Niabi Zoo is less than two weeks away from their April 11 opening day and Good Morning Quad Cities gave viewers a sneak peek of the newest animals people will get to see at the zoo this season.
Some of those new additions include the African Crested Porcupine, which is the largest porcupine in the world. They also have a new meerkat exhibit and a brand new Amur leopard.
These animals are all part of Niabi Zoo's Species Survival Program, which breeds endangered or at-risk animals to help give a boost to the species.
"The easiest way to compare it to is a giant computer dating service," said Jill Roderick, Curator of Education at Niabi Zoo. "There is someone who monitors different species of animals that are in captivity and they actually know the genetics of all the animals. They know which ones they recommend to breed."
"The whole idea behind it is, a zoo has become not just a place for entertainment, not just a place for education, but more importantly, a zoo is an ark," Roderick said. "There are species of animals that we might not see in 20-years if we don't have them in captivity to be able to breed and hopefully, be able to reintroduce them out into the wild."
Niabi Zoo opens for the season on April 11. Ticket prices are listed below, you can find their hours of operation here.
Prices
Admission Rates
$8.25 Adults
$7.25 Senior Citizens (62+ years)
$6.25 Kids (3 – 12 years old)
Kids 2 years old and under are Free
FREE Admission to Niabi Zoological Society Members, please bring picture ID and membership card.
Discounted Zoo Admission for all Zoo visitors age 3 and older every Tuesday
$5.25 Adults/Seniors
$4.25 Kids
Any passes (including guest, carousel or train) without a marked expiration date are more than 2 years old. These passes are considered expired and cannot be accepted.
Group Rates
Minimum of 20 people.
$7 Adults
$6 Senior Citizens (62+ years)
$5 Kids (3-12 years old)
(309) 799-3482 ext 224
Register two weeks in advance.
Stroller & Wheelchair Rentals
Wheelchairs $5.00
Single Strollers $4.00
Double Strollers $6.00
Wheelchairs are available at the front entrance, strollers are available at the Wild Things Gift Shop.
A photo ID is required to be held by staff while stroller or wheelchair is in use. All rentals are available on a first come, first served basis and cannot be reserved.
Train Rides
$2/person
Tickets are required for ages 1 and up.
Tickets can be purchased at the front entrance or at the gift shop.
Carousel Rides
$2/rider (one parent is allowed to ride with the child without a ticket)
Tickets can be purchased at the front entrance or at the carousel.
Pony Rides
Ponies are gone for the season.
Giraffe Feedings
Monday-Saturday at 11:00 and 2:00
Sunday 12:00 and 3:00
$4/person
Tickets available at the front gate or at the giraffe feeding deck.