Biodiversity Hall

Take a tour of Biodiversity Hall and see a wide variety of animals from a wide variety of habitats. Species featured on this tour may include the 2 toed sloth, cockatoos, monitor lizards, porcupines, cowfish, foxes, sirens, bats, reticulated python, meerkats, or others.  Learn about the importance of biological diversity and protecting ecosystems.

Reptile House

Take a tour of our Reptile House and see a wide variety of lizards, snakes, turtles, and even some amphibians. Learn about their habitats, adaptations, and how we care for our scaly friends.

Spineless Wonders

Take a tour of the Spineless Wonders exhibit. See aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates (animals without a spine) in Niabi’s newest exhibit in the Discovery Center Gallery. While some people may be nervous around certain invertebrates, you will find out how important they are to ecosystems and how wonderful these creatures are.

Gibbons & Palm Oil

Gibbons are some of the fastest animals in the rain forests. Specially adapted to life in the trees, they move through the rain forest canopy by brachiating, swinging by their arms at speeds up to 35 mph and crossing gaps up to 50 ft. What happens when there are no more trees to swing through? Nearly all species of gibbons are endangered including our Buff-cheeked. The number one cause is deforestation for agriculture and palm oil plantations. Find out how palm oil, which is used in over 50% of products on supermarket shelves, is responsible for the mass destruction of tropical habitats driving many animals to the brink of extinction.

Red Wolves & Coexistence

Red Wolves are a critically endangered species. They and all wolves were driven to near extinction mostly due to one word…fear. The Big Bad Wolf syndrome caused humans to exterminate this fearsome predator without understanding the benefits and balance they provide within an ecosystem. It is more important than ever for people to learn how to coexist with native animals like wolves.

Snow Leopards & Communities

Snow Leopards are vulnerable to extinction. Niabi’s long-time conservation partner, the Snow Leopard Trust, works to protect Snow Leopards in the wild. They cannot do it alone. They work directly with communities in countries like Mongolia, India, Kyrgyzstan and others to get local people to value and protect these mysterious cats. Learn how Niabi supports the efforts of those communities and is helping to save Snow Leopards.

Tamarins & Rainforests

Tamarins are small monkeys with a big problem. The tropical forests in which they live are disappearing. Many like the Cotton top tamarin are critically endangered due to deforestation for cattle ranching, agriculture, and urban development. Find out what can be done to help tamarins and all the animals in the rain forests.

African Primates

Meet with a Zookeeper in the African Primate habitat to see how our dedicated animal team works to provide the best possible care for our monkeys. Get an up close look at the A-team and learn how these different species of monkeys co-habitate in the wild and at the zoo.

Anaconda

Meet with a Zookeeper in the Reptile House to see how our dedicated animal team works to provide the best possible care for our Reptiles. See a feeding session, learn about the Anaconda’s adaptations, and get a peek at other reptile habitats.

Bactrian Camels

Meet with a Zookeeper in the Bactrian Camel barn to see how our dedicated animal team works to provide the best possible care for our camels. See a training session and learn about some of the camel’s most amazing adaptations.

Cats

Meet with a Zookeeper in the Cat House to see how our dedicated animal team works to provide the best possible care for our cats. See a training session and learn about we provide veterinary care and enrichment for these carnivores.

Giraffes

Meet with a Zookeeper in the Giraffe barn to see how our dedicated animal team works to provide the best possible care for our giraffes. See a training session with the world’s tallest animal and see how its unique adaptations provide unique specialization to the the African savanna.

Sloth

Meet with a Zookeeper in the rain forest habitat in Biodiversity Hall to see how our dedicated animal team works to provide the best possible care for the Linnes’ two-toed sloth. See a relaxed training session and learn how the sloth’s slow moving lifestyle helps it survive.

When you click the Register button, it will take you to Niabi’s WebTrac on-line payment page.

• Scroll to the bottom of the screen to see the Virtual Zoo list.
• You can add any or all to your cart by clicking the [+] to the left of the listing.
• It will take you to the WebTrac login page.
• If you are registered in the new WebTrac system, enter your user name and password.
• If you are not registered in the new WebTrac system, look just above the Login button where you will see “New Account?” Click there to register your household.
• Be sure to register everyone in your household so that it makes it easier to register them for future events.
• You will only need to do this one time and it will work for all of the Rock Island County Forest Preserve facilities now and in the future.
• Once registered, go to your cart to process your payment using a credit/debit card. This is the only way payment will be accepted.
• You will receive an email within 2 days (or sooner) to provide you with the link to view the experience using the Zoom video platform.
• You will need a computer, tablet, or smartphone to view the Virtual Experience.