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Cincinnati Zoo holds quiet hours for guests with sensory sensibilities

Cincinnati Zoo holds quiet hours for guests with sensory sensibilities
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Cincinnati Zoo holds quiet hours for guests with sensory sensibilities
The Cincinnati Zoo will be noticeably quieter Wednesday as it holds special access to those with sensory sensitivities. Excess noise will be silenced or turned down, zoo officials said. “Elephants will still trumpet, but you won’t hear announcements or music over the PA system,” said Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard. Noises required for safety, such as train crossing signals and vehicle in reverse sounds, will be heard at the usual volume during quiet hours. “The Zoo is for everyone. Our goal is to be a place where both animals and people can thrive, no matter who they are, no matter what challenges – physical, economic, or social – they face,” said Maynard. “That’s what our Zoo Access for All program is all about.”About 600 Zoo staff members and volunteers have received training through Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities program so they are prepared to welcome all guests.

The Cincinnati Zoo will be noticeably quieter Wednesday as it holds special access to those with sensory sensitivities.

Excess noise will be silenced or turned down, zoo officials said.

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“Elephants will still trumpet, but you won’t hear announcements or music over the PA system,” said Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard.

Noises required for safety, such as train crossing signals and vehicle in reverse sounds, will be heard at the usual volume during quiet hours.

“The Zoo is for everyone. Our goal is to be a place where both animals and people can thrive, no matter who they are, no matter what challenges – physical, economic, or social – they face,” said Maynard. “That’s what our Zoo Access for All program is all about.”

About 600 Zoo staff members and volunteers have received training through Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities program so they are prepared to welcome all guests.