New Meerkats and leopard along with a new gift shop among 2016 highlights at Niabi
COAL VALLEY, Ill. (April 7, 2016) – Two new animal families and a brand new gift shop will be some of the changes unveiled to Niabi Zoo guests when the Coal Valley-compound opens for the 2016 season on April 11.
While closed for the winter season, Niabi welcomed multiple new animals to its family. Among those are an Amur Leopard, one of the most critically endangered cats in the world, as well as three Slender-Tailed Meerkats, who are housed with an African Crested Porcupine. In addition, a new breeding pair of red wolves now also call Niabi Zoo home.
“We’ve got a lot of new things going on at the zoo this season,” said Dan Meates, interim director of Niabi Zoo. “We’re very excited for visitors to see our new animal families – not only because it gives guests a chance to view these magnificent creatures in person, but because it gives us the ability to further educate the public about the threats these species face in the wild.“
The Species Survival Plan (SPP)
Both the meerkats and the leopard are part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP), a program Niabi Zoo belongs to that preserves and breads animals in captivity. The zoo serves as “an arc” for these animals to guarantee their survival. As participants in the SSP program, it’s the zoo’s responsibility to follow the overall species management plan.
“For example, Niabi will house the new Amur Leopard, which is one of the most endangered cats in the world. Once he reaches breeding age, he’ll be moved to another institution for breeding in accordance with SSP guidelines,” said Meates.
The red wolves are another example of the SSP in action.
Last year, Niabi raised two red wolves that had a litter of pups, including females. Those animals have now been transported to the Endangered Wolf Center near St. Louis where they are now part of a multi-generational pack. To replace those animals, Niabi now has a new breeding pair of red wolves.
Mixed species exhibit
Three male meerkats and one female African crested porcupine – the largest type of porcupine in the world – will be part of the new Mixed Species Exhibit. The exhibit features a lot of rockwork, much like the rocky areas where meerkats live in Africa. An observation tunnel underneath their home is perfect for kids to meet and greet the family.
“Visitors can go into a cave under the rockwork to view the meerkats in their underground tunnels. They stand about two feet off the ground, so this exhibit was built for the ultimate kid experience,” Meates said.
In the coming years, visitors are going to start seeing more of these types of immersive animal enclosures at Niabi Zoo. That’s because the team is working actively towards installing habitat immersion exhibits, which shows animals in the context of their natural environment.
In addition to the new animal exhibits, there have been other changes at the zoo.
Additional gift shop
There is now a second gift shop on the grounds that is housed in the same building as the new meerkat exhibit. It will offer everything from sunscreen and umbrellas to Niabi Zoo gear and train ride and giraffe feeding tickets.
“We are really putting guest experience at the forefront this year,” said Scarlet Behrens, guest services manager. “Our gift shops have all the necessities to make every zoo experience great, and now guests will have easier access with a gift shop at each end of the zoo.”
Enhanced schedule for Zookeeper Chat
The zoo is also rolling out an enhanced schedule for its popular Zookeeper Chats. Keeper talks give visitors an opportunity to interact directly with the individuals who take care of the animals. Presentations take place seven days a week at 12 noon and 3 p.m.
“The Zookeeper Chats are just one of the many entertaining opportunities for our visitors to learn from,” said Jill Roderick, curator of conservation & education at Niabi Zoo. “We offer classes and programs year round, including Zoo Tots, monthly home school programs, Zoo Snooze, field trips, interpretive programs and more.”
The zoo will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Last entry will take place at 4 p.m.
For more information about Niabi, its exhibits and upcoming events, visit NiabiZoo.com.
###
About Niabi Zoo
Niabi Zoo offers an opportunity to explore over 40 acres of animal exhibit, including over 330 animals in more than 140 species from around the world. The zoo places great emphasis on educating both children and adults about the importance of conservation. Their 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.
Niabi Zoo opens April 11th for the 2016 season. For more information about the zoo, visit NiabiZoo.com
