COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (March 23, 2022) — The members of the Niabi Zoo & Forest Preserves Foundation have, like all of us, been watching the events unfold in the Ukraine since the invasion by Russia on February 24. No one can watch this destruction occur and not be impacted by the humanitarian catastrophe that is unfolding in real time right before our eyes. While the Niabi Zoo and Forest Preserves Foundation is deeply concerned with the humanitarian cost of this senseless war, we are in a much-better position to support animal-welfare relief. As such, the Niabi Zoo and Forest Preserves Foundation voted unanimously and begin with the donation of a $1,000 matching-grant to Askania Nova Biosphere Reserve, which manages a zoological garden and the Saiga Biosphere reserve (a Unesco Heritage site). The reserve holds the only captive heard of Saiga antelope in the world, which makes this herd extremely important to the conservation of the species. The Reserve biodiversity is amazing, with over 500 plant species and over 3,000 species of animals. The Aksania Nova Biosphere is located in Kherson Oblast, North of Crimea, and is operated by the National Academy of Agrarian Science of Ukraine. Aksania Nova is a heavily-targeted, strategic military area.
The Niabi Zoo and Forest Preserves Foundation will be working with the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) to get donated funds where they are needed.
If you would like to help, please use the link below to make a donation on the Niabi Zoo website. https://niabizoo.networkforgood.com/projects/107283-main-giving-page . After choosing your donation amount, use the drop down menu under “Apply my donation to” and select “Ukraine Fund.” You can also mail your donation to:
Niabi Zoological Park
13010 Niabi Zoo Road
Coal Valley, IL 61240
Please remember to write “Ukraine Fund “on the memo line of your check.
The Foundation will match the first $1,000. You can also go to the ZAA website at www.zaa.org/donate to contribute. Please put Aksania in the comment box.
A full list of reopening guidelines can be found at NiabiZoo.com.
The Zoo will open on April 18. Hours are from 10AM–5PM, seven days per week, with last entry at 4PM.
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 that encompass 200 animal species. This exploration guides guests through the discovery of more than 800 animals from around the world. 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. For more information about the Zoo, visit NiabiZoo.com.
About the Niabi Zoo and Forest Preserve District of Rock Island Foundation
It is the mission of the Niabi Zoo and Forest preserve District Foundation to support the institutional advancement of the Niabi Zoo and Forest Preserve District in their initiatives in the conservation of wildlife habitats, environmental education, and animal care best practices.
Like so many others, staff shortages have required us to rethink our operational strategy in an effort to continue providing the level of service our guests and animals deserve.
Effective opening day, April 18, tickets pre-ordered online by 9AM the day of your visit will be discounted, while tickets purchased at the zoo admission-booth will be a few dollars more. Our new process will allow us to staff more effectively for expected attendance, ensuring the best experience for you while taking care of our team.
These little ones can’t wait to welcome you to the zoo this season! Thank you in advance for helping us create the best experience for YOU.
You can find all the details here: https://www.niabizoo.com/plan-your-visit/hours-pricing/.
The Niabi Zoo is a proud member of the Zoological Association of America (ZAA). Member Institutions are held to the highest standards of animal care and welfare. The ZAA is the fastest growing professional zoo organization in the United States.
