Niabi Zoo — Attraction in Coal Valley

I grew up in the Quad Cities area and went to the Niabi Zoo each summer growing up. I am now repeating the tradition with my children. We live about 3 hours away, but travel up once a year in the summer to visit the zoo. This is a small zoo and unfortunately after some winter weather damage in 2024, the exhibits have become even more limited.

For children under 6, I think this zoo is perfect. Visibility of most animals in their exhibits is excellent and the walkability of the entire zoo is very kid-friendly. There is a carousel and train rides; both require additional tickets which must be purchased online or at the entry gate. Petting zoo food and koi pond food also must be purchased at entry. I highly recommend the koi food (it was less than $2). The fish are very active and my kids loved watching them nibble at the food.

In terms of wildlife viewing, there are larger animals like giraffes, a rhino, and camels. And there are many smaller animals including small primates, exotic birds, and meerkats. Because of the weather damage, when my family went this summer (2024) there were no big cats, bears, or wolves- which arguably are my kids favorites.

I suggest buying tickets online, as the discount for larger families is significant. The train ride is affordable and well worth the additional cost in my opinion. There is also a gift shop and restaurant within the zoo- both of which are moderately priced and not outrageously expensive like some zoos.

So, why 3 stars instead of 5? The limited exhibits is a bit disappointing; you can see the entire zoo within about 2 hours. Some of the animal exhibits are a bit too small in my opinion (the giraffes have quite a limited area). The staff do seem very dedicated to keeping the exhibits clean and ensuring their animals are well cared for, though. Outside of the exhibits some of the sculptures are broken or in need of repair. The closed exhibits desperately need maintenence. I'd like to see more snack and drink options throughout the zoo as well.

Overall this place is a treat for the Quad Citiea area. Not many metropolitan areas of this size have zoos. The zoo needs more funding to build itself up to where it needs to be to remain a major attraction in the area. I want to see Niabi Zoo succeed and return to the delightful quaint little attraction it once was. This is going to require a lot of effort and funding. I hope, over the next few years, they can build themselves up and the community continues to support them...

Should have known when we pulled in and there were 10 or so cars in the lot, that it probably was going to be a 1 star trip.

1. Tons of empty cages. No info on where the animals are. Entry should have warned that there were very few animals. Petting zoo with goats, alpacas (but half the cages were mislabeled. 2 camels u couldn’t get close to see, 1 giraffe (no longer do feedings said lady at entrance cause the giraffe has no interest which is understandable cause the place sucks), prairie dogs, couple monkeys, lots of snakes and lizards. I promise you, there are no 600 animals as promised on their page. No bears, lions, tigers, nothing. 2)no one aside from lady at entrance and the train driver, was friendly or interested in talking about the animals. All seemed annoyed that they were at work. Most were hiding out in corners together or unapproachable. Even the lady running carousel acted like I was inconveniencing her to take my tickets and start the ride.
2. no food available, it’s like the place could barely keep doors open…on a weekend no less! Drinks available for $4 on vending machines. Water fountains barely worked.
3. gift shop could only take cash as their credit card system was down. Zoo didn’t even offer a QR code or Venmo option. Had to leave all our souvenirs on the counter and leave.
4. bathrooms smelled like outhouses. Indoor exhibits were in really rough shape.

Online search indicates they lost accreditation by a large zoo organization and I can see why. It’s really sad, it needs to be closed and the remaining critters sent somewhere that gives them a shot at a decent home. Not worth the $9 ticket. Didn’t pay the $5 for parking cause, I’m pretty sure no one was gonna tow my car as they desperately needed visitors. In summary, skip this place, go to Des Moines zoo, it’s 10000% better. There are several local petting zoos with...

I hate to leave this, as I want to see this place succeed for the quad cities and to give another family friendly option for activities. But also feel people should know what they are getting for their money.

Last time we were there was about 6 years ago, I was not all that impressed then, and even less now. A lot of empty enclosures and cages, and everything is unkept. Almost looked like a ghost town or remains of a zoo. Everything seemed closed or empty, concessions were all closed except one at main entrance.

A lot of enclosures were so over grown with weeds that you couldn't even see the animals, especially for kids. I get the whole natural habitat idea, but what is the point of a zoo if you can't see the animals?

There really wasn't very many animals either, even less than last time we were there. It kind of felt like they are doing the bare minimum to be able get people to come in, but lacks any real appeal once you see it. We were in and out in less than 2 hours, and kids were pretty much ready to leave after the first hour. For the price plus they charge for parking, I was expecting a little more. There was no kids activities going on, no shows, nothing really. Basically paying to walk thru a park and see a few animals on the way. Then on top of it they charge almost $5 per person to ride on the train ride and almost the same to ride on the carousel.

Definitely needs more animals, and maintenance to get things looking kept up, and add shows and kids activities. Has potential to be a very nice zoo,...