Niabi Zoo Announces Price Changes For 2022 Season, Cites Staff Shortage
The Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, IL is gearing up for its Spring and Summer seasons. Ahead of the opening date, officials from the zoo have announced price changes. These price changes are due to a staff shortage. Spoiler Alert: they are encouraging you to get tickets ahead of time which will actually save you money.
In an email on Wednesday, officials from the Niabi Zoo announced that price changes are coming for the 2022 Spring and Summer season. In the email, Niabi Zoo officials said,
"While the past few years have been unpredictable in many ways, one thing remains consistent – our mission to assure a better tomorrow for all living things. This unwavering commitment to conservation goes beyond just serving our animals. It’s also a promise to our guests that we will preserve an exceptional zoo experience every time you visit."
The email went on to explain that staffing shortages have made them rethink their operational strategy to allow them to keep providing high-quality service to guests and animals. At the start of the 2022 season, the Niabi Zoo is introducing an adjusted price structure.
The 2022 Spring and Summer season begins Monday, April 18th, and ends Sunday, September 11. Effective on opening day, this is what the new ticket price structure will look like at the Niabi Zoon:
- Tickets for the Niabi Zoo that are pre-ordered online by 9 a.m. the day of visiting the zoo will be discounted.
- Tickets purchased in-person at the gate the day of visiting will be paying a few dollars more than purchasing online in advance.
Niabi Zoo officials say the adjusted structure also applies to admission, parking, and zoo experiences.
Officials say this new process will allow the zoo to staff more effectively for expected attendance.
Below are tables from the Niabi Zoo website showing prices for admission, parking, and experiences when purchased the day of visiting, compared to purchasing in advance online.
Admission Prices
| At the gate, day of visit | Online in advance* | |
| Adults (ages 13-61) | $11.00 | $9.00 |
| Seniors (ages 62+) | $10.00 | $8.00 |
| Military (all active military personnel) | $8.00 | N/A |
| Children (ages 3-12) | $8.50 | $6.50 |
| Children (ages 2 and under) | FREE | FREE |
| Niabi Zoo members | FREE | FREE |
| Funbundle and Zooseum pass holders | FREE | FREE |
*Tickets online must be purchased by 9 a.m. the day of your visit.
Parking
| At the gate, day of visit | Online in advance* | |
| Per vehicle | $5.00 | $4.00 |
| Bus/RV | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Niabi Zoo members | FREE | FREE |
| FunBundle members | FREE | FREE |
| Zooseum pass holders | Receives free admission, but must still purchase a parking pass. | Receives free admission, but must still purchase a parking pass. |
*Tickets online must be purchased by 9 a.m. the day of your visit.
Parking fees support continued education and conservation initiatives at the zoo.
Experiences
| Experience | At the gate, day of visit | Online in advance* (Membership**) |
| Giraffe feeding | $9.00 | $8.00 |
| Koi pond feeding | $2/bag | $1/bag |
| Train ride | $4.75 | $3.75 |
| Carousel ride | $4.50 | $3.50 |
| Zookeeper Chats | FREE | FREE |
| Domestic animal feeding | $2/bag – Currently, not available due to the pandemic | $1/bag – Currently, not available due to the pandemic |
- *Tickets online must be purchased by 9 a.m. the day of your visit.
- *Hours and availability may vary.
According to the zoo, members can enjoy discounted experience prices whether they reserve online in advance or pay in person on the same day.
You can purchase tickets and pay for parking and zoo experiences online by clicking here.
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