Blog: Building Inclusion through Irish Sign Language at Dublin Zoo

Amy Horace (Customer Service Supervisor, Dublin Zoo) on implementing ISL in the zoo, and how sign language schemes can benefit the the wider BIAZA community:

At Dublin Zoo, we are committed to making nature, conservation and learning accessible to all of our visitors. Over the past year, we have introduced two initiatives designed to improve accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing visitors while also raising awareness of Irish Sign Language (ISL) among the wider public.

From becoming the first zoo in Ireland to provide ISL-interpreted keeper talks via QR codes to launching interactive ISL learning signs across the Zoo, these projects demonstrate how accessibility can enhance both inclusion and visitor engagement.

Where It Started: Ireland's First Zoo-Based ISL Interpretation Project

In September 2025, Dublin Zoo became the first zoo in Ireland to provide Irish Sign Language interpreted keeper talks for Deaf and Hard of Hearing visitors through QR codes located at major habitats around the Zoo. Developed in partnership with Chime, the national charity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people, the project launched during International Week of Deaf People.

The project focused initially on six popular species: Asian elephants, Asian lions, California sea lions, Humboldt penguins, Southern white rhinos and red pandas. Visitors can scan QR codes at each habitat to access videos featuring a Dublin Zoo keeper presenting information about the animals alongside an ISL interpreter, making Dublin Zoo's conservation and educational content more accessible to Deaf and Hard of Hearing visitors.

This project was launched with a special event involving members of Chime's Dublin Deaf Group and client families. Guests enjoyed an exclusive wake-up experience with the Asian elephants followed by  an in-person ISL-interpreted keeper talk. The event highlighted the importance of involving the Deaf community in accessible initiatives and demonstrated how inclusive experiences benefit both visitors and staff.

Expanding the Idea: Learn ISL Around the Zoo

Building on the success of this first project, we were keen to explore more ways of making ISL visible throughout the visitor journey.

Working once again with Chime, we developed a series of interactive "Learn ISL" signs installed around the Zoo. Featuring popular species including gorillas, sea lions, sloths, rhinos, giraffes, elephants, penguins, orangutans and lions, the signs allow visitors to learn the ISL sign associated with each animal. QR codes link directly to short video demonstrations created by Chime, enabling visitors to practise the signs as they explore.

The signs have provided a simple and engaging way to introduce thousands of visitors to Irish Sign Language. Children, families and school groups can engage with the animals in a new way while simultaneously learning about Deaf culture and communication.

Importantly, the initiative moves accessibility beyond simply removing barriers. By encouraging all visitors to learn basic ISL signs, it helps foster greater awareness of Deaf culture while creating a more inclusive environment for everyone.

Lessons Learned

One of the key factors in the success of both initiatives was our partnership with Chime. Working closely with members of the Deaf community ensured the content was accurate, meaningful and designed around visitor needs. Their expertise and guidance were invaluable throughout the planning, development and delivery of both projects.

The projects also demonstrated that improving accessibility does not always require major infrastructure changes. Relatively simple additions, such as QR codes linking to interpreted content and interactive learning signs, can have a significant impact when they are thoughtfully designed and developed in collaboration with the communities they are intended to support.

Perhaps most importantly, these initiatives reinforced that accessibility benefits everyone. While the primary aim was to improve access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing visitors, the Learn ISL signs have also encouraged our hearing visitors—including families, school groups and international tourists—to engage with Irish Sign Language. In doing so, they have helped raise awareness of Deaf culture while creating opportunities for shared learning and conversation throughout the Zoo.

For organisations looking to begin or expand their own accessibility journey, our experience has shown that meaningful partnerships and passionate staff members can lead to lasting impact. Accessibility is not a one-off initiative but an ongoing process of listening, learning and improving.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey

Feedback from visitors, Chime and members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community has reinforced the value of designing accessible experiences from the outset rather than adapting them later. What began as a project to provide ISL-interpreted content has evolved into a broader opportunity to celebrate Irish Sign Language and encourage learning among all visitors.

Our experience has shown that meaningful progress often begins with collaboration, curiosity and a willingness to listen. As zoos and aquariums across BIAZA continue to advance accessibility and inclusion, we hope these initiatives encourage others to explore how strong partnerships and staff-led ideas can help create more inclusive visitor experiences.

- Amy Horace, Customer Service Supervisor, Dublin Zoo and BIAZA DEAI Working Group member

All blogs reflect the views of their author and are not necessarily a reflection of BIAZA's positions