1. Sensory-Friendly Zoo Day
TWU Occupational Therapy Students

2. Today I will be going to the zoo
Today I will be going to the zoo. There will be a lot of animals to see and fun activities to do.

3. The animals I want to see will be behind a fence or glass
The animals I want to see will be behind a fence or glass. This is their home.

4. If I want to talk to an animal, I can wave, smile, or speak softly
If I want to talk to an animal, I can wave, smile, or speak softly. The animal may get scared if I climb on the fence or tap on the glass.

5. Some animals may come close to me. It might be fun to get a closer look. It is also okay if I want to step away from the animal.

6. There might be a lot of people looking at an animal I want to see
There might be a lot of people looking at an animal I want to see. I will try to stand behind people and wait until they leave so I can move closer.

7. Some things at the zoo might smell bad
Some things at the zoo might smell bad. I can cover my nose if I smell something bad or go to a different area.

8. Sometimes there are loud noises at the zoo
Sometimes there are loud noises at the zoo. If I hear noises that are too loud, I can cover my ears.

9. There might be some animals I don’t like to look at
There might be some animals I don’t like to look at. If I see something I don’t like, I can cover my eyes or walk away and look at a different animal.
Covering eyes picture:

10. Some animals at the zoo are real and others are not
Some animals at the zoo are real and others are not. Real animals are behind a fence or glass. If I am are not sure if the animal is real or not, I can ask someone wearing a green shirt and name tag.

11. These are animals that are not real.
These are real animals.
These are animals that are not real.

12. There are quiet spaces I can go to if I need a break
There are quiet spaces I can go to if I need a break. I can find these spaces by looking at my map. They are called Sensory Havens. This one is in the Tiger Classroom.

13. There are activities like crafts and outdoor games
There are activities like crafts and outdoor games. If I want to do these activities, I can ask my parents. My parents like when I ask them if it is okay to do something.

14. Walking around the zoo and seeing all the animals is fun
Walking around the zoo and seeing all the animals is fun. It can also make me tired. I can tell my parents if I get tired. My parents like when I tell them how I feel.

15. When it is time to leave the zoo, the exit sign shows me the way out
When it is time to leave the zoo, the exit sign shows me the way out. I can always come back to the zoo on another day if there were animals I did not get to see.
From emily rich’s pictures