Birmingham Zoo Launches Special Saturdays Program for Children with Special Needs

MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL — The Birmingham Zoo is working to become more inclusive with its new Special Saturdays program. The zoo's education department and autism advocacy group KultureCity are partnering to launch Special Saturdays, a series of learning experiences for kids and teens with disabilities, specifically designed for them.

Special Saturdays focus on zoo-based activities that will allow children with specialized learning needs to experience the zoo in a way that they can understand and appreciate, without the sensory overload. The program will take place the second Saturday of each month, and is segmented into to age-based classes. Children from 8 to 12 can attend the class from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and a class for 13 to 18 year olds will follow from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Special Saturdays will start Saturday, Sept. 9. The classes are free to all who register, though space is limited to 10 participants. Caregivers are required to attend the classes with their children to ensure their needs are met.

Photo Courtesy of Birmingham Zoo