Niabi Zoo is a public Zoological Park in Coal Valley, Illinois, serving the Quad Cities Area. This 40 acre zoo is nestled inside its 287 acre forest preserve. The exploration of this picturesque setting guides guests through the discovery of more than 600 animals representing nearly 200 animal species from around the world. Niabi Zoo is open for general admission April–October annually and offers robust education and outreach programs year round.
Niabi is one of six facilities owned and operated by the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District.[1]
History
The zoo's name "Niabi" comes from the Native Americans language of the Wazhazhe (Osage Nation) and means "the fawn spared by the hunter." This meaning gives an insight into human nature and the power of choice. As the choice is made to spare the fawn to preserve it for the future, people are faced with the same choice when it comes to the conservation of species, habitats and global ecosystems.
Niabi Zoo was officially founded in 1963 but traces its history back to 1959, when local masonry contractor and animal lover, Gordon V. McLain, opened McLain's Wild Animal Farm to the public. It operated for just four years until Patti S. Wiman (1895–1976) purchased the Wild Animal Farm and some surrounding land in 1963 and deeded it to the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District, which continues to operate the Zoo today.
Timeline
1972: The zoo held its first Zoofari Ball fundraiser.
2008: Exhibit constructed for critically endangered red wolf.
2011: Zoo Discovery Center for education, administration, and admissions to new entry plaza and pond constructed.
2012: Niabi Zoo lost AZA accreditation.
2015: Coins for Conservation began donating to species conservation projects.
2017: Oceans exhibit opened in Discovery Center gallery, renovations to Biodiversity Hall and Reptile House. Became member of Quad Cities Earth Coalition.
2018: Conservation & Science Speaker Series launched and established conservation partnerships with Snow Leopard Trust and Painted Dog Research Trust.[2] Helped form Bi-State Conservation Action Network (Bi-CAN) with regional partners.
2019: Niabi's conservation education department helped develop field education program for Painted Dog Research Trust [3] in Zimbabwe, Africa and participated in Whale Shark tagging research with Ch’ooj Ajauil [4] in Cancun, Mexico.
Discovery Center: First exhibit upon entry to the Zoo features rotational exhibits which have included Rainforest Trek, Oceans, and Spineless Wonders as well as a tamarin habitat.
White Rhino: Highlights the extinction threats facing the 5 species of rhinos as well as the adaptions of African rhinos. Features the Southern white rhinoceros.
Gibbons: With a large artificial tree and water feature, the Yellow-cheeked gibbons can be seen swinging from branch to branch.
Conservation: Guests can contribute to multiple projects for species conservation at the Coins for Conservation kiosk, Rhino donation boxes, on-line donations and attending the Conservation & Science Speaker Series.
Education: Niabi Zoo educates to inspire people to take conservation action. Programs include Zoo Camp, classes, field trips, tours, animal encounters, Zoo2U outreach, guest speakers, university instruction, and media appearances.
Events: Animal event days (giraffe, snow leopard, endangered species, etc.), Boo at the Zoo Halloween, Pints for Preservation, Dine with the Animals and many more!
Other:Playground, picnic areas, pavilions, education center, gift shop, concessions, facility rentals, etc.
Niabi Zoo is funded through the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District,[7] Zoo admission, program fees, memberships, grants, a small percentage of tax support, as well as donations and fundraising efforts from the Niabi Zoo and Forest Preserves Foundation.[8]
