Safari park hosts quiet morning for autistic guests

The park will be open at the earlier time of 09:00 BST and there will be no music or stimulating sounds for the first hour and a half

A safari park is set to host a quiet morning to support autistic visitors.

The initiative at West Midlands Safari Park, in Bewdley, sees the park open earlier at 09:00 BST and for the first hour and a half there will be no music or immersive sounds playing.

It has been planned as part of World Autism Awareness Month and allows visitors to experience the attraction with limited stimulation.

The quiet morning takes place on 28 April.

West Midlands Safari Park’s Head of Operations and People, Charlotte Stokes, says the park plans to run more events through out the year

A quiet area will also be set up in the Treetops Pavilion event space for crafts, animal artefact talks, or for guests who need some time out.

The park has also announced plans to create a permanent quiet room in the Adventure Theme Park.

As part of the African Walking Trail development, which offers a more peaceful environment, a sensory garden will be created along the route.

Staff are set to be trained to communicate with Makaton and ear defenders are to be available on site as part of the inclusivity plans.

Head of Operations and People, Charlotte Stokes, said: “We are committed to continuing to develop an inclusive environment for all our guests and team members, and it's been a pleasure to gain insight from a range of diverse voices to help us reach this exciting moment.”