Niabi Zoo

Lydia, Oma, Opa, and I enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at the Niabi Zoo in the Quad Cities. While Lydia was staying at Oma and Opa's for a week while I had teacher workshops, I asked to meet them in the Quad Cities to spend some time with Lydia (three days is WAY too long for me to go without seeing her!). We enjoyed the Niabi Zoo as we walked around and observed all the animals. Lydia was most entertained by the giraffes and the birds. The Niabi Zoo had recently welcomed two baby giraffes to their family and they were adorable! Lydia pointed and laughed at them continuously! After a short stint in "Africa" we journeyed to the aviary to look at the birds. Lydia loved the multitude of birds in the indoor aviary. The zoo experience was complete with a train ride around the facility and a stop at the fish pond. Lydia loved watching the Koi, geese, and ducks at the pond. We continuously practiced more of her sign language (bird, duck, and bear in particular). It was tempting not to compare Niabi to The Peoria Zoo. Despite the fact that I LOVE the Peoria Zoo being so close to home, I did like the Niabi Zoo's layout and accessibility! The fish pond was a huge hit with Lydia and I know they have a lot of room to expand. If the weather ever cooperates in Peoria, we plan on going to the zoo sometime this week. I think Lydia will enjoy it much more now compared to the first few times we went last year when she was a newborn!