Popular Zoo Ready to Welcome Back Visitors

It's time to take the kids back to the zoo.

Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, Illinois is set to reopen this weekend, following a tough 2020. Last year, the zoo had to delay its opening from April 18 to June 27 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the zoo is opening much earlier, but will again be at reduced capacity.

The popular zoo with over 200 species and 600 animals in total is open just to members this Saturday, April 10, and Sunday it's open to the public. The zoo will be at 25 percent capacity for the foreseeable future, according to WQAD. There are two different sessions each day, one from 9 am to noon and one from noon to 3 p.m. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time, and people definitely answered the call. Earlier this morning the zoo announced they're sold out for this weekend.

Don't be too discouraged, though. Niabi Zoo is open seven days a week. You can purchase tickets HERE.

If you're wondering, the zoo does have a face-covering requirement. According to the website,

Bring your face covering. They will be required while in line, inside all buildings and restrooms, on rides, during Giraffe feedings, certain outdoor exhibits and anytime groups or individuals may be closer than 6 feet apart.

You can see other precautions they're taking HERE.