Wellington Zoo has opened its doors to the Deaf and hard of hearing community with a first-of-its-kind guided tour.
A sign interpreter was on site as guests young and old alike learned about their favourite animals.
Carter Ferguson told 1News he learned “so much” during his visit – including giraffes’ eating habits.
“I didn’t realise that they eat all day. They just do this all day so I’ve been learning that. I think it was, how many hours? I think 20 hours that they were eating for all day,” he said.
Carter said he hoped more public attractions would have similar offerings in the future.
“I wish that more people knew New Zealand Sign Language so that when Deaf people come, we’d be able to understand things and learn more – that’s what should be happening.”
Carter’s parents were emotional as they witnessed their son thriving.
“The accessibility for us as a family with sign language, with interpreters and as a Deaf group – other Deaf parents and parents of Deaf children all together – that has been really special,” he said.
“I just felt really accessible for myself, and I think it’s been the same for you, Carter.”
While the tour was a one-time-only event, organisers are hopeful it can become a more regular feature.
Wellington Deaf Society’s Sara Pivac Alexander said it was important for Deaf children “to be able to see Deaf adults and have Deaf role models”.
“So this coming to the zoo today is like a natural environment where that can take place. That was really great.”
It’s estimated more than 880,000 Kiwis live with some form of hearing loss.
The Ministry of Disabled People’s deputy chief executive of outreach and innovation, Rebecca Elvy, said while New Zealand Sign Language is an official language, its use had been in decline.
“One of the things we’re really keen to see is that it is used more widely and that it continues to survive and in fact thrive.”
It was estimated more than 880,000 New Zealanders lived with some form of hearing loss.
