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Articles by Niabi Zoo
Niabi Zoo: New or Renew, October 1-15 Only
Get Your Membership Today! How To Redeem Your Discount Enter the coupon code JOIN10 on the shopping cart/checkout screen. At the bottom of the page, select Coupon, enter your code, and click Apply. Your $10 discount will be reflected in your total before payment is completed. Offer valid for new and renewing Niabi Zoo memberships purchased online only. Offer is not valid for membership gift certificate purchases or for memberships redeemed using a gift certificate.
Niabi Zoo/Pints for Preservation September 18, 6-10PM
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (September 8, 2026) — We're excited to share what you'll be sampling at this year's Pints for Preservation! 🍺 Beverage Stations (fifteen stations total) Fifteen beverage stations will be set up throughout the zoo, each pouring samples from local and regional breweries. This year's lineup includes Big Grove Brewery, Elysian Brewing, Ciderboys, Good Boy Beer, and Bent River Brewing — and that's just the start. You'll have to come see what else is pouring.
Pallas's cat and kittens.jpg
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Pallas's cat and kittens.jpg
Secure transaction. Cancel anytime. Have an account? Log In Account processing issue - the email address may already exist User information Username (Optional) This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! * First name * Last name * Email Address Your email address will be used to confirm your account. We won't share it with anyone else.
Niabi Zoo Introduces “Zoo Nights” with Extended Evening Hours
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (MAY 14, 2026) — Niabi Zoo is launching an exciting new program this summer: Zoo Nights. Zoo Nights give visitors the chance to explore the zoo during extended evening hours once a month. Guests can enjoy the Zoo 10AM-8PM, with last entry at 7PM, on the following dates: May 21 June 18 (Pride Night) July 16 August 20 Zoo Nights provide a unique opportunity to experience Niabi’s animals in a different light.
Niabi Zoo/New Volunteer Conservation Corps
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (February 16, 2026) — Do you want to help animals and take an active role in conservation? We are excited to announce Niabi Zoo’s new Volunteer Conservation Corps.
Niabi Zoo Awarded $527,800 State Grant to Expand Outdoor Education and Family Recreation
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (January 16, 2026) — Niabi Zoo has been awarded a $527,800 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the State of Illinois to support the creation of new outdoor spaces that connect education, exploration and family-friendly recreation. The grant will fully fund three outdoor enhancements designed to encourage hands-on learning and active play, aligning with the core mission of the OSLAD program to expand access to outdoor recreational amenities.
Niabi Zoo Celebrates The Birth of Four Fennec Foxes
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (November 30, 2025) — The Niabi Zoo is excited to announce the birth of four Fennec Foxes (Vulpes zerda). Fennec foxes are native to the Sahara and Sinai deserts of North Africa, and are active hunters of small mammals and reptiles. Fennec foxes are the smallest of all fox species and are known for their unusually large ears, which serve to both locate prey underground and to dissipate heat from their bodies in the harsh desert environment.
Niabi Announces Reaccreditation into the Zoological Association of America
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (October 17, 2025) — The Niabi Zoo is proud to announce that it has been granted reaccreditation into the Zoological Association of America (ZAA). The ZAA is a non-profit accrediting organization dedicated to responsible wildlife management, wildlife conservation, and education. “ZAA accreditation establishes an extremely high bar with respect to professional standards and modern animal management practices” said Zoo Director Lee Jackson.
Niabi Zoo: Come Visit Us on the Last Weekend We are Open for 2025
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (October 6, 2025) BOO! It is Niabi Zoo’s annual celebration of Merry, not Scary Halloween Festivities. Our many generous local businesses will provide free treats to our Zoo guests. Wear your costumes, bring a smile, and enjoy the many annual Boo at the Zoo activities. Boo at the Zoo Activity Hours | 10AM-3PM Zoo Admission Hours | 10AM-5PM, Last entry @ 4PM Niabi Zoo Members and Funbundle Members get Free admission to this event.
Niabi Zoo: Seventh Annual Animal Art Show and Sale
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (September 13, 2025) — We are excited to announce our Seventh Annual Animal Art Show and Sale! Event Dates September 20–21 September 27–28 October 4–5 October 25–26 ⏰ Time: 10AM–3PM 📍 Location: Art tent in front of the gibbon habitat 👉 Please note: In case of inclement weather (heavy rain or storms), sales will be paused to prevent damage to the artwork.
Niabi Zoo: All-New Family Education Program
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (September 11, 2025) — This fall through spring, Niabi Zoo is bringing conservation to your backyard! In this twelve-class series we will explore many aspects of conservation from learning how to identify native bumblebees and plants to building animal homes for your yard. If you and yours want to learn together about how to take an active role in conservation, this family-friendly class series is for you! Participants of all ages are welcome.
Niabi Zoo: Heroes Day September 14
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (September 10, 2025) — We want to show our appreciation to our local heroes, including police officers, firefighters, health-care workers, paramedics, as well as active and veteran military personnel by offering FREE Zoo admission with an ID showing your employment or status. Help us show our thanks to them for serving your communities, neighbors, family, and friends throughout the Quad Cities and our country.
Don’t Miss Pints for Preservation, September 19, 6-10PM
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (September 9, 2025) — If seeing animals from across the globe while sipping cold beer sounds like a good time, then you need to buy your tickets to Pints for Preservation! BONUS: The funds raised during the night will be used to support future improvements at the zoo. All tickets include admission to the zoo, beer samples at numerous tasting stations, and a souvenir tasting glass. Various food trucks will also be on-site to offer food for purchase.
Niabi Zoo: Breakfast with the Rhino on September 21
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (September 4, 2025) — Come to our FIRST EVER Breakfast with the Rhino! Enjoy a Rhino-sized breakfast and learn about chubby unicorns and the plight they face in the wild. All five species of rhinos face extinction with three species being critically endangered and 2 subspecies having gone extinct since 2011.
Big Cats Return to Niabi Zoo Following Cat House Renovations
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (July 13, 2025) — Niabi Zoo is excited to welcome back its Amur leopards, snow leopards, and African leopard following extensive renovations to their habitat. After sustaining significant structural damage during the severe January 2024 winter snowstorms, the big cat house has been rebuilt to better meet the animals’ needs and support the zoo’s long-term care and conservation goals.
Niabi Zoo July 24 Members Only Night
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (July 7, 2025) — Member's Night is July 24. You'll need to get your tickets by the end of the day on July 21.
Can You Escape Niabi Zoo?
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (May 30, 2025) — Zoo guests who stay past closing time could find themselves locked in the Zoo. After hours on Wednesday, June 11, you and your friends will be locked in and will have to follow clues and solve puzzles in order to Escape the Zoo! You will journey to six different exhibits where you will try to unravel the ways our animals may help to reveal your escape plan.
Niabi Zoo Giveaway and More
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (May 21, 2025) — Join us on May 31 for a magical day full of Fantastic Tails! Your favorite fairy tale and superhero characters are swinging by Niabi Zoo for an enchanting adventure.
Niabi Zoo Classes for Winter and Spring
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (February 3, 2025) — Join us for fun, interactive learning experiences that your child won't soon forget! Throughout our six classes, your child will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of the endangered species our Zookeepers care for, the threats facing them, and how we can help to save these species before it's too late! They will hear animal stories, make creative crafts, and see amazing animals on exclusive tours.
On Sale-Niabi Zoo Ornament Limited Edition
Old School Subscription for Your Support Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48. $24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open! "We're the River Cities' Reader, and we've kept the Quad Cities' only independently owned newspaper alive and free since 1993. So please help the Reader keep going with your one-time, monthly, or annual support.
Niabi Zoo/Santa Paws Comes to Town
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (November 16, 2024) — Holiday cheer abounds when Santa Paws comes to town! Bring the family to our winter wonderland to eat a warm meal, decorate cookies with the elves, make crafts and get a photo with Santa Paws. Then bundle up to see some of Niabi’s winter animals on a special tour. You can join in on this season of giving by bringing a gift for the animals — take a look at our Amazon wish list.
Brews at the Zoo with Pints for Preservation, September 13, 6-10PM
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (August 26, 2024) — Check out what’s new at Niabi Zoo! Roam around the zoo visiting your favorite animals after hours, all while discovering local beers and food trucks. Proceeds from the night will support our recovery from storm damage. Your contribution will help restore the zoo and make it even better for the future. All tickets include admission to the zoo, beer samples at more than a dozen tasting stations, and a souvenir tasting glass.
Niabi Zoo Painted Dog Day Conservation Basket Raffle
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (August 23, 2024) — We are celebrating Painted Dog Day on Saturday, August 24, at the Zoo, 10AM-4PM. Conservation Educators will be hosting activity tables at the 2 Painted Dog habitat overlook decks for you and your family to have fun while learning about this endangered species.
Volunteers Needed to Join the CAT-astrophe Recovery Team
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (August 9, 2024) — On Friday, September 13, the Zoo will host our biggest fundraiser of the year, Pints for Preservation. This year, the proceeds will go toward finishing the cat habitats that were destroyed during the CAT-astrophe from the storms earlier in 2024. The large cat exhibits will be completed in late 2024 and the Pallas' Cat (featured in the image above) will be constructed in 2025.
Niabi Zoo Sensory Inclusion Day August 12
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (August 7, 2024) — Join us for our annual Sensory Inclusion Day at Niabi Zoo on August 12, 10AM-3PM, with the last entry at 2PM. This special event provides a safe and nurturing environment for children and adults with sensory needs, ensuring they can fully enjoy Niabi.
Adult Only Night at Niabi Zoo: Pints for Preservation September 13, 6-10PM
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (August 6, 2024) — Check out what’s new at Niabi Zoo! Roam around the zoo visiting your favorite animals after-hours, all while discovering local beers and food trucks. The proceeds from the night will support our recovery from storm damage. Your contribution will help restore the zoo and make it even better for the future. All tickets include admission to the zoo, beer samples at more than a dozen tasting stations, and a souvenir tasting glass.
Niabi Zoo Joins Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Wildlife Confiscation Network
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (May 31, 2024) — The Niabi Zoo is excited to announce its membership in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Wildlife Confiscation Network. The network was set up to assist the USFWS, state, and local law-enforcement agencies in providing care and homes for smuggled and confiscated wildlife brought illegally into the United States. The Niabi Zoo was chosen as a member after undergoing an extensive review of our animal care programs, staff experience, and finances.
Niabi Zoo: Summer Zoo Camps Filling Up
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Niabi Zoo: Summer Zoo Camps Filling Up
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (May 22, 2024) — Half of our Zoo Camps are sold out! The only remaining camps are for children ages four to five and six to seven. Zoo Camp 2024 is all about creating conservation connections! Through activities, hands on lessons, and animal experiences, your camper will learn about different animal groups and their survival needs, as well as ideas of what their future can hold.
Niabi Zoo Announces Online Auction to Help Raise Funds for Snow Storm Repairs
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (May 14, 2024) — Niabi Zoo experienced significant damage to facilities and infrastructure during five days of heavy snowfall between January 8-12, 2024. The Niabi Zoo has set up an Online charity auction to help raise more funds to help cover some of the cost of the extensive repairs. “This auction has something for everyone.
Niabi Zoo Opening Day, April 30, 10AM
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (April 24, 2024) — Niabi Zoo Foundation is proud to partner with Niabi Zoo as they repair or replace the damaged areas from the January snowstorm. Thank you to all who have donated to this project. You have raised more than $12,000 with personal donations and $50,000 from Modern Woodman. The Modern Woodman donation will support the reconstruction of the Bald Eagle Exhibit.
Spring Events at Niabi Zoo Abound
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (April 8, 2024) — While the Zoo may be opening a little later than normal while it continues to recover from the winter damage, it is hitting the ground running! Here is a brief overview of the upcoming Spring events: Saturday, April 20 — 10:30AM-12:30PM Conservation Speaker Series — Travis Livieri, Prairie Dogs (see below to register) Tuesday, April 30 — 10AM-5PM Zoo Opening Day Saturday, May 4 — 10AM-4PM Earth Day Everyday Celebration Tuesday, May 7 — 6:30-8:30PM...
Zoo Camp: Creating Conservation Connections
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (February 27, 2024) — Zoo Camp 2024 all about creating conservation connections! Through activities, hands-on lessons, and animal experiences, your camper will learn about different animal groups and their survival needs, as well as ideas of what their future can hold. Each day is crafted to enlighten, encourage, and enrich your campers in an education-based summer camp.
Learn to Paint Animals During Wine and Design April 5
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (February 26, 2024) — Tired of the same old evening plans? Looking to get WILD? Get creative and paint some animals! Oh, and there's wine! What's not to like? Choose from your favorite wine, nibble on hors d'oeuvres, and learn to paint animals during Wine and Design. All skill levels are welcome! You don't have to be an artist to enjoy learning.
Niabi Zoo Now accepting applications
Old School Subscription for Your Support Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48. $24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open! "We're the River Cities' Reader, and we've kept the Quad Cities' only independently owned newspaper alive and free since 1993. So please help the Reader keep going with your one-time, monthly, or annual support.
Niabi Zoo: Full-Time Position Available
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (January 5, 2024) — We believe in rewarding our dedicated team members. Check out our attractive compensation package: Base Salary: - Current: $20.95 - Effective July 1, 2024: $21.58 (Guaranteed Wage Increase) Wage Step Increases: - Milestone increases after one, two, four, six, eight, ten, twelve, fifteen, twenty, and 25 years of service. Retirement Benefits: - Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund Defined Pension Plan.
Boo at the Zoo is BACK!👻
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (October 20, 2023) — BOO! It is Niabi Zoo’s annual celebration of Merry, not Scary Halloween Festivities. Our many generous, local businesses will provide free treats to our Zoo guests. Wear your costumes, bring a smile, and enjoy the many annual Boo at the Zoo activities. Boo at the Zoo Activity Hours | 10AM-3PM Zoo Admission Hours | 10AM-5PM, Last entry @ 4PM Niabi Zoo Members and Funbundle Members get Free admission to this event.
Volunteer for Pints for Preservation 2023
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (August 31, 2023) — Shout out for volunteers! On Friday, September 22, Niabi Zoo (13010 Niabi Zoo Rd, Coal Valley) will host its biggest fundraiser of the year, Pints for Preservation! This event kicks off the campaign to bring Bears to the Zoo! In order to transform the Zoo into the social venue of the season for adults, we will need many volunteers to help set up and operate drink stations throughout the night.
Second Annual Bi-CAN Backyard Bee Blitz July 28-30
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (July 28, 2023) — Nature lovers in the QC Region — especially those that love pollinators — are invited to get outside and snap pictures of any insect seen visiting a flower. Then, upload your findings to iNaturalist. The Backyard Bee Blitz is derived from a BioBlitz, an activity in which all of the biodiversity in a specific area is examined, to provide a snapshot in time of the flora and fauna present.
Members Only Night, July 27, Canceled
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (July 25, 2023) — We appreciate your continued support and enthusiasm for our zoo, which allows us to bring you exclusive events like Members Only Night. However, we would like to let you know that due to the extreme weather forecast for Thursday, we have decided to cancel our Members Only Night event scheduled for that day. The safety and well-being of our cherished members, our staff, and the animals in our care are paramount to us.
Niabi Zoo Welcomes Its Newest Species. African Painted Dogs
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (July 17, 2023) — The Niabi Zoo is excited to welcome its newest inhabitants to the Quad Cities: Three African Painted Dogs Lycaon pictus. This incredible species is a native of the grasslands of East Africa, and has never been housed at the Niabi Zoo before. African Painted Dogs are highly intelligent and social keystone species in Africa. Like North American Wolves, play a critical role in the health of their ecosystem.
Breakfast with the Giraffe at Niabi Zoo
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (May 29, 2023) — As we celebrate the longest day of the year on World Giraffe Day, enjoy a tall order of breakfast, then go on a tour to meet our tall boy Kenya at the Giraffe barn. Find out how zookeepers care for this endangered species as we work to stave off what is being considered a “silent extinction.” It’s time to make some noise to help protect this lofty animal.
Niabi Zoo Foundation Invites Public to Party with a Purpose on Thursday, May 4, at the Rust Belt in East Moline
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (April 17, 2023) — This event will feature entertainment by renowned show band Maggie Speaks. Guests will enjoy an unforgettable evening of music, while also contributing to the vital work of the zoo. The concert will feature special appearances by Niabi Zoo staff and the Foundation Board, to provide an up-close look at the organization's new master plan. Funds raised from the concert will support the zoo's animal care, education, and conservation programs.
Niabi Zoo Will Reopen for the 2023 Season on April 17
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (April 17, 2023)— Niabi Zoo will reopen on April 17, and what a year it’s going to be! New amenities like improved food services, and the exciting and fun “Scooter Pals” vehicles will make the fun just that much wilder! We are especially excited to be able to announce our partnership with Kulture City. This amazing organization is working with Niabi to create an inclusive, enjoyable experience for all of our guests regardless of their sensory needs.
Niabi Zoo Animals Receive COVID Vaccine
COAL VALLEY, ILLLINOIS (March 7, 2023) — A group of Niabi Zoo animals, ranging from Amur Leopards to Fennec foxes, have received the first and second rounds of the Veterinary COVID Vaccine, produced and donated by the pharmaceutical company Zoetis. “COVID-19 has been found in a wide array of mammals since the pandemic struck. And like humans, some species are particularly vulnerable to becoming seriously ill as a result.” Said Zoo Director Lee Jackson.
Junior Zoo Keeper Applications Now Available
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Author index
COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (February 7, 2023) — Do you know a teenager that loves animals, science, or conservation? We thought so! Niabi Zoo is excited to welcome a new group of motivated students eager to learn and gain experience as a volunteer at our zoological park this summer. What is a Junior Zoo Keeper (JZK) you might ask? A JZK is a student between the ages fourteen to seventeen that:
Niabi celebrates The Birth of 3 Fennec Foxes
COAL VALLEY – The Niabi Zoo is excited to announce the birth of three Fennec Foxes ( Vulpes zerda). Fennec foxes are native to the Sahara and Sinai deserts of North Africa, and are active hunters of small mammals and reptiles. Fennec foxes are the smallest of all fox species and are known for their unusually large ears that serve to both locate prey underground and to dissipate heat from their bodies in the harsh desert environment.
Niabi Zoo seeking volunteers for the 2018 season
Local and global impact: Niabi Zoo seeking volunteers for the 2018 seasonVolunteers assist with everything from educational programs, animal husbandry, preparing diets, special events and more.COAL VALLEY, Ill. (April 30, 2018) – Make a difference locally and globally by volunteering at Niabi Zoo in 2018. Those interested in conservation, education, gardening and animals are encouraged to apply by May 25.
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