Safari park hosts autism friendly quiet morning

The safari park said it wanted to be able to provide an environment where everybody felt they could be themselves

West Midlands Safari Park has hosted its first ever quiet morning to support people with autism.

Theme music and moving dinosaur models were switched off as part of Sunday's initiative, after the attraction announced the idea to celebrate World Autism Awareness Month.

The park in Bewdley, Worcestershire, revealed further diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion plans, including 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 would be created along the route, the park announced.

Head of operations Charlotte Stokes said: "Speaking to some parents, there's always a concern that their child can't act freely, can't express themselves when they need to in certain environments.

"What we really want to do is to be able to provide an environment where everybody feels that they can just be themselves."

On Sunday the safari park opened at the earlier time of 09:00 BST and for the first hour and a half, there was no "music or immersive sounds".

Its Treetops Pavilion event space was available as a quiet area, with people able to take part in crafts or take time out.

Ms Stokes said: "One of our company values is togetherness and it’s through embracing and respecting diversity in people that this is achieved.

"We are committed to continuing to develop an inclusive environment for all our guests and team members."