Inclusive animal experiences with Woburn

To celebrate the birthday of their resident Bactrian camel, Woburn invited children from Windmill School in Luton to take part in the celebrations – engaging with the animals using Widgit Symbols. Before visiting the zoo, the students were provided with a unique Story to Help covering details of the party schedule – from wrapping presents to chopping up carrots to feed the camels.

Following their arrival, the children enjoyed meeting with the safari park rangers and getting crafty with specially designed birthday cards and wrapping paper to colour in. For a special birthday lunch, the students and their carers enjoyed chopping up carrots for Wednesday and his friends, before heading to the enclosure for feeding time.

“Wednesday only has one eye and we wanted to show the children that it’s fine to be different – and what better way to celebrate than with a camel birthday party! Today was also about celebrating the fact we’re the first zoological collection in the world to become symbol-friendly. I had no idea it would take off the way it has!”

Natasha Kyle – Head of Education and Customer Liaison, Woburn Safari Park

With communication boards to support students with the ‘meet and greet’ experience, the children enjoyed getting to know Wednesday who lost his eye as a calf. With plenty of chopped carrots and bamboo branches to keep him busy, Wednesday was even treated to a Happy Birthday song with the children referring to their Widgit song sheets.

The party was a huge success, with students, parents and carers engaging with the animals in ways never seen at a safari park before.

“It’s fantastic to see companies like Woburn embrace symbols within their park. By doing so, they can ensure visitors with a communication difficulty – whether that be an autistic person, neurodivergent person or somebody from another country – can access these experiences in a way that is suitable for them.”

Rebecca Lynch – Education Specialist, Widgit

The symbol-friendly effect
With plans in the pipeline to extend symbolised communications across the entire setting, Woburn Safari Park joins Widgit’s fast-growing network of Symbol-Friendly Organisations as the first of its kind in the UK (if not the world) to champion the use of symbols within a zoological setting.

From safari parks and shoe shops, to transport providers, world-class football clubs, and national stadiums, organisations across the UK and beyond are partnering with Widgit to deliver inclusive experiences across everyday settings to ensure no individual feels left behind.

To find out more about our Symbol-Friendly Partnership Programme, call our specialist team on 01926 333680 or email symbolfriendly@widgit.com