COAL VALLEY – The history of the Niabi Zoo stretches back nearly 60 years, when Gordon McLain opened McLain’s Wild Animal Farm – and a lot more than just the name has changed through the years. There’s always something new at the zoo, and this year’s no different.

“We’re very excited for visitors to see our new animals and upgraded facilities,” zoo director Lee Jackson said in a news release.

A  group categorized as “near threatened” – pallas cats, also called manul – are among the new species to appear on the scene. The felines make their home in central Asia and they’re known for their “grumpy” look and long, fluffy fur. Of special note, they are in the Species Survival Plan, which means they’re to be bred in captivity, so if they’re diminished in the wild, they can be replenished.

“There are only 15 zoological institutions in the U.S. focusing on 35 individual pallas cats,” Jackson said. “Niabi Zoo is honored to be part of this dedicated Species Survival Plan to contribute to the sustainability of this species.”

Also look for the yellow-backed duiker. This forest-dwelling antelope’s native habitat is in Africa’s central and western regions. It’s also a near-threatened species, a victim of loss of habitat and uncontrolled hunting.

While touring the zoo, there are a few extras to be enjoyed. Train and carousel rides are $3.75 per person. The cost for the carousel ride covers one parent accompanying the child if necessary. Parakeet feeding is $3, and you can feed the giraffes for $5. All prices are for ages 1 and older.

Many animals, reptiles and birds are waiting to be seen, so wear comfortable shoes for the walk around the world of animals. Habitats to explore are Big Cats, Oceans, Reptiles, Passport to Africa, Australian Outback, Wolf Ridge, Domestic Animals, Asian Adventure and Biodiversity Hall.

The Biodiversity Hall features an aviary with beautiful macaws, great-horned owls and red-tailed hawks. Things will get prickly on the ground where you’ll see porcupines, and you might also see a reticulated python.

In Oceans, visit the newly renovated Discovery Center to look for 50 species that make their homes in the Pacific Northwest and Western Atlantic to Indo-Pacific areas. You might see moon jelly or a giant Pacific octopus.

As you can imagine by the names, you’ll find giraffes in Passport to Africa, snow leopards in Big Cats,  green anaconda in Reptiles, kookaburras in Australian Outback, the red wolf in Wolf Ridge, buff-cheeked gibbons in Asian Adventure and familiar goats in Domestic Animals. But wait, there’s also a zebu. Do you know what they are? Cattle with humps and droopy ears.

I like zebras, so my first stop would be Passport to Africa, but wherever you start, there’s plenty to see. Wander around and find the koi pond and check out the lion lookout. Don’t forget to stop at the gift shop for a souvenir. So much to see and do. Why sit home this weekend? Go prowl around Niabi.

IF YOU GO ...

What: Niabi Zoo

Where: 13010 Niabi Zoo Road, Coal Valley

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: $9 for adults, $8 for those 62 and older, $6.50 children 3 to 12, free children 2 and younger; parking $3; extra costs for extra events

Accessible: Accessible to wheelchairs

Distance:  about 79 miles from Dixon

Information: niabizoo.com or 309-799-5107