Support KF: Fair Accessibility and a Fair Resolution at Columbus Zoo
The Issue
Cover illustration: A symbolic scene supporting accessibility, neurodivergent inclusion, and freedom of expression. It depicts no actual event and implies no endorsement by Anonymous or any other group.
A family asking for workable access deserves a clear answer, consistent treatment, and a fair hearing.
We stand with Kevin Finisterre, known on X as KF (@d0tslash), in calling for an independent review of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s handling of his family’s accessibility concerns and a fair, constructive resolution of the dispute.
What is documented
The zoo’s published Membership FAQ requires Gold members to obtain wristbands for rides and feedings and says membership cards and bands not attached to the member’s wrist are not accepted at those locations.
In July 2026, The Columbus Dispatch reported that the family requested an accommodation in March 2025 because their son could not tolerate a wristband due to sensory concerns. The zoo said it offered alternatives, including a band on a backpack or shoelace, or on a guardian. Finisterre said the arrangements still caused distress and limited his son’s independence.
The zoo filed a civil lawsuit on November 25, 2025, alleging harassment. A June 17, 2026 federal court order returned the case to state court on procedural and jurisdictional grounds. That order did not resolve the underlying harassment allegations or the merits of the family’s accessibility concerns. We have not verified the latest state-court disposition.
Finisterre’s public account describes inconsistent accommodation practices and legal pressure surrounding his criticism. Those are his allegations, not established findings. The zoo disputes his characterization and says it is committed to inclusive experiences and protecting staff.
What we are asking the zoo’s Board of Directors and leadership to do
1. Commission an independent accessibility review involving disabled guests and qualified disability-access specialists, and publish its recommendations without exposing families’ private information.
2. Establish a clear, workable band-free verification option for guests whose disability makes wristbands unsuitable, while preserving legitimate ride-safety and membership checks.
3. Train staff to honor approved accommodations consistently, with a process that avoids repeatedly requiring guests to explain their disability at each attraction.
4. Offer a confidential, mutually agreed mediation process through appropriate representatives to address the family’s access concerns and seek a proportionate resolution of the litigation. Review whether claims or restrictions target protected advocacy and withdraw any that do.
5. Publish a clear accommodation and appeal process, and provide a public response to these requests within 30 days of receiving this petition.
Accessibility should work in practice. Let’s get back to that.
Disclosure and conditional support: We do not know Kevin Finisterre (KF) personally; our familiarity is limited to his online persona and public statements. We are creating this petition based on the information and purported facts presented thus far, including the public sources cited here. Disputed claims remain allegations, not established findings. Our support is provisional and may change or be withdrawn if new facts or evidence emerge, including through discovery in the litigation. We will reassess our position and correct or update this petition as warranted.
This is a peaceful, supporter-organized petition. It does not claim KF’s endorsement or legal representation. Supporters should not contact or target individual employees, lawyers, judges, or family members, and should respect all court orders.
Sources
Zoo membership policy: https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership-faq
Original Dispatch reporting, republished by AOL (July 18, 2026): https://www.aol.com/articles/story-behind-plane-carrying-columbus-100239000.html
Federal court order (June 17, 2026): https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/ohio/ohsdce/2:2026cv00013/308583/13/
KF’s account and case memo: https://www.columbuszoosucks.org/
KF on X: https://x.com/d0tslash
35
The Issue
Cover illustration: A symbolic scene supporting accessibility, neurodivergent inclusion, and freedom of expression. It depicts no actual event and implies no endorsement by Anonymous or any other group.
A family asking for workable access deserves a clear answer, consistent treatment, and a fair hearing.
We stand with Kevin Finisterre, known on X as KF (@d0tslash), in calling for an independent review of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s handling of his family’s accessibility concerns and a fair, constructive resolution of the dispute.
What is documented
The zoo’s published Membership FAQ requires Gold members to obtain wristbands for rides and feedings and says membership cards and bands not attached to the member’s wrist are not accepted at those locations.
In July 2026, The Columbus Dispatch reported that the family requested an accommodation in March 2025 because their son could not tolerate a wristband due to sensory concerns. The zoo said it offered alternatives, including a band on a backpack or shoelace, or on a guardian. Finisterre said the arrangements still caused distress and limited his son’s independence.
The zoo filed a civil lawsuit on November 25, 2025, alleging harassment. A June 17, 2026 federal court order returned the case to state court on procedural and jurisdictional grounds. That order did not resolve the underlying harassment allegations or the merits of the family’s accessibility concerns. We have not verified the latest state-court disposition.
Finisterre’s public account describes inconsistent accommodation practices and legal pressure surrounding his criticism. Those are his allegations, not established findings. The zoo disputes his characterization and says it is committed to inclusive experiences and protecting staff.
What we are asking the zoo’s Board of Directors and leadership to do
1. Commission an independent accessibility review involving disabled guests and qualified disability-access specialists, and publish its recommendations without exposing families’ private information.
2. Establish a clear, workable band-free verification option for guests whose disability makes wristbands unsuitable, while preserving legitimate ride-safety and membership checks.
3. Train staff to honor approved accommodations consistently, with a process that avoids repeatedly requiring guests to explain their disability at each attraction.
4. Offer a confidential, mutually agreed mediation process through appropriate representatives to address the family’s access concerns and seek a proportionate resolution of the litigation. Review whether claims or restrictions target protected advocacy and withdraw any that do.
5. Publish a clear accommodation and appeal process, and provide a public response to these requests within 30 days of receiving this petition.
Accessibility should work in practice. Let’s get back to that.
Disclosure and conditional support: We do not know Kevin Finisterre (KF) personally; our familiarity is limited to his online persona and public statements. We are creating this petition based on the information and purported facts presented thus far, including the public sources cited here. Disputed claims remain allegations, not established findings. Our support is provisional and may change or be withdrawn if new facts or evidence emerge, including through discovery in the litigation. We will reassess our position and correct or update this petition as warranted.
This is a peaceful, supporter-organized petition. It does not claim KF’s endorsement or legal representation. Supporters should not contact or target individual employees, lawyers, judges, or family members, and should respect all court orders.
Sources
Zoo membership policy: https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership-faq
Original Dispatch reporting, republished by AOL (July 18, 2026): https://www.aol.com/articles/story-behind-plane-carrying-columbus-100239000.html
Federal court order (June 17, 2026): https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/ohio/ohsdce/2:2026cv00013/308583/13/
KF’s account and case memo: https://www.columbuszoosucks.org/
KF on X: https://x.com/d0tslash
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on October 5, 2026