John Ball Zoo

John Ball Zoo Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan
A non-profit organization dedicated to saving
Wildlife and Wild Places🐾🌳
(21993)

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.

06/22/2026

Hump day came a few days early 🐪

Meet Liz, Josie, June, and Sally, four dromedary camels who call the Zoo home during the summer months. With their long legs, iconic single hump, and curious personalities, our dromedary ladies are built for life in hot, dry environments, but they seem to enjoy West Michigan summers too. ☀️

Be sure to stop by, meet the ladies, and take a camel ride during your next visit!

06/21/2026

When Father’s Day plans involve absolutely nothing productive. 😎

📸: Zookeeper Valerie

Psst... You didn't hear this from us but... 🔒🐾Locked Zoo: Secret Safari is back Friday, June 26! Wander the Zoo after-ho...
06/20/2026

Psst... You didn't hear this from us but... 🔒🐾

Locked Zoo: Secret Safari is back Friday, June 26! Wander the Zoo after-hours, unravel nature-related mysteries, and discover surprising truths about wildlife in this thrilling escape adventure.

📅 Friday, June 26 | 6-9pm
🌿 Teams of 1-6 | Ages 18+
⏰ Entry between 5-7pm

Think you can solve it? Get your tickets now: jbzoo.org/events/locked-zoo-secret-safari/ 🎟

06/18/2026

Catch a wave on over to the Zoo🌊

Join us at World Ocean Day on June 25 and celebrate our amazing underwater wildlife! Dive below the surface to learn about the unique species that call these large bodies of water home and what it takes to thrive in their mysterious depths.

Feeling tropical? Wear a Hawaiian shirt to receive a 2-dollar discount!

Match recap: Hugo locked in on defense, Penelope applied pressure, and the match ball never quite reached the net… becau...
06/17/2026

Match recap: Hugo locked in on defense, Penelope applied pressure, and the match ball never quite reached the net… because it was too tasty 🍉⚽

You otter try this! 🦦💧John Ball Zoo and Long Road Distillers have teamed up to create Otter Watter, a limited-edition wa...
06/16/2026

You otter try this! 🦦💧

John Ball Zoo and Long Road Distillers have teamed up to create Otter Watter, a limited-edition watermelon lime & mint vodka soda that's otterly refreshing and supports local conservation efforts. 🍉

Created to celebrate the opening of John Ball Zoo's new North American River Otter habitat, a portion of sales profits helps protect Grand River species and their habitats.

Otter Watter is available now at Long Road Distillers' tasting room locations, John Ball Zoo, and select retailers and restaurants across Michigan. ✋

Sip local. Support wildlife. Make a splash. 💦

06/15/2026

See who's fluttering, floating, and showing off this summer 🦋

Backyard Butterflies is open just in time for Pollinator Week! Get up close to our native winged wonders, discover their fascinating life cycles, the plants they depend on, and easy ways to create pollinator-friendly spaces at home. 🐛

This Pollinator Week, we're also recognizing the incredible work our conservation team is doing to protect endangered butterfly species, including the Poweshiek skipperling, Mitchell’s satyr, and Karner blue. 🌸

It's game time at the Zoo! ⚽️ Representing team Paraguay we have the Yellow-Footed Tortoise 🐢 and for USA, it's the Brow...
06/12/2026

It's game time at the Zoo! ⚽️

Representing team Paraguay we have the Yellow-Footed Tortoise 🐢 and for USA, it's the Brown Bear 🐻. Who are you rooting for?

06/11/2026

The Zoo is kicking off the World Cup with some wild celebrations ⚽🏆

Our animals got in on the action with specially made treats inspired by their native regions that represent the participating teams!

USA 🇺🇸 - Otters
Australia 🇦🇺 - Wallabies
Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) 🇨🇮 - Pygmy Hippos
Argentina 🇦🇷 - Chacoan Peccary
Canada 🇨🇦 - Lynx
Democratic Republic of Congo 🇨🇩 - Central Africa - Chimpanzees

Who are you rooting for? Comment the flag below! 👇

Titan's reaction to seeing his "twin" at the Lantern Festival. 👀 Come and see more familiar furry friends in a new light...
06/09/2026

Titan's reaction to seeing his "twin" at the Lantern Festival. 👀

Come and see more familiar furry friends in a new light! ✨ There are only a few days left to experience the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival. Hurry before you miss out!

Tickets can be purchased before you arrive here: jbzoo.org/events/grlanternfest/

Last chance value days Wednesday (6/10) and Thursday (6/11)!

*Our website is the only source for valid tickets. Tickets from other sites won't be accepted.

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

Website

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