# Zoo-Focused Sensory Kits The Roosevelt Park Zoo Enhances Tactile Accessibility By Kalin Ned | Published 2025-11-04 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roosevelt-park-zoo References: [kxnet](https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/roosevelt-park-zoo-accessibility/)  The Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot, North Dakota, has developed a resource kit intended to improve the visiting experience for individuals with sensory disabilities. The collection, termed a Sensory Explorer Kit, contains a variety of tangible items such as animal fur, bones, shells, and reptile skins. It is also equipped with a reference card that provides access to digital audio recordings of animal vocalizations through scannable QR codes. The Roosevelt Park Zoo's initiative was reportedly prompted by an inquiry from a school group about sensory accommodations for a student with visual impairment. According to Travis Heil, an educator at the zoo: "We want to be accessible to everyone in the community, to be able to feel like they can come here and learn more about the animals." Image Credit: KXNET ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 10% | Freshness: 54% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Social Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialbusiness) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Tactile Accessibility Enhancements:** The focus on tactile resources like animal fur and bones highlights the growing trend of creating inclusive experiences for individuals with sensory disabilities. - **Digital Integration in Sensory Kits:** Utilizing QR codes for accessing audio recordings demonstrates a trend towards merging physical and digital mediums to enhance accessibility in educational settings. - **Inclusive Educational Experiences:** The demand for educational adaptations that serve a diverse audience is increasing, encouraging institutions to innovate in how they deliver content effectively. ### Who This Affects Most - **Zoo and Wildlife Conservation:** Zoos are increasingly incorporating sensory-friendly tools to create more accessible environments, pointing to a shift towards inclusivity in wildlife education. - **Assistive Technology:** The development of sensory-focused kits suggests a growing industry focus on assistive technology that bridges educational gaps for individuals with disabilities. - **Educational Materials:** The evolution of educational materials to include tactile and digital elements signals an industry-wide move towards more inclusive and engaging learning tools. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sensory-Friendly Airport Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sensoryfriendly-space.md) - [Cricket-Focused Sensory Rooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/specialized-sensory-room.md) - [Sensory Museum Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sensory-museum.md) - [Inclusive Museum Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inclusive-museum-design.md) - [All-Terrain Outdoor Accessibility Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/texas-state-parks.md) - [Traveler-Focused Accessibility Resources](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicago-department-of-aviation.md) - [In-Park Colorblind Viewfinders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorblind-viewfinders.md) - [Autism-Certified Tourist Attractions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/old-town-trolley-tours.md) - [Accessible Tactile Maps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/switchyard-park.md)