Niabi Zoo: A Conservation-Focused Family Destination

Niabi Zoo, nestled in Coal Valley, Illinois, has been a beloved Quad Cities attraction since its official founding in 1963. However, its roots trace back to 1959 when Gordon V. McLain, a local animal enthusiast, established McLain's Wild Animal Farm. Patti S. Wiman purchased the farm in 1963 and gifted it to the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District, which continues to operate the zoo today. The zoo's name, "Niabi," originates from the Wazhazhe (Osage Nation) language, meaning "the fawn spared by the hunter," reflecting its commitment to conservation.Spanning over 40 acres within a 287-acre forest preserve, Niabi Zoo is home to over 600 animals representing nearly 200 species. Explore diverse habitats and encounter fascinating creatures from around the globe. Key exhibits include the Discovery Center, Passport to Africa (featuring giraffes and colobus monkeys), a white rhino exhibit, a gibbon habitat, and the Biodiversity Hall. Visitors can also enjoy the reptile house, wolf ridge, and domestic animal area.Niabi Zoo offers a variety of experiences, including animal feedings, rides on the Niabi Zoo Express train and the Endangered Species Carousel. The zoo also hosts annual events like Boo at the Zoo and Pints for Preservation. Niabi Zoo is dedicated to conservation, participating in field conservation, coordinated breeding programs, and community education.