COAL VALLEY, Ill. (June 16, 2017) – Niabi Zoo hosts Animal Tales, an 20-minute program that takes place every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. now through the end of July .
“Our education and outreach programs are very popular with families because they blend fun and learning,” said Lee Jackson, Niabi Zoo director, “Animals Tales is designed to instill a love for animals and the natural world in our youngest zoo guests.”
Each program begins with a story read by a member of the Niabi Zoo education staff, followed by an animal craft (supplies provided). Afterwards, parents can take their child to see the featured animal in the zoo.
“Each program will be new and exciting, featuring a different animal each week,” said Joel Vanderbush, curator of conservation and education at Niabi Zoo, “Our next program on June 21 will feature the world’s tallest land mammal in honor of World Giraffe Day. We’ll be reading ‘Giraffes Can’t Dance’ by Giles Andreae.”
The location of Animal Tales is on the Festival Lawn, weather permitting. In the case of rain, it will move to a sheltered location on the Colobus Monkey Observation Deck. The program is free with general admission to the Zoo.
Summer 2017 Animal Tales Schedule:
· June 21 (World Giraffe Day) – Animal Tale: “Giraffes Can’t Dance” by Giles Andreae; Animal Feature: Giraffe
· June 28 – Animal Tale: “Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb” by Al Perkins; Animal Feature: Colobus Monkey
· July 5 (Pollinator Day) – Animal Tale: “Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle; Animal Feature: Butterflies
· July 12 – Animal Tale: “Fox” by Kate Banks; Animal Feature: Red Fox
· July 19 – Animal Tale: “The Three Hedgehogs” by Javiar Sáez Castán; Animal Feature: Pygmy Hedgehog
· July 26 – Animal Tale: “Yertle the Turtle” by Dr. Seuss; Animal Feature: Turtle/Tortoise
Animal Tales can also be scheduled to come to libraries, schools or daycare. If interested contact Joel Vanderbuch at 309-799-3482 ext. 222 or jvanderbush@niabizoo.com.
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About Niabi Zoo
Niabi Zoo offers an opportunity to explore more than 40 acres that encompass 200 animal species from multiple continents while enjoying the countryside of Rock Island county. This exploration guides guests through the discovery of more than 600 animals representing over 200 species from around the world. The Zoo places great emphasis on educating both children and adults about the importance of conservation and how they can play a part in saving species and their ecosystems for future generations. The educational center is an important part of their mission to connect the community with the natural world through conservation leadership and engaging educational experiences. Niabi Zoo strives to instill a sense of care and understanding for wild animals in each and every visitor as they work in the community.
To learn more about Niabi Zoo visit NiabiZoo.com.
