Giraffes welcome visitors to Niabi Zoo
BY ANDREA MILLS
COMMUNITY EDITOR
amills@svnmail.com
The Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley has added three new things this summer that stand out above the rest - Twiga, Kenya and Mimi - young giraffes who made their debut July 14 in their outdoor exhibit.
Although not from Africa (Twiga came from Florida, Mimi from Omaha, Neb., and Kenya from California), they bring with them the stately grace that will remind visitors of the African plains. They're making their new home as part of Passport to Africa, where visitors will see lions, zebras and ostrich. The curious won't have to worry about craning their necks because a platform has been built to provide visitors a giraffe's-eye view of the new residents.
One of the nice things about a trip to Niabi is it's a manageable size, especially for families with small children.
However, if visitors think they won't see many animals in a smaller zoo, then they'll be surprised to know there are more than 900 animals. Among them are birds, leopards, camels, primates, lizards, turtles and tortoises, snakes, amphibians, emus, American black bear, Bennett's wallaby and a two-toed sloth. There certainly isn't a lack of critters.
Two popular attractions for the younger set are the petting zoo and Australian Walk-About.
Also part of the fun are the education outposts, where visitors can experience hands-on activities, and Lorikeet Landing, where exotic birds can be fed.
Those looking over the zoo will find other new additions, such as a young colobus monkey, who joins his parents and the others in a new home.
Along with the pleasure of watching animals, the zoo offers two rides. The Mel McKay Express is a miniature replica of an old steam engine. It leaves the station every 15 minutes and gives a chance to rest your feet. The cost is $1.50 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the admissions office.
The Endangered Species Carrousel seats 45 riders, is handicapped accessible and offers a chance to ride zebras, gorillas and tigers, as well as other exotic animals. Your choice. The cost is $1.50 per person. Tokens for this ride can be purchased at the carrousel.
Those in need of a snack or a little nourishment will find food at the Safari Grill, and shoppers will be able to explore the Wild Things Gift Shop, which has clothing, toys and educational items.
Guests also can check out the Kohler Discovery Center's hands-on activities for all age groups and to see the latest exhibits there.
On a visit to Niabi, you'll see students, age 14-17, keeping busy as part of the Junior Zookeeper Program. The junior zookeepers apply for the position and attend a training camp. They then have the opportunity to learn more about the zoo's animals and to share their knowledge with visitors.
Niabi offers Expedition Niabi this summer for ages 10 to 14. The next one is from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 18 and has an unusual subject - The Scoop on Poop. The program is both game and lab experiment to teach about the health of the animals. The kids will be doing the "Poop-Scoopin' Boogie."
Other programs such as Zoo School, for ages 6 through 9, and Kinderzoo, for ages 3 through 5, are available in the summer. All the programs require registration, which can be found on the zoo's Web site, www.niabizoo.com. The programs end in mid-August.
With all these fun things at the zoo, there's still one more. On specified weekends, zoo admission is free. Today and tomorrow are the free days in August. Fridays in September also are free. Whether you're paying to get in or not, you won't want to miss a summer zoo visit to this Quad Cities zoo.
