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.
“Our big cats are a guest favorite, and we’re excited to have them back where they belong,” said Lee Jackson, director of Niabi Zoo. “Thanks to the dedication of our team and the support of the community, we’ve restored their habitat and made important upgrades for their care and enrichment.”
The repairs mark a major milestone in Niabi’s ongoing recovery from winter storm damage, which is estimated to cost around $2.5 million. While the zoo has secured about two-thirds of the funding from the State of Illinois, Rock Island County, insurance and early community support, it is seeking the public’s help to close the gap.
“While we’ve kept up our recovery and you can now enjoy the results, but we still need your help to close the gap in funding,” said Jackson.
To support ongoing improvements to animal habitats, you can make your donation today at: niabizoo.networkforgood.com/projects/218878-recovery-fund.
Visitors can now see the big cats daily as they explore their updated space, complete with new features designed to promote natural behaviors and enhance their well-being.
Niabi Zoo is open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10AM-5PM, through October 26.
About Niabi Zoo
Niabi Zoo, which is operated by the Forest Preserve District of Rock Island County, offers an opportunity to explore more than forty acres in Coal Valley, Illinois, and discover more than 600 animals from around the world. The Zoo places great emphasis on educating people of all ages about the importance of conservation and how they can play a part in saving species and ecosystems for future generations. Niabi Zoo is working today to ensure a better tomorrow for all living things. For more information about the Zoo, visit NiabiZoo.com. To learn more about the Niabi Zoo Foundation, visit Niabizoofoundation.com.
