Wheelchair rental for zoo visitors with limited mobility

Mobile thanks to wheelchairs from Zoo partner Ottobock

From the Zambezi to the Yukon, via Australia to Lower Saxony: The global journey through Hannover Adventure Zoo spans a total of 22 hectares, crossing multiple longitudes and traversing a wide variety of climate zones. Thanks to animal-themed wheelchairs provided by the internationally active health tech company Ottobock, people with limited mobility can also embark on their zoo visit with a sense of adventure. The rental service offered by the adventure zoo is already well-known and highly valued. “We receive many requests for mobility aids,” explained Zoo Director Andreas M. Casdorff, “especially on summer weekends, when the rental wheelchairs are almost always fully booked.”

While people who rely on wheelchairs on a long-term basis usually visit the zoo with their own mobility aids, there are many guests who greatly appreciate having a wheelchair available due to their age, illness, or mobility issues. “We are therefore truly delighted to be able to provide our visitors—both young and old—with these smooth-rolling wheelchairs that look absolutely fantastic.” 

Rolling on a World Tour at the Adventure Zoo

On March 3, the zoo received a total of 10 new Start lightweight wheelchairs to lend to visitors. All wheelchairs can be easily and individually adjusted to fit each user. “The manual wheelchairs in the ‘Start’ family are particularly sturdy yet easy to handle, making them suitable even for inexperienced users. They can also be adjusted for the accompanying person, ensuring smooth pushing. Ideal for touring the zoo,” said Lukasz Puszkarek, the global product manager responsible for the line. 

About Ottobock

For more than 100 years, Ottobock has been developing innovative products for people with limited mobility. These include prosthetics, orthotics, wheelchairs, and assistive devices for patients with neurological conditions. The company now also provides ergonomic solutions for the workplace using exoskeletons. 

To ensure the highest possible quality of life, Ottobock takes a holistic approach. From the initial examination through measurements and fittings all the way to rehabilitation, users are guided, supported, and provided with customized solutions.

“Our mission is to help people maintain or regain their mobility. The focus is on leading a self-determined and independent life,” says Marco Möller, Field Representative for the North at NeuroMobility. “We call this ‘human empowerment.’” 

Both partners are proud of their long-standing, successful partnership and the positive response from zoo visitors. Everyone can help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in society. Ottobock has also taken on the sponsorship of the Thuringian Forest goats. It’s no surprise that Paul the billy goat and his family were the first to take a look at the wheelchairs with the animal print during the official handover.

Booking in the online store

Ottobock's zoo wheelchairs can be reserved free of charge through the zoo's online shop at erlebnis-zoo.de/shop for your next visit to the zoo in Hannover. 

(Published on March 4, 2022)