COAL VALLEY, ILLINOIS (April 8, 2024) — While the Zoo may be opening a little later than normal while it continues to recover from the winter damage, it is hitting the ground running! Here is a brief overview of the upcoming Spring events:
- Saturday, April 20 — 10:30AM-12:30PM Conservation Speaker Series — Travis Livieri, Prairie Dogs (see below to register)
- Tuesday, April 30 — 10AM-5PM Zoo Opening Day
- Saturday, May 4 — 10AM-4PM Earth Day Everyday Celebration
- Tuesday, May 7 — 6:30-8:30PM Conservation Speaker Series — Dr Greg Rasmussen, Painted Dogs (see below to register)
- Sunday, May 12 — 11AM-12:30PM Mothers Day Brunch (see below to register)
- Saturday, May 18 — 10AM-4PM Endangered Species Day
Learn more about each of these exciting events on the Zoo Event Calendar.
See below for details on those that require registration.
From the Grasslands to the Zoo: The Importance of Prairie Dogs: Travis Livieri, Prairie Wildlife Research
Saturday, April 20
10:30AM–12PM
In the return of Niabi's Conservation Speaker Series, we are excited to welcome back to the Zoo, Travis Livieri. As a Wildlife Biologist and Executive Director of Prairie Wildlife Research, he is a renowned expert on prairie dogs.
Prairie dogs are keystone species which are vital to the prairie ecosystem. After over 150 years of persecution, plague, and land conversion, prairie dogs have lost over 98% of their original range. There is controversy as to why they are not listed as endangered species. The conservation story of Prairie Dogs needs to be told and Travis will be here to tell it!
Mother’s Day Brunch
Sunday, May 12 — 11AM-12:30PM
Join our celebration of mothers with a brunch buffet then go on a special tour to see some of our animal mothers throughout the Zoo. Afterwards, mothers can enjoy a free day at the Zoo (regular admission applies for others).
Cost (includes tour but not admission to Zoo)
Child (age two and under) = Free
Zoo Member — Child (age 3-12) = $20
Non-Member — Child (age 3-12) = $25
Zoo Member — Adult = $30
Non-Member — Adult = $35
Registration deadline is May 3.
Conservation Methods for Saving the African Painted Dog: Dr Greg Rasmussen, Painted Dog Research Trust
Tuesday, May 7
6:30 –8PM
We are excited to welcome back Niabi's Conservation Partner at Painted Dog Research Trust, Dr Greg Rasmussen. After Joel Vanderbush, Niabi Curator of Conservation & Education, worked with Dr Greg for a month in Zimbabwe, he discovered there is a broad range of conservation methods the PDRT team is employing to save African Painted Dogs. Dr Greg will present these methods in what is always a lively presentation that you won't want to miss!
