John Ball Zoo

John Ball Zoo Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan
A non-profit organization dedicated to saving
Wildlife and Wild Places🐾🌳
(21949)

John Ball Zoo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation committed to the advancement of public education on the need for wildlife conservation and preservation. John Ball Zoo has over 2,000 animals including lions, tigers, chimpanzees, and red pandas, indoor and outdoor exhibits, an aquarium, interactive experiences, and so much more.

09/05/2026

Not all heroes wear capes. Some have bald heads and a serious appetite.

Turkey Vultures may not win any beauty contests, but they’re pretty darn good at their job! These misunderstood birds do the dirty work nobody else wants to do and keep the environment healthy.

Their superpower? 💪 Their stomach acid is strong enough to destroy dangerous germs like anthrax, rabies, and botulism, helping prevent disease from spreading.

This International Vulture Awareness Day, let’s give a little love to nature’s cleanup crew.

What a butterfly-ful year! 🦋This year, thanks to the amazing work being done alongside our conservation partners, we rel...
09/04/2026

What a butterfly-ful year! 🦋

This year, thanks to the amazing work being done alongside our conservation partners, we released 1,295 Poweshiek skipperlings, 376 Mitchell’s satyrs and 160 Karner blues to conservation sites across Michigan, where they’re helping strengthen wild populations of these rare butterflies!

And the conservation work doesn’t stop there. We bred 52 pairs of Poweshiek skipperlings and 15 pairs of Mitchell’s satyrs, producing 4,233 and 1,602 eggs, respectively. For Karner blues, we collected 20 females and saw 522 eggs laid. 🥚

Even more exciting? We added a new reintroduction site for both Poweshiek skipperlings and Mitchell’s satyrs, helping bring these rare butterflies back to habitats where they once lived and expand their range across the state. 🌱

We’re already looking ahead to another year of helping these incredible species take flight!

This work is made possible by the generosity of our members, guests, and the voters of Kent County.

09/03/2026

Today's a pretty big dill because Hugo is ONE 🥳

Relish the moment and help us wish our favorite little guy a very happy first birthday! 🎂

09/02/2026

From an itty bitty spud to a partially baked potato, we're looking back at Hugo's year with us. 🥔💕

It’s hard to believe Hugo turns one tomorrow! Join us at the Zoo for a dill-ightful pickle party celebration, and don’t forget to wear your green! 🥒💚

09/01/2026

School is back in session, and apparently recess starts the second the bus arrives 🚌🐒

Elvis has l̶e̶f̶t̶ entered the building. 🦫🎸Meet Elvis, our new 4-year-old beaver! He’s already got us all shook up, and ...
08/30/2026

Elvis has l̶e̶f̶t̶ entered the building. 🦫🎸

Meet Elvis, our new 4-year-old beaver! He’s already got us all shook up, and we’re pretty sure he’s going to be a wood-class addition to the Zoo. 😎

Give him a warm welcome because this little heartbreaker is ready to steal the spotlight. ✨

08/29/2026

POV: Going on a woodsy stroll with Cricket 🦗🌳

08/28/2026

Jahari gets the birthday spotlight first 🎂

Before Hugo turns one next week, we’re celebrating Dad’s 12th birthday with a little playtime, his favorite ball, and a whole lot of jaw-some fun.

Don't forget to join us at the Zoo next Thursday Sept. 3, to help us celebrate Hugo's first birthday at his pickle hippo party. 🎉

📸: Zookeeper Amanda

08/27/2026

Don't let her cute face fool you. 😇 Junie's always ready to throw paws. 🐾

08/25/2026

That first sip of pumpkin spice just hits different 🎃🍂

Address

1300 Fulton Street West
Grand Rapids, MI
49504

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+16163364300

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when John Ball Zoo posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category