Chester Zoo Partners with DSN to Launch British Sign Language-Interpreted Videos for New Himalayas Habitat - Featuring Rare Snow Leopards

Chester Zoo, in collaboration with DSN (Deaf & Sensory Network), is excited to announce the launch of a new range of British Sign Language (BSL)-interpreted videos for their latest exhibit - the Himalayas Habitat in Deaf Awareness Week (May 6th-12th).

BSL users can now scan QR codes on their smartphones at each of the six animal habitats at the new 1,500sqm exhibit and watch interpreted videos by deaf BSL tutor Lisa Birtles, including red pandas, parrots and Vietnamese pheasants. The initiative aims to provide an inclusive experience for all visitors, especially showcasing the rare and majestic snow leopards in a format accessible to the BSL community.

Gill Reeder, CEO of DSN, emphasised the significance of this partnership. She said: "At DSN, we believe in breaking down barriers and making every experience accessible to all. By providing BSL interpretation, we are not only adhering to the recognition of British Sign Language as an official language in the UK but also enhancing the zoo experience for the deaf and hard of hearing community. We are proud to work with Chester Zoo and to lead the way in accessibility and inclusion."

Lauren Walker, Digital Learning Manager at Chester Zoo, highlighted the educational importance of the initiative: "Education is at the heart of what we do at Chester Zoo. By introducing BSL-interpreted videos, we are ensuring that our educational message about wildlife conservation reaches all corners of the community. This project helps us connect more deeply with our visitors, ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to learn about and enjoy our new Himalayas habitat."

The new area is a state-of-the-art habitat designed to mimic the rocky terrain of the Himalayan mountains, providing the snow leopards with a safe and enriching space to thrive. It marks the first time in its 92-year-history that the zoo has been home to this species, which are under threat in their wild homes in central Asia, Mongolia and Nepal due to climate change, habitat loss, poaching and human-wildlife conflict.

Visitors can also experience these informative BSL-interpreted videos at the vast elephant habitat at the entrance to Chester Zoo, shining a spotlight on another endangered species.

DSN has been providing support for people who are deaf and/or have a sensory loss in the Cheshire and North East Wales area for over 47 years and work with a range of businesses and organisations to help improve communication and awareness. They also offer a range of BSL courses and Deaf Awareness Training which is provided through their training arm incus.

DSN CEO Gill added: "This initiative is a critical step in making Chester Zoo's educational and conservation efforts accessible to everyone, reinforcing the zoo's role as a leader in both conservation and community engagement and we are proud to be working with them.”

For more information about the Himalayas habitat and the BSL-interpreted videos, please visit www.chesterzoo.org.

For information on how to book an interpreter or learn sign language through DSN go to www.dsnonline.co.uk.