04/10/2024
For those who have some questions about the snow damage, the Niabi Zoo Director has offered some responses:
Author
Niabi Zoo
Dear Niabi Zoo Friends
I wanted to take a moment and thank all of you who have sent well wishes and contributions to the zoo as a result of the extensive damages suffered during the January snow storms.
All of us here at the zoo have been touched by your kind words and the outpouring of sympathy. We have received a number of questions about the event and its aftermath. I wanted to answer a few of the more frequent ones today.
Where any animals injured due to the storm?
No. No animals were injured during or after the event. While it is true that many of our buildings did sustain damage, it was the outside enclosures and yards that were most dramatically affected. Because of the low temperatures at the time, there were no animals in those outdoor areas.
Where any people injured due to the storm?
No staff were injured during the storm or during our storm recovery.
Where did you put all of the animals?
Most of the affected animals were, and are still, in their winter holding areas. The Bald eagles have been moved to a different area of the zoo until work can commence on that exhibit. The big cat exhibit outdoor exhibit yards were completely destroyed, and the cathouse itself was seriously damaged, so those animals were moved to other areas within the zoo for the time being. Two of our young Amur Leopards were moved to another zoo. They were to leave in June, they just went a bit early.
Is the Zoo insured?
Yes, Niabi is insured and claim adjustors have visited the zoo several times since the event.
Wonât insurance cover all of the damage?
No. Insurance (after deductibles) will pay most of what is needed to replace what was there, but in many sections of the zoo, âwhat was thereâ has been there for decades. Methods and standards have changed dramatically since they were built. Building things back exactly the way they were is neither possible in some cases, nor desirable in most.
What will be different this season?
A number of animals (big cats, pallasâs cats, and bald eagles among others) will not be on exhibit this season because of the construction and repairs taking place. However our newly completed Prairie Dog exhibit will be open.
Because of the impact this will have on the guest experience we will lower our admission fees for the 2024.
This Niabi Zoo Foundation Hopes that you will support the cause that we are calling "Snow Recovery"! Your donations are appreciated. THANK YOU!
