Reviews

Review Details

• Review fromMax H

  Date: 07/20/2025

  1 star
  The petting zoo attendant's loud and aggressive dismissal of my attempts to communicate my daughter's Autism diagnosis and her need for reasonable accommodation, by yelling, I don't care, it doesn't matter, was especially disturbing given the location's connection to the ****************************, which should ensure staff are trained to assist guests with disabilities and significantly influenced my decision to visit this zoo. In the less than 90 seconds we entered the petting zoo pen, the attendant aggressively dismissed my attempts to explain my daughter's Autism diagnosis and managed to simultaneously fail to provide any educational support or a safe, positive interaction with the goats. When the matter was escalated to the Southwick Zoo manager no opportunity to provide reasonable accommodations were offered. It is especially disappointing that they name the **************************** as a partner to market their Zoo as an inclusive and autism-friendly public space for autistic individuals to participate in society through name only and not through practice.
  

  Southwick's Zoo

  Date: 07/23/2025

  Hello,
  This matter has been brought to the attention of executive management, and they are in the process of reaching out directly to the guest.
  Our facility does not condone rude or dismissive behavior from staff members. We have protocols and training in place designed to promote positive guest engagement, and we sincerely apologize for falling short of our usual standard of customer service in this instance.
  While it is not feasible for every employee to undergo the full Autism Awareness training offered by the ***************, our managers and supervisors are responsible for sharing key principles and practices with their teams to help ensure a welcoming experience for children on the spectrum. We also provide *************** sensory kits, which are available for guests to sign in and out daily. These kits are designed to support children with auditory and sensory sensitivities.
  In addition, our facility proudly hosts an *************** evening each seasonoffering families a quieter, less stimulating environment, with staff on hand to assist as needed.
  We strive to make every interaction positive, inclusive, and educational while maintaining both guest and animal safety. In this case, we recognize that a lack of compassionate communication likely contributed to the guests concern. We take this seriously and are addressing it accordingly.
  Thank you for bringing this to our attention.