This new system is located in our Wild Florida section of the Zoo.

We are excited to share that a new experience is now available at the Zoo: Accessible kayaking! In an effort to stay true to our mission of “Sharing our joy of nature to help wildlife and people thrive,” and to solidify our dedication to inclusivity, individuals living with paralysis or decreased mobility can now kayak through the Zoo’s Wetlands area in our Wild Florida section.

Supported by a grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the EZ Launch Accessible Transfer System will allow guests the option to transfer into our kayaks with the use of a transfer bench. This device will assist individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility devices, or those with limited mobility to transfer into their kayak independently. It also provides extra stability when launching and docking.

This launch system is only available at our Wetlands kayaking area, which guests can find a marked pathway to in the Wild Florida section of the Zoo. The EZ Launch Accessible Transfer System is not yet available for our Expedition Africa kayaking tour.

The EZ Launch Accessible Transfer System is available to the public when Wetlands kayaking is open or with the approval of our Director of Operations. If you are planning your visit to the Zoo and would like to use this system, please call us ahead of time to ensure it is running and staffed! If your visit is more impromptu, you can always come by our Guest Services office to see if it’s possible to reserve a time to use the kayaking system.

Age and weight requirements for using this system are the same as our general policies for Wetlands kayaking. Guests must have the ability to independently transfer to use the EZ Launch Accessible Transfer System for their safety. Users must also provide verbal or nonverbal communication of their complete understanding of this before starting the transfer.

This exciting new tool is just one way that we are aiming to make the Zoo as inclusive as possible. We hope to see you on the water soon!

Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.