Wellington Zoo recently held a special guided tour designed for Deaf and hard of hearing visitors. This unique event included a New Zealand Sign Language interpreter to help guests of all ages learn about animals in an accessible way.
Young visitor Carter Ferguson shared how surprised he was to learn that giraffes eat for nearly 20 hours each day. He said he enjoyed learning through sign language and hoped more places would offer similar experiences in the future. “More people should know New Zealand Sign Language,” he added, so that Deaf visitors can learn just like everyone else.
Carter’s parents said the event made them feel welcome and supported. They were happy to see their son learning and connecting with others in a space that included sign language.
Although the tour was only held once, organisers hope it can become a regular part of the zoo’s activities. Sara Pivac Alexander from the Wellington Deaf Society said it was great for Deaf children to see Deaf adults as role models in a fun setting like the zoo.
Rebecca Elvy from the Ministry of Disabled People said New Zealand Sign Language is one of the country’s official languages, but its use is decreasing. She hopes events like this will encourage more people to use and learn it.
About 880,000 people in New Zealand live with some form of hearing loss.
That is so cool!!!