Niabi Zoo set to reopen this weekend

(Coal Valley, IL) -- The Niabi Zoo is reopening this weekend.

The zoo will reopen to members on Saturday, April 10th and will welcome back members of the general public on Sunday, April 11th.

Zoo leaders say modified online ticketing process and visiting guidelines will continue. “We are very excited to be able to welcome guest back to the Zoo,” Niabi Zoo Director, Lee Jackson said in a release. “It’s been a long difficult period for the zoo and we’re anxious to start the road back to normal”.

The zoo says with the state of Illinois moving to a less restrictive phase of the COVID-19 response plan, the zoo is able to reopen at 25 percent capacity and with some restrictions in place. Zoo leaders say in order to maintain and monitor capacity requirements, all guests, including Niabi Zoo members and Pass holders, they will continue to require that tickets be purchased online at their website prior to visiting.

The zoo is open from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, seven days a week with the last entry at 2:00 PM. The zoo will be free to all from April 11th through April 17th, however, you will still need to register online for a ticket.

Guests can choose between two daily 3-hour time frames:

  • 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (last entry at 11 a.m.)
  • 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. (last entry at 2 p.m.)

“We can’t wait to welcome the Quad City community back to the zoo but we want to make sure we are doing so with the safety of our staff, animals and guest in mind,” Jackson said. “We are excited to be able to allow visitors into our Biodiversity and Reptile buildings once again, the arrival of White Rhino (a first at Niabi) later this spring will be a great kick off to what we look forward to being a wonderful season.”

In Addition to the reservation ticketing process created last season, Niabi has a safety response plan in place which includes:

  • Increased sanitation schedules in high touchpoint areas.
  • Face covering (mask or shields) requirements for staff and guests through the front gates, inside open buildings, train, carousel, restrooms, gift shops and anytime groups or individuals may be closer than 6ft.
  • Public health reminders for guest online and in the zoo including social distancing floor markers and safety signage.
  • Hand washing and sanitation stations installed around the zoo.

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