Niabi Zoo

Elephant Exhibit

Niabi Zoo has bragging rights as the only zoo in Illinois with elephants. We’re fortunate to be able to see Asian elephants right in our own community. We’ve just completed our accreditation inspection by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which is a reminder that Niabi Zoo needs to build a more spacious home for our elephants.

The AZA and elephant community, in their ongoing quest to set the highest standards for animal care, recommend that elephants should be in social groupings of at least three animals per facility. Niabi Zoo believes strongly that adopting this new standard is an important part of our responsibility in caring for these magnificent animals. The current elephant facility was built in 1997, prior to development of the new standards, and was designed for the needs at the time. It is still adequate for two elephants, but expanding the herd to three or more elephants simply can’t be done without building a larger facility.

A plan is in place to build a new elephant exhibit at Niabi Zoo with an outdoor area nearly four times the current space. It will accommodate four elephants and have an indoor viewing area. It’s a new experience that we look forward to bringing zoo guests.

There are several ways you can help out. One dollar from every general admission at the zoo goes into a special fund just for the elephant exhibit. Donation boxes are located throughout the zoo and checks can be mailed to or dropped off at the zoo. Just write “Elephants” on the memo line of your check made out to Niabi Zoo and mail to:

We’re on our way to raising the $4 million needed for the new elephant exhibit. Together, with your support, we know this community will continue to support elephants at Niabi Zoo.