MINNESOTA ZOO LAUNCHES NEW SENSORY-FRIENDLY MOBILE APP FOR GUESTS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM

THIS ADDITION IS PART OF THE ZOO’S SUITE OF ACCESS PROGRAMS
Minnesota Zoo logo featuring a creative leaf animal face and the uplifting slogan, "Changing how you see the world.

Apple Valley, MINN – April 27, 2018 – The Minnesota Zoo is excited to launch a new free sensory-friendly mobile app called MNZoo4All, to support the Zoo experience for guests on the autism spectrum. This new app features social guides, a sensory-friendly zoo map, communication tools, a zoo-themed memory game and more. This app can be downloaded for free from App Store for iOS Devices and Google Play for Android Devices.

The Minnesota Zoo is committed to providing guests from all backgrounds and with all abilities an amazing experience before, during and after their visit. “The Minnesota Zoo is always working to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to connect with the natural world,” says John Frawley, Minnesota Zoo Director and President. “It’s important for us to provide amazing and impactful experiences for all of our guests and meet them where they are.


The Minnesota Zoo partnered with Infiniteach to create this dynamic app for guests to enjoy. “Infiniteach is passionate about developing apps that make experiences, such as going to the Minnesota Zoo, accessible to the autism community. Since launching this platform in 2017, we’ve developed accessibility apps for more than a dozen cultural institutions across the country.” Says Katie Hench, co-founder and CEO of Infiniteach. Ellie Wilson, Executive Director, Autism Society of Minnesota, says “This thoughtful, informed support tool will be such a helpful addition to their inclusion strategies for all visitors, with autism, with other disabilities or with similar needs.”

Along with the new sensory-friendly app, the Minnesota Zoo offers additional access programs including, but not limited to:

  • Free to Explore
  • Zoomobile
  • Zoo Camp partnership with AuSM for adults with autism in Dakota and Ramsey Counties


About the Minnesota Zoo

The Minnesota Zoo is a year-round destination located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. The Zoo’s mission is to connect people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).