John Ball Zoo

04/23/2025

We're thrilled to share this special message from U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten, Grand Rapids' own, congratulating Phil on being named World’s Most Popular Penguin! Her kind words and recognition mean the world—not just to us, but to everyone who’s supported Phil on this amazing journey. 🧡

04/23/2025

We had the incredible honor of welcoming Mayor David LaGrand to the Zoo to officially proclaim April 23rd, 2025, as Phil, The World's Most Popular Penguin, Day—a heartfelt tribute to an extraordinary penguin who has waddled his way into the hearts of people around the world. 🧡

Today, we celebrate his remarkable achievements, the joy he brings to so many fans, and his role as a proud ambassador for both wildlife and the Grand Rapids community. 🐧

04/22/2025

Wildlife needs wild places. Let’s protect both. 🌍

This Earth Day, we’re celebrating our ongoing efforts—like helping endangered butterflies, restoring habitats, and giving turtles a head start. We're committed to protecting wildlife here in Michigan and beyond. 🐢 Conservation education is at the heart of what we do—because the more we know, the more we can do.

Getting involved is easy—just grab your phone and explore the outdoors! Join the City Nature Challenge 2025 by photographing wildlife (plants, animals, fungi) in Allegan, Barry, Kent, and Ottawa counties. It’s a fun, fast-paced event to discover and document as many species as possible in our region. 📸

Ready to join in? Click the link to learn more: jbzoo.org/events/bioblitz/

04/19/2025

Grab your Wildlife Explorer Passport and discover your wild side 🦁

Once a month, join John Ball Zoo for a unique opportunity to celebrate Earth’s biodiversity and learn how to take action in saving wildlife and wild places! Join us for our first Wildlife Exploration Day: Party for the Planet, next Saturday, 4/26. Don’t miss out on exciting entertainment, engaging animal programs, and free plant giveaways throughout the day! 🌱

Don't forget to wear a tie-dye t-shirt for a $2 discount*!
*Discount is only available when purchased at the ticketing window. Not valid in conjunction with other promotions.

Click the link to learn more: jbzoo.org/events/partyfortheplanet/ 🌎

04/18/2025

Thank you for voting, cheering, and celebrating penguins right alongside us. 🐧 Your enthusiasm fuels conservation, awareness, and our passion to keep doing what we love. 🧡

Here’s to Phil and to every penguin who flapped their way into hearts this year! 🎉

04/18/2025

Phil is the Peng-WIN Champion! 🐧🏆

We're beyond thrilled to announce that our very own Phil won 1st place and the title of World's Most Popular Penguin in Penguins International 's 'March of the Penguin Madness.' The first-ever U.S.-based penguin to claim the title! 🎉

From the first round to the final vote, Phil charmed hearts, ruffled feathers (in the best way), and waddled his way to victory with the support of fans around the world. 🌎

A huge shoutout to Nio from the Indianapolis Zoo for earning 2nd place and Marley from Moody Gardens for taking 3rd! We’re truly honored to share the podium with such amazing penguins. 🐧

On behalf of Phil and the entire team here at John Ball Zoo, we thank you for your unwavering support and love for Phil during this entire competition. Your support not only helped Phil take the crown but also brought awareness to penguin conservation efforts everywhere. Every bracket, every vote, and every cheer helps bring attention to these incredible birds and the work being done to protect them. 🧡

We couldn’t be prouder of our little champion. Now it’s time for a victory swim, a few extra fish, and LOTS of happy honking! 🐟

04/17/2025

Do you love nature? 🌿 Do you love Michigan wildlife? 🐿️ What about a good old-fashioned competition? 🥊

From April 25–28, Grand Rapids and John Ball Zoo will go head-to-head with metro Detroit and the Detroit Zoo in a friendly City Nature Challenge to see who can identify the most wild species!

Starting on the 25th, here’s how you can get involved:
🌱 Download iNaturalist and start taking photos of wildlife (plants, animals, fungi) in Allegan, Barry, Kent, and Ottawa counties.
🌱 Join the "City Nature Challenge 2025: West Michigan" project on iNaturalist
🌱 Tell 3 people in your life about the City Nature Challenge and invite them to participate.

Plus, you can expect:
🏆 A prize for the top observer
😏 Ultimate bragging rights at John Ball Zoo

Learn more and sign up today on our website: jbzoo.org/events/bioblitz/

04/15/2025

No matter your pace, it’s a wild race 🐅🐾 🏁

Experience a magical evening run through the Zoo and the breathtaking Grand Rapids Lantern Festival at our Wild Strides 5K. This scenic, family-friendly event is open to all ages, with every stride supporting wildlife conservation. Spots are limited—sign up today and make your Earth Day unforgettable! 🌎

Learn more: jbzoo.org/events/wild-strides-5k/

04/14/2025

Phil is on a roll 🙂🤣🙃😀

We all know you're having a "ball" with this competition. It's almost over, but not quite yet! Phil could really use the extra votes on Instagram stories. Visit the Penguins International's IG page and click their logo in the top left to vote: instagram.com/penguins_international/

If you haven't already, please also cast your vote on their website and Facebook as well. 🐧🧡

Web: penguinsinternational.org/motpm-voting/
FB: facebook.com/photo?fbid=1096882155816781&set=pcb.1096882209150109

We're almost there. Let's get Phil 1st place! 👑

04/14/2025

🚨VOTE FOR PHIL🚨Please take a second to click the image below and laugh (😆) react. You can vote for Phil 3 times—on the Penguins International website (linked below), Facebook, and Instagram stories! Every vote counts, so make sure to use all three and spread the word. 🐧🧡

Web: penguinsinternational.org/motpm-voting/
FB: Penguins International
IG: instagram.com/penguins_international/

04/13/2025

Remember you can vote for Phil 3 times! 🎉 Make sure you cast your vote on the Penguins International website in the link below. Let’s get Phil 1st place in March of the Penguin Madness! 👑 Thank for your support! 🐧🧡

Joining our community of scientists, volunteers, and people, like yourself, means we’ll send you fun, educational, and promotional content right to your inbox. Guaranteed to make you giggle, marvel, and matter.

04/13/2025

Can you Phil it? 🔊🎶

Phil has made it to the FINALS of March of the Penguin Madness, and he needs your support to take the crown! 👑 Vote for Phil 3 times—on the Penguins International website (linked below), Facebook, and Instagram stories! Every vote counts, so make sure to use all three and spread the word. 🐧🧡

Web: penguinsinternational.org/motpm-voting/
FB: facebook.com/PenguinsIntl
IG: instagram.com/penguins_international/

04/12/2025

You don't have to know Phil personally to love him — but if you’re looking for another reason to cheer him on, just know he’s a little fighter. 🧡

Voting opens TOMORROW (4/13) on the Penguins International website! You can also vote on their Facebook post and in their Instagram stories. That's 3 total votes for Phil! 😊

Join us on Saturday, April 26th, for our Party for the Planet celebration—where penguins and the planet take center stage! Discover fun ways to protect native habitats right in your own backyard. Don’t miss out on exciting entertainment, engaging animal programs, and free plant giveaways throughout the day! 🌱

Click the link in our bio to learn more. 🌎

04/09/2025

It's time to See the Zoo in a New Light. ✨ The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival, presented by Meijer, officially opens tonight! Come explore an all-new collection of lanterns, immersive experiences, and more. 🙌

Purchase tickets* before they sell out: jbzoo.org/events/grand-rapids-lantern-festival/ *Our website is the only source for valid tickets. Tickets from other sites won’t be accepted.

Become a member today and gain access to discounted tickets.🏮 You'll also receive unlimited FREE admission to the Zoo, exclusive member-only nights, discounted admission to over 150 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums nationwide, 20% off of food, beverage, and gift shop purchases, and more.

A big thank you to our festival sponsors: Pioneer Construction, Pinnacle Construction Group, Kim Nhung Superstore, Midwest Safety, Gun Lake Casino, Fifth Third Bank, and Rockford Construction.

04/08/2025

Just chillin’... indoors

Visiting the Zoo and don't see the chimps? 🤔 On cooler days like today, our chimpanzees choose to stay warm and snug in their indoor space. Make sure to stop by the day room on your next visit and say hello to your favorite members of the troop. 👋

📸: Kristin O'Leary

04/08/2025

One last push to get Phil into the finals! 🎉 Please take a second to vote on Penguins International’s Facebook post: facebook.com/share/1AL5iaBMcX/?mibextid=wwXIfr We promise it takes 2 seconds! Then share with your friends. On behalf of Phil, thank you all for the amazing support! 🐧🧡

04/07/2025

Did you know you can vote for Phil 3x?!🎉 Make sure you cast your vote on the Penguins International website in the link below. Let's get Phil into the March of the Penguin Madness FINALS! We appreciate your support! 🐧🧡

Joining our community of scientists, volunteers, and people, like yourself, means we’ll send you fun, educational, and promotional content right to your inbox. Guaranteed to make you giggle, marvel, and matter.