Autism Acceptance Day

Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with the Zoo in partnership with Itineris. Featuring fun activities, resources, and Zoo animals, join us in supporting, including, and accepting people with autism.

These festivities are included with Zoo admission or membership!

What to Expect:

• Debut of “Zoo ABC (Animal Are Neurodiverse, Too!)” children’s book authored and illustrated by MADE by Itineris Creative Arts Program artists. Offering a unique perspective based on observations of Zoo animals and the natural world. Available for sale at the Wild Things gift shop.
• Book signing and meet and greet with the artist of “Zoo ABC (Animals Are Neurodiverse, Too!)” (10:00 – 3:45 in the Wild Things Gift Shop)
• Chalk art mini-fest, featuring the work of Trevor Pugh (Paw Print Park in Main Valley)
• Story time featuring works by neurodiverse authors (11:00 – 12:00 in the Penguin Education Center)
• Access to community resources and vendors from the autism community (Main Valley)
• Designated Quiet Room (Meeting Barn in the Farmyard)
• Animal ambassadors (10:00 – 2:00 in Main Valley)
• Appearances by the Zoo’s animal mascots (Schaefer Plaza)
• Scavenger hunt
• Sensory bag rentals including noise-reducing headphones, fidget toys, and non-verbal cue cards. Available to rent for free at the Zoo’s Main Gate or Train Station.
• Keeper chats and animal feedings throughout the day
• Education stations (Main Valley)

---

Additional Information:

• The Zoo is committed to the people who carry out our mission of providing exceptional animal care, building empathy, and supporting the conservation of wild places. As a science-based organization, we value biodiversity and recognize that it is critical to the future of our world. To create a thriving ecosystem built on these principles, we strive to be a welcoming, diverse, considerate, and respectful place to work, visit, volunteer, and learn.
• Itineris’s mission is to empower adults on the autism spectrum to live meaningful lives, throughout their lifespan. We envision a world where adults on the autism spectrum can fully share in the life of their community with the dignity to choose their own path as they strive to achieve their dreams and goals.
• KultureCity Sensory Bags will be available for loan at Main Gate or Train Station. Prepare for your Zoo visit by accessing our KultureCity social story!

Questions? Please reach out to our team at tickets@marylandzoo.org.