🐾 Gramado Zoo: Accessibility Assessment and Family Experience

THE Gramado Zoo, located in the charming city of Gramado, Rio Grande do Sul, is a tourist attraction focused on connecting with nature and preserving Brazilian wildlife. The zoo offers a different approach from traditional zoos, with enclosures more integrated into the landscape and the use of glass or more discreet barriers in some areas. We recently visited the zoo with our family and took the opportunity to observe both the experience itself and the accessibility aspects for people with autism and disabilities.

I was accompanied by my brother, who is autistic, and my daughter. It was a really cool experience for all of us. The environment is extremely clean, well-kept and full of animals interesting, which in itself makes the tour enjoyable and educational. Both were delighted with the variety of species and the close proximity the space allows between visitors and animals.

🦥 Structure and route

The zoo is only accessible on foot and is relatively long. Contrary to popular belief, Gramado Zoo is not flat — There are sections with uphill and downhill sections that require more physical effort. This can make the trip tiring, especially for people with reduced mobility, small children, or the elderly.

Furthermore, there are few benches along the way, which we really missed during our visit. More rest areas would make all the difference for families who need frequent breaks, especially on hot days.

🚗 VIP stroller tour (optional)

Alternatively, Gramado Zoo offers the VIP Tour, carried out in an electric cart that travels the route with a group of visitors. This service is charged separately, with a value of R$ 300 per group, in addition to the price of regular tickets. Available times are at 10:00, 12:00 and 15:00.

While it's not free or accessible to everyone, this tour can be a great option for families with people with reduced mobility or who can't walk the entire route.

♿ Accessibility and inclusion: clarifications and points observed

Gramado Zoo was designed to be accessible, especially for wheelchair users, since its inauguration in 2008. Today, approximately 901 TP3T of the facility is physically accessible, including adapted restrooms, wide doors, and adequate paving along much of the route.

It is also important to highlight that the zoo provides free wheelchair loan for visitors who need it, a very useful resource during the tour.

Regarding the entry, the institution grants complimentary tickets for people with disabilities (PCD) and one companionThis is a policy adopted by GramadoZoo as a way of welcoming and encouraging visitors, even though it is not required by law.

Another point worth mentioning is the immersion aviary with birds, which is not mandatory on the route. The site informs that, in cases of phobia, autism, or other specific conditions, there is an alternative route through the administration, allowing visitors to avoid this area if they wish.

Even so, during our visit, we noticed that the route, although paved, has slopes and has few resting benches along the way. These elements can pose a challenge for families with people with reduced mobility, the elderly, or small children.

Furthermore, there are no resources such as audio description, tactile signage, grab bars or sensory room — elements that could especially benefit visitors with visual or motor disabilities or neurodivergences.

👨‍👩‍👧 Our family experience

Despite accessibility limitations, our trip was positive. The environment is visually beautiful, the animals are well cared for, and the more natural setting provides a unique experience. My brother, who is autistic, really enjoyed the felines and birds. My daughter loved the monkeys and snakes. It was a special family moment.

Still, it must be recognized that the experience can be challenging for other families, especially those with people with physical disabilities or autistic individuals who experience frequent sensory disturbances. A lack of specific resources can limit the length of stay or make the trip less comfortable.

🌟 Conclusion: is it worth visiting?

Yes, the Gramado Zoo It's an attraction worth visiting, especially for those interested in the environment, animal conservation, and who want to provide an educational experience for children. However, if you have a family member with autism or a disability, it's important to prepare: bring water, a hat, a stroller if necessary, plan breaks, and assess whether the route is feasible.

We believe the zoo has enormous potential to become even more inclusive. With small adaptations, we could offer a more accessible and welcoming experience for everyone.

📍 Address: RS-115, Km 35 – Várzea Grande, Gramado – RS
🌐 Official website: www.gramadozoo.com.br