Niabi Zoo zoo kicked out of AZA

Here is an interesting fact: Niabi Zoo is the only zoo in the state of Illinois that has an elephant. (There are also 5 species of cat and an impressive bird collection).
 
I've been to this zoo a ton of times! I'm a member - to be honest, the larger reason we are members is for the AZA discount for other zoos - we travel often as we are not from the Midwest originally. It is right to classify this zoo as mediocre, but it has SO much potential to be more. It seems like the zoo is in quicksand though and there is a lacking of people who seem to truly care about the animals and updating exhibits. There is also no drive in staff - an extremely dull trip to the zoo each and everytime! And no heart among the staff (visibly at least) either. Hugely lacking in innovation as well as staying ahead of the times/issues that lurk around every corner. It's sad when you think of what the niabi zoo could be, though.
 
In an effort to regain its accreditation status, Niabi Zoo announced plans to increase the size of its elephant enclosure from 10,000 square feet to 30,000 square feet and build a new $1.8 million lion exhibit. The zoo lost its accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in September.
Elephants gaining space at Niabi; visitors get better view of cats - Quad Cities Online

Also...
Even though this "news" is about a year old, I'm really glad the zoo closed it's bear exhibit.
Niabi gives away black bears to prepare enclosure for future residents - Quad Cities Online

You can see more photos by clicking the "more photos from this shoot" link under the pictures in the articles.
 
jbnbsn99 said:
30,000 is just under 3/4 of an acre. Not exactly spacious.
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I agree, as it works out to 0.69 of an acre. Woodland Park Zoo has had an incredible amount of bad publicity in regards to its elephant exhibit, which is between 1 and 1.5 acres, and anything less than 2 acres is considered small these days.
 
I dislike how this zoo brags that it is the only zoo in the state to exhibit elephants. It's not like Brookfield has permanently closed their elephant exhibit either. Also I don't see the reasoning in bragging when they are given such a terrible enclosure.
 
BlackRhino said:
I dislike how this zoo brags that it is the only zoo in the state to exhibit elephants. It's not like Brookfield has permanently closed their elephant exhibit either. Also I don't see the reasoning in bragging when they are given such a terrible enclosure.
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Well, look who's returned from obscurity!
 
Several of Birmingham's giraffes come from Niabi. The loss of AZA means the loss of any animals in an SSP. I wonder with Birmingham's newer larger giraffe complex, the death of Edward, and the kinship of both Zoos giraffes if any would be transferred there. With Edward dying we are one short, and they were planning on expanding our herd to 8 (its at 4 now).
 
I agree the new expansion won't be adequate, and is still too small. The zoo seems to have no interest whatsoever in getting rid of elephant's. The zoo lost accredidation because of their elephant exhibit, and they are aware that this new expansion won't be getting them accredited again. This expansion is definitely a small band-aid on large problem for this zoo. They are banking on being able to build the 4-6 million dollar elephant expansion in the future.

Here's a view more articles for anyone interested.
List of Concerns and Achievements from Association of Zoos and Aquariums followup inspections on Aug. 2-3, 2012. - Quad Cities Online
Niabi Zoo's 50th anniversary comes with uncertainties - Quad Cities Online
 
wilson said:
I agree the new expansion won't be adequate, and is still too small. The zoo seems to have no interest whatsoever in getting rid of elephant's. The zoo lost accredidation because of their elephant exhibit, and they are aware that this new expansion won't be getting them accredited again. This expansion is definitely a small band-aid on large problem for this zoo. They are banking on being able to build the 4-6 million dollar elephant expansion in the future.

Here's a view more articles for anyone interested.
List of Concerns and Achievements from Association of Zoos and Aquariums followup inspections on Aug. 2-3, 2012. - Quad Cities Online
Niabi Zoo's 50th anniversary comes with uncertainties - Quad Cities Online
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The expansion plans have been nixed and the 21-0 vote means that the two elephants will be leaving Niabi Zoo within the next couple of months:

Elephants to leave Niabi Zoo
 
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