COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (May 31, 2024) — The Niabi Zoo is excited to announce its membership in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Wildlife Confiscation Network. The network was set up to assist the USFWS, state, and local law-enforcement agencies in providing care and homes for smuggled and confiscated wildlife brought illegally into the United States. The Niabi Zoo was chosen as a member after undergoing an extensive review of our animal care programs, staff experience, and finances. To date, Niabi is only one of 24 such facilities to receive this designation, and the only zoo in Illinois to be a member. Some of the other participating organizations include the San Diego Zoo, and the Los Angeles Zoo.
“We are proud and honored to be chosen to participate in such an important undertaking” said Zoo Director Lee Jackson “The illegal wildlife trade is extremely damaging to both wild populations and to public health. Wildlife trafficking is a conservation crisis, with countless animals and plants being pushed toward extinction from the illegal harvest of and trade in live plants and animals, and products made from them. Wildlife trafficking is one of the largest illegal trades, after crimes such as drug and human trafficking, and is estimated to be worth between $7-23 billion per year. Often the same criminals that engage in wildlife trafficking also engage in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and weapons smuggling.”
The Wildlife Confiscations Network is a first-of-its-kind pilot program that reduces wildlife trafficking and increases support for law enforcement by providing a coordinated system to ensure the care and welfare of confiscated live wildlife. The Network operates under the Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, a program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and will work toward building a national network. The Network brings together zoos, aquariums, non-governmental organizations, universities, botanical gardens, and certified facilities of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries as key partners in assuring high standards of care for the management of confiscated wildlife.
“The fact that our zoo is able to participate with organizations many times our size says a great deal about our staff and programs of animal care,” said Jackson. “Our community can be very proud of the important contributions Niabi is making to global wildlife conservation.”
While insurance coverage will help make some of the necessary repairs to restore the zoo, the public can also support Niabi’s mission to assure a better tomorrow for all living things by making a donation to the Niabi Zoo Foundation, the official fundraising venue for Niabi. With a contribution to the Foundation, 100% of the funds will benefit the recovery effort and build a better Niabi for generations to come. Donations are accepted at niabizoofoundation.com.
About Niabi Zoo
Niabi Zoo, which is operated by the Forest Preserve District of Rock Island County, offers an opportunity to explore more than forty acres in Coal Valley, Illinois, and discover more than 600 animals from around the world. The Zoo places great emphasis on educating people of all ages about the importance of conservation and how they can play a part in saving species and ecosystems for future generations. Niabi Zoo is working today to assure a better tomorrow for all living things.
For more information about the Zoo, visit NiabiZoo.com. To learn more about the Niabi Zoo Foundation, visit Niabizoofoundation.com.
