COAL VALLEY, Ill. (Aug 17, 2017) – Niabi Zoo invites families to the zoo for solar eclipse viewing and nocturnal animal activities on Monday, Aug. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We have a special opportunity to view a total solar eclipse for the first time in nearly 40 years,” said Joel Vanderbush, curator of conservation and education. “It will be interesting to see how the animals react as day suddenly turns to night.”
The moon is expected to eclipse 91.7 percent of the sun at 1:14 p.m. To safely observe the solar eclipse, activity tables will be set up to make a pin-hole telescope out of cereal boxes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Festival Lawn. Attendees are welcome to bring their own solar eclipse American Astronomical Society-approved viewing glasses.
“There’s no better time to explore the world of nocturnal animals than on a day where we will experience temporary darkness,” said Vanderbush. Niabi volunteers, known as Zoo Naturalists, will have educational activities and artifacts set up on the Festival Lawn so event attendees can discover how the animals of the night navigate, find food and survive.
Cost of the Nocturnal Day activities are included with general zoo admission. Admission costs $8.25 for adults, $7.25 for senior citizens (62+ years), $6.25 for kids (3-12 years old) and kids age 2 and under get in for free. Parking costs per vehicle is $3, with these incremental costs going directly to enhancement to Niabi’s local, regional and internal preservation and conservation efforts.
###
About Niabi Zoo
Niabi Zoo offers an opportunity to explore more than 40 acres that encompass 200 animal species from multiple continents while enjoying the countryside of Rock Island county. This exploration guides guests through the discovery of more than 600 animals representing over 200 species from around the world. The Zoo places great emphasis on educating both children and adults about the importance of conservation and how they can play a part in saving species and their ecosystems for future generations. The educational center is an important part of their mission to connect the community with the natural world through conservation leadership and engaging educational experiences. Niabi Zoo strives to instill a sense of care and understanding for wild animals in each and every visitor as they work in the community.
To learn more about Niabi Zoo visit NiabiZoo.com.
