The signs that get people - and animals - ‘talking’

If you want to say ‘meerkat’ in British Sign Language, imitate a meerkat.

And if you want to say ‘lemur’, move your hands across your face to ‘draw’ the lemur’s distinctive markings.

Meerkats and lemurs, of course, can ‘speak’ their names in sign language, just by being themselves.

Now humans at Shaldon Wildlife Trust can also name the animals without using words or speech, thanks to eight new noticeboards around the site.

They show visitors how to ‘sign’ some of the Trust’s most popular animals, in a move to make the site more friendly and accessible for those with hearing disabilities.

The initiative has earned the Trust an Accessibility in Action award, launched this year by BIAZA (the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria) and Agility Marketing, which specialises in working with visitor attractions.

Shaldon Wildlife Trust received the £500 first prize, which will be used to fund further improvements.

Director Zak Showell said:

"We are absolutely thrilled to receive the Accessibility in Action Award. As a small charity, direct grant support like this allows us to make meaningful, practical improvements to our visitor experience.

"Our new British Sign Language signs help create a more welcoming, inclusive space for guests while encouraging all our visitors to engage with BSL.

“This initiative marks a significant milestone in Shaldon Wildlife Trust’s ongoing commitment to creating a zoo for all, making nature and wildlife education accessible to every member of the community.”

“We are immensely grateful to BIAZA and Agility Marketing for funding this initiative, as well as The School Sign Shop and Let’s Sign for bringing the signs to life."