Nashville Zoo Has Established A Tactile Safari For The Visually Impaired

By Jim Bartoo

Nashville, TN - Hands-on displays, large-text signs and Braille make up Nashville Zoo’s new Tactile Safari at the giraffe and elephant habitats. Designed specifically for the blind and visually impaired but enjoyed by all, this new sensory experience lets Zoo guests explore some of the physical parallels between animals and humans.

The new display at the Giraffe Savannah features a life-size replica of a giraffe’s cervical vertebrae that lets Zoo guests feel the similarities between a giraffe and human neck. At the African Elephant Savannah, visitors can compare their molars to those inside a full-size elephant skull. Accompanying graphics and Braille at each exhibit help enforce the comparison message.

“Each display explores a physical component of the animal on exhibit, drawing comparisons to humans,” said Education Curator Shellie Kalmore. “For example, giraffes have the same seven bones, or cervical vertebrae, making up their necks as we do, but each giraffe vertebra can grow up to a foot long.”

Tactile Safari is the result of a collaboration between Nashville Zoo and local girl scouts Lizzie Waldo and Sara Jane Johnston. Zoo docent Mike Modrak and the project’s graphic designer, Tony Kougious, generously donated their time, talent and financial support. For more information or to help Tactile Safari expand to other Zoo exhibits, contact Kalmore at 615-833-1534 ext. 144.

Nashville Zoo is accredited by the prestigious Association of Zoos and Aquariums, assuring the highest standards of animal care and husbandry. The Zoo is a non-profit organization located at 3777 Nolensville Road and is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The mission of the Nashville Zoo is to inspire a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation and leadership. For more information about Nashville Zoo, call 615-833-1534 or visit www.nashvillezoo.org.