The Santa Barbara Zoo has announced the renewal of its designation as a Certified Autism Center (CAC) through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
The renewal reaffirms the zoo’s long-standing commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful engagement for guests of all abilities, zoo officials said.
“Originally designated in 2018 as the first zoo on the West Coast to receive this distinction, the Santa Barbara Zoo continues to lead in creating experiences that support individuals with autism and other sensory needs,” zoo officials said
The CAC renewal reflects ongoing staff training, enhanced guest resources, and a deepened institutional focus on inclusive design and practice.
Over the past several years, the zoo has expanded its accessibility offerings to better support neurodiverse guests and their families.
These efforts include sensory backpacks available for guest use; a pre-visit “Welcome” communication system to coordinate accommodations; and an enhanced accessibility section on its website to support planning.
The zoo has also developed and sustained programs and partnerships, including Autism Safari Nights in collaboration with UCSB Koegel Center, providing supportive evening experiences for families; KindFest, a community-wide celebration of inclusion and compassion; expanded educational curriculum designed for learners of all abilities; and a partnership with Tri-Counties Regional Center to support inclusive camp experiences.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is an institutional member of Zoos and Aquariums for a Neurodiverse Ecosystem (ZANE), contributing to a growing movement across the field to advance authentic inclusion in zoological institutions.
“These efforts are not just programs; they are intentional steps that reflect who we are as an organization,” said JJ McLeod, director of education at the Santa Barbara Zoo.
“When we design with inclusion in mind, we don’t single anyone out, we create better experiences for everyone,” McLeod said. “This work is rooted in belonging, and it continues to shape how we show up for our community every day.”
For more about accessibility offerings at the Santa Barbara Zoo, visit sbzoo.org.