Response to COVID-19
Home   //   Response to COVID-19

The safety of our staff, volunteers, zoo visitors and animals is always our highest priority. Niabi Zoo, and the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District, is closely monitoring the developments of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Illinois and around the world. We are following the latest recommendations put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), national and local health and government officials to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. As this rapidly changing situation continues to develop, our community can check back to this page for the most up-to-date information regarding our response.

Updated: 4/27/20

Will Niabi Zoo open for the season as planned on April 11, 2020?

Niabi Zoo officials will continue to monitor the recommendations of national, state and local health organizations to determine an official season-opening date. Our opening originally scheduled for April 11, is postponed until state-mandated closures are lifted. Once it is determined opening the zoo is safe for our staff, volunteers, community and the animals in our care a new opening date will be announced. Please check back to this page for developments.

How can I support Niabi Zoo during this difficult time? 

The postponement of our season opening and cancellation of numerous events will have a major impact on our daily operations. Scroll to the bottom of this page to read a letter from our zoo director.

You can help during this difficult time by:

Will Niabi Zoo be holding events in the coming weeks?

The CDC has recommended as of March 16, 2020 that all gatherings of 10+ be postponed or canceled. Following this recommendation, Niabi Zoo will be canceling all in-person programs and events until further notice.

If you registered for a program already, our staff will be reaching out to you individually.

If you have questions about our education initiatives and scheduling, please email us at education@NiabiZoo.com.

Will Niabi Zoo still host the Members Egg Hunt scheduled for April 4, 2020?

We’re sad to say we had to make the difficult decision to cancel the Members Egg Hunt originally scheduled for April 4, 2020. Currently, there are no plans to reschedule the Members Egg Hunt in 2020, but we are already working on preparations to make this summer’s Members Night extra special for our members and their families.

If you are a Niabi Zoo member and have questions about your new or existing membership, please email us at membership@NiabiZoo.com.

How are the animals being cared for during the COVID-19 outbreak?

We’ll continue to provide the animals that call Niabi Zoo home with the highest level of professional care day in and day out. Essential staff will continue to report onsite to care for the animals and extra precautions are being put in place for both humans and animals to ensure their safety including, but not limited to, stocking critical medications and food items for animals, enforcing extra hygiene practices and maintaining CDC recommended social distancing among staff.

WE’LL BE BACK SOON! 

Niabi Zoo is following the recommendations put in place because it is in the best interest for humans and animals alike. We hope that you, like us, will do your part to reduce the spread of coronavirus – together we can get through this and hopefully sooner rather than later, it will be safe to open Niabi Zoo to the public. We have been working on many exciting initiatives in the off-season including new exhibits, an ongoing slate of education programs, and an exciting lineup of special events!

In the meantime, here is how you can help-   

   “A letter from the Zoo Director”

Dear Friends of Niabi Zoo,

The constantly evolving challenge of the coronavirus pandemic is affecting all of us in all sorts of ways. And that includes all creatures great and small here at Niabi.

I’m proud to report that the high level of animal care we have established here – recently recognized by the Zoological Association of America in granting us accreditation – continues without missing a beat. You can be very proud of the animal care team here at Niabi!

We can’t wait to welcome you back to Niabi to show off all the work that’s been accomplished over the past winter. We’re anxious for you to meet Kindu, the latest addition to our Colobus monkey family, and the Fab Four Fennec Fox kits born earlier this year. Our new “Spineless Wonders” exhibition of invertebrates from around the world is extraordinary and exotic, and we look forward to sharing it with you.

Rest assured that during the days ahead, as we remain closed to the public, all of our amazing animals will continue to receive excellent care. But without the revenues we would normally receive from the thousands of our neighbors who would otherwise be joining us in the weeks ahead, we need your help.

That’s why I’m coming to you today to ask that you please consider making an online donation. Gifts of all sizes are welcome, and we invite you to be creative in considering how you might support this irreplaceable resource now and in the future. For example, if you would normally spend $30 with us on a visit to Niabi, consider doubling that amount to make a future visit possible by a family from our community who has yet to experience the new Niabi.

Opened in 1963, Niabi Zoo has been a long been a crown jewel among the cultural attractions of our community. Countless families have deepened their appreciation for the world we share by visiting Niabi, and it has become the leading regional center for learning about and enjoying the wonders of the natural world. Your support will ensure Niabi remains strong now and far into the future.

On behalf of the whole team (including Kindu!), thanks from Niabi!

Lee Jackson

Zoo Director

X