There’s good news for Quad Citians who have been panting with anticipation over the opening of Niabi Zoo’s long-awaited African Painted Dog exhibit.
A trio of these endangered Lycaon pictus are now making themselves at home and sharing their unique looks, characteristics and challenging story of survival with zoo-goers as they become acclimated to their new digs at the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District animal preserve near Coal Valley.
“This incredible species is a native of the grasslands of East Africa, and has never been housed at the Niabi Zoo before,” the zoo said in a news release. “African Painted Dogs are highly intelligent and social keystone species in Africa. Like North American Wolves, they play a critical role in the health of their ecosystem.” Also like those North American wolves, these animals have been “persecuted by humans” to the point where they are endangered.
“We are proud to be able to share this beautiful species with the community and tell its story,” Niabi Zoo Director Lee Jackson said. “Niabi has been working with conservationists in Africa who are on the front line of Painted dog research for several years now, and we have on a number of occasions brought in some of those scientists to share their work with our guests.”
The $500,000 Painted Dog exhibit – which came after an extensive fundraising campaign also is a key component of the 40-acre zoo’s master plan that includes new rhino and Prairie Dog exhibits.
Funds for bringing Painted Dog to the Quad Cities were provided through grants including $160,000 from the Carver Charitable Trust, $233,000 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Tourism, Rock Island County American Rescue Plan Acts funds and via a public fundraising effort.
In all, more than 200 species are represented at the zoo which is a member of the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), the fastest growing professional zoo organization in the United States.
“This is an exciting time for the Niabi Zoo,” Mr. Jackson told the QCBJ last Aug. 16. “In the last six years, we have been able to make a number of additions and improvements (big and small) that have moved our zoo from a small community attraction, to a modern zoological facility with top level animal care and an international reach.”
He added: “The addition of African Painted dogs is one of the latest major additions to the zoo. Painted dogs are vitally important to the health and functioning of their East African ecosystem, and they are active, intelligent, and beautiful animals with some of the most complex social behaviors of any carnivore. Not only will our guests love them, having them here will allow us to share their remarkable story with a community that has never had them before.”
Niabi’s Painted Dog exhibit was designed to:
- Provide a home in which the animals can thrive.
- Construct public viewing decks to bring guests closer to the animals.
- Develop and install educational displays to allow people to understand the plight facing this endangered species and how they can help protect them from extinction.
The zoo’s website also provides a wealth of information about African Painted Dogs, including that “they do everything together as a pack whether that’s hunting, resting, playing, or caring for pups. Much of the dynamic social structure of Painted Dogs revolves around family. With designated babysitters, group feeding of the pups, or caring for injured pack members, the connection between pack members is strong.”
Painted Dogs have been of particular interest to Niabi Zoo for a number of years. The zoo has been an active partner with the Painted Dog Research Trust (PDRT) in the development of field education programs. The zoo also has provided strategic planning material to support hosting bush camps for local children at PDRT’s Sizinda Conservation Ecology Center and leading education outreach programs into Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
For more information about the zoo, visit NiabiZoo.com. Plan your visit to the facility and find pricing and hours of operation here.
The zoo’s Niabi Zoo & Forest Preserves Foundation also continues to look for “passionate, motivated community leaders” to join its board, the Painted Dog news release reminded Quad Citians.
The foundation is the sole official fundraising arm of the Niabi Zoo, and plays a leading role in the growth and expansion of the zoo as it moves towards realization of its masterplan. Board members will work closely with Zoo staff while planning fundraising events both on and off Zoo grounds.
For more information, contact Krisan Steiger at 4niabizoofoundation@gmail.com.
