An Illinois Zoo Now Has Some Colorful New Residents

Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley has some pretty new residents that now call it home.

The zoo announced on Facebook that they have welcomed African Painted Dogs to the Quad Cities.

The post from Niabi Zoo says that the animals are from East Africa and are a new species to the zoo. They're very smart, social, and are considered a "keystone species" in Africa. As far as their role in the ecosystem goes, they're kind of like wolves in North America and are now considered to be endangered.

Director Lee Jackson said in the post:

We are proud to be able to share this beautiful species with the community and tell its story. Niabi has been working with conservationists in Africa for several years now, who are on the front lines of painted dog research and we are so proud to have hosted these researchers and painted dog conservation champions for a the last several years.

Their names are Selous, Prospect, and Masikio. According to our friends at KWQC, the Painted Dog exhibit was made possible by donations from the community, a grant from Carver Charitable Trust, and funds from Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Tourism Grant and the Rock Island County American Rescue Plan Act.

You can save on ticket prices if you buy them online before 9:00 a.m. on the day of your visit. You can get your tickets and get more details on planning your trip on Niabi Zoo's website.