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Mobility / Wheelchair Support
We didn’t detect any steps throughout the whole park. There were some places where the camber was quite marked, and others where the slopes were quite significant. In a few places the combination of these factors with the earth/gravel surface was significant enough to make for quite a thrilling push in a non powered chair!! We had previously been advised not to try going down to the Masai village in a chair and although we are pretty intrepid we took that advice as it did look like a long slope and the surface was looser than over most of the park. Perhaps if we had extra help for pushing we would have gone. We are not familiar with powered chairs so can’t advise on suitability for those.
We found one path in the primate area to be too steep, but we discovered that by retracing our steps and going in through another entrance we could access virtually the whole area.
The farmyard has a steep and narrow path, however because it was concreted and short we managed it and were pleased to be able to see the chinchilla.
We felt that a self propelling wheelchair user might well appreciate some help in a number of areas.
Some paths are concreted and offer an easy pushing surface.
It is possible to cover most of the site with help. But it isn’t the easiest of terrains so having support would be advisable – and it would be nice to have somebody to share the pleasure of the animals with too.
There was some seating in the courtyard and picnic areas, but otherwise we didn’t spot any benches which is a shame as some of the paddocks offer lovely views as well as the added interest of the animals within them. Those with limited mobility might find it a struggle to complete the whole tour in one go, and may need to rest in the central courtyard areas between the various compounds.
Vision Impairment Support
There is a mix of surfaces, gradients and cambers as you would expect in an outdoor and rural environment. Visually impaired visitors would benefit from having a companion unless they are adept at navigating such terrain.
There were no signs indicating potentially difficult surfaces or areas. It is mostly an outdoor venue so lighting is natural daylight. The exception to this is the small reptile house which has dim lighting suitable for its occupants.
Because this is a small, family run charity there is less support for visually and auditorily impaired visitors than you might expect to see at a large venue. The signage describing the animals in the pens is quite small, and in some places, faded. There are some viewing areas with glass, but much of the viewing is through small mesh wire, offering security and a wonderful play area, for the residents. However the mesh can reduce visibility a lot, particularly where the viewing angle is through a double layer of mesh.
Hearing Impairment Support
Porfell was not busy on the day we visited. That, coupled with the spacious design and site meant that it was certainly possible to be in quiet spaces, and many of the areas are themselves tranquil. However, some of the areas house noisy animals!!
As it is an outside venue I imagine that staff would alert visitors to any potential safety issue, such as a fire and direct them to safety.
Autism support
The site has lovely spaces with wide open vistas that are away from the busier central areas. These would be ideal places for those feeling overwhelmed to retreat to. The animals in those places tend to be the quieter species. It would be wise to be mindful that animals are unpredictable in both their movements and their vocalisation. While we were there we experienced a lengthy shouting match between the lemurs. It was amusing to us, but could be distressing to those with sensitivities.
If visits are timed appropriately visitors can meet certain species. See the website for guidance.
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