The Castle Hill attraction has received a gold award for diversity and inclusion from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquarium (BIAZA). The recognition comes after it became the first zoo to be accredited as autism-friendly attraction from the Dimensions UK charity last year. The zoo offers sensory bags for hire in the Safari Shop, provides sensory noticeboards, and offers designated quiet mornings. Director Matt Lewis said: "As the first zoo to receive an autism-friendly accreditation from Dimensions UK last year, we're incredibly proud to be recognised by the zoo community for our ongoing initiatives which will hopefully enable more people to connect with nature while enjoying a day out at Dudley Zoo." It is the second BIAZA diversity gold award the attraction has won in three years, with the zoo also praised for its championing of allergy awareness. The zoo said its work was continuing, with signs installed across the 40-acre site so visitors could identify different sensory environment, including a British Sign Language trail.