighted to be supporting The Grand Appeal’s 2026 campaign in such a memorable way. So whether you’re a lifelong Wallace & Gromit fan, planning a family day out, or simply looking for a reason to smile, come and join us as we celebrate accessibility, inclusion and community - one giant pair of trousers at a time.

Because everyone deserves a grand day out.