The Chicago City Police Department's Marine Unit is responsible for bodies of water in the city of Chicago. The unit manages operations in searches, rescues, recovery, homeland security and law enforcement.
The Kendall County Coroner's Office, led by Coroner Ken Toftoy, is responsible for any necessary death investigations surrounding people who have died within the county. The office is behind the public safety center in the county government campus on Yorkville's west side. If you need the coroner's staff after normal business hours, call (630) 553-0911 and ask for the on-call person to be paged.
The Kendall County Special Education Cooperative is a support services group for special needs children and their families. KCSEC provides services to six school districts within Kendall county.
Working in cooperation with parents, KCSEC staff ensures that academic and life skills resources are made available to special needs students and young adults.
Grades: Pre-K - 12
The Niabi Zoo is one of the premier attractions in the Quad Cities Area. With many unique exhibits, the zoo offers plenty for families, couples and any animal lover. Though not nearly as large as some of the bigger zoos in the Midwest, it's sets itself apart with up-close animal experiences.
Best and worst time to go to the Niabi Zoo
The Niabi Zoo is only open in certain parts of the year (typically November-March). Regardless, the zoo is not crowded on most weekdays and some weekends. However, plan to deal with crowds on special event days like "Boo at the Zoo" (late October) and "Kids Wild Fest" (mid-summer).
Must see/do at the Niabi Zoo
- Giraffe Encounter - For a few extra dollars (usually $4-5 per person), visitors can feed the zoo's giraffes.
- Australian Walkabout - Along with the wallabies and emus, visitors can get up close with the lorikeets, which can be fed for a couple dollars.
- Wolf Ridge - One of the many new or renovated exhibits, Wolf Ridge features the critically-endangered red wolf.
Admission to the Niabi Zoo
Admission is charged to the Niabi Zoo. Admission ranges anywhere from $6-9, but the animal encounters cost a little extra. Parking is free.
Parking at the Niabi Zoo
It's a few miles away from I-74 and U.S. Highway 6, so plan on a little longer drive on the secondary roads. Parking is free and plentiful.
Public Transportation to the Niabi Zoo
The MetroLINK bus system does not run to the zoo, but traffic congestion is rarely an issue.
Food at the Niabi Zoo
Niabi Zoo has two concession stands with plenty of options of sandwiches, beverages and snacks. They also sell ice cream from a nationally-recognized local company.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the Niabi Zoo
Make sure to spend the extra few dollars on the giraffe feedings. They're only offered a few times each day and spaces are limited, so be sure to get in line early to ensure you get a spot.
Author's bio: Michael Benson is a life-long Illinois resident and an avid traveler throughout the Midwest.
