Open for the 2022 season from April 18 – October 30

Yes, please bring your face covering. They will still be required inside animal buildings and during any of the feedings (this also includes while standing in line to wait for a feeding).

Masks will be available for purchase at each ticket counter. Guests who refuse to wear masks where required will not be able to go into the buildings or participate in the feedings.

We understand that some people have medical conditions that are affected by wearing a mask covering the mouth and nose. Reasonable accommodations, such as the use of a plastic face shield, can be used for those who are unable to wear mask.

To keep animals and staff safe and healthy, we require ALL guests (ages 2 and older) to wear face coverings inside animal buildings and while participating in any of the feedings (this also includes while standing in line to wait for a feeding).

At this time, we are not requiring guests to make a reservation. Guests can still purchase tickets on-line or at the Zoo Admission Gate. However, guest will receive a discount if tickets our purchased on-line.

Reserve your tickets

No. Sorry, but refunds are not being issued due to inclement weather.

Admission/Ride/Feeding tickets are nonrefundable.

• If you purchased General Admission tickets online, the Zoo may be able to accommodate a one-time ticket transfer to change the date of your visit. To request a ticket transfer, please email info@niabizoo.com at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled ticket. Be sure to include the alternate date for your visit.
•  Please contact info@niabizoo.com for more information.​

No. Sorry, tickets are non-refundable.

Admission/Ride/Feeding tickets are nonrefundable.

• If you purchased General Admission tickets online, the Zoo may be able to accommodate a one-time ticket transfer to change the date of your visit. To request a ticket transfer, please email info@niabizoo.com at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled ticket. Be sure to include the alternate date for your visit.
•  Please contact info@niabizoo.com for more information.​

No, but guests can purchase tickets on-line or at the Zoo Admission Booths.

The Wild Things Gift Shop is open with increased safety precautions such as sneeze guards at registers and increased sanitation practices.

The Treehouse Snack Shack, our front concession stand is open Sat-Sun from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (weather and attendance permitted). The Wild Paw concession stand at the back of the Zoo next to the Reptile House will remain closed for the season.

As always, guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages (review our zoo rules for restrictions).

As always, guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages (review our zoo rules for restrictions).

Yes, train and carousel rides are running. You may reserve your tickets here or purchase your tickets when you arrive for your visit or purchase them at the Zoo Admission Booths or Gift Shop.

Giraffe feedings are open (Everyday 11 & 2, Mask required during the feeding and while waiting in line)

The Koi pond and deck are open. However, the feeding experience is closed due to Avian Influenza issues.

The domestic animal area and feeding experience is closed.

Yes, but we highly recommend you contact any institutions prior to your visit to confirm their current participation status in the reciprocal program is active. You can check out the 2022 reciprocal list here.

ADMISSIONS/PARKING-Please just bring your membership card and ID with you and present both to the admissions staff on the day of your visit. We allow up to 2 Adults and 4 Children to receive the reciprocal discount, depending on who is listed on your membership.  Anyone not listed on your membership will need to pay for admissions when you arrive. You will still need to pay for parking on the day of your visit.

Open

• Outdoor animal exhibits
• Biodiversity Hall (Mask required when inside this building)
• Reptile House (Mask required when inside this building)
• Discovery Center/Spineless Wonders (Mask required when inside this building and capacity is 15 guests at a time)
• Giraffe feedings (Everyday 11 & 2, Mask required during the feeding and while waiting in line)
• Rides, including train and carousel
• Festival lawn – great for picnicking!
• Primary concession stand (Open Sat-Sun/Hours 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Weather and attendance dependent)
• Wild Things Gift Shop
• Playground
• Koi deck (Koi feed is unavailable due to Avian Influenza issues)
• Scooter, stroller and wheelchair rental
• Water fountains
• ATM machine

Closed

• Indoor exhibits at Giraffe Building (indoor giraffe/African primates)
• Domestic animal feedings
• The Wild Paw concession stand (at the back of the Zoo)
• Events and gatherings ( Naturalist chats, classes, private animal encounters, etc.)

We operate under the guidelines of the State of IL Phase 5 guidelines and have implemented appropriate protocols to ensure the safety of our guests, staff and animals:

• Implemented enhanced sanitation protocols.
• Installed additional hand wash stations and sanitizer stations.
• Installed plexiglass “sneeze guards” at the registers in our gift shop.
• Placed markers on the ground to facilitate social distancing at exhibits and other areas where groups congregate.
• Made modifications and restricted access to select exhibits due to the increased susceptibility of certain animal groups to COVID-19.
• Suspended the use of highly touched items such as paper maps and coins for the Coins for the Conservation kiosk.
• Distanced picnic tables and benches throughout the zoo.
• Requiring face coverings for all employees.
• Requiring face coverings for guests inside all buildings and while participating in any feedings (this also includes while waiting in line for the feedings).