John Ball Zoo

John Ball Zoo Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan
A non-profit organization dedicated to saving
Wildlife and Wild Places🐾🌳
(22062)

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.

Who says mealtime is just for eating? For Slyde and Quigley, our river otters, it’s a brain workout too! 🧠💪 Their meals ...
12/02/2025

Who says mealtime is just for eating? For Slyde and Quigley, our river otters, it’s a brain workout too! 🧠💪 Their meals of fish, sweet potatoes, and carrots are hidden in puzzle feeders or used in training sessions. Figuring out how to get every bite keeps them active and engaged.

🦦: jbzoo.org/donate/

There’s still time to give this Giving Tuesday! 🧡 Your donation will help fill Slyde and Quigley’s bellies with their favorite fishy treats, and every dollar will be matched, tripling your impact. Donate today and help our otters stay happy, healthy, and thriving.

12/02/2025

Thank you for giving on Giving Tuesday. Your support helps our team provide the nutrition every animal needs to thrive. 🧡

Every donation made today will go three times as far, thanks to matching gifts from The Eileen DeVries Family Foundation and Jennifer & Ron Boezwinkle. ✨

Keep every belly full this Giving Tuesday: jbzoo.org/donate/

12/01/2025

Say hello to Iggy. 🦅 He's one of our two rescued bald eagles. Injuries prevent him from surviving in the wild, but thanks to supporters like you, he and his buddy Mack are able to thrive here with us.

We're celebrating Every Meal Matters because the right nutrition can change the course of a species’ future. For Iggy and Mack, that means a diet packed with fish to keep their feathers shiny, their wings strong, and their spirits soaring. 🐟

Your support ensures that every animal gets the specialized care and nutrition they need. Donate today: jbzoo.org/givingtuesday/

This Giving Tuesday, every donation made will go three times as far, thanks to generous matching gifts from The Eileen DeVries Family Foundation and Jennifer & Ron Boezwinkle. 🧡

📸: Zookeeper Jeremiah

"Two orders of bamboo to go, please!" - Wyatt & Wasabi 🎋Our pandas enjoy a true “farm-to-table” experience thanks to bam...
11/29/2025

"Two orders of bamboo to go, please!" - Wyatt & Wasabi 🎋

Our pandas enjoy a true “farm-to-table” experience thanks to bamboo grown right on site, but even our garden cannot produce enough to meet their daily needs. Your support helps us provide extra bamboo, their favorite training treats (grapes 🍇, not bamboo!), and the nutrition they need to stay happy and healthy.

Help us make every meal matter! Wyatt, Wasabi, and all our animals thank you. Donate today: jbzoo.org/givingtuesday/

This Giving Tuesday, every donation made will go three times as far, thanks to generous matching gifts from The Eileen DeVries Family Foundation and Jennifer & Ron Boezwinkle. 🧡

Follow these animal-approved tips for a holiday feast that's festive, friendly, and just a touch wild:- Show your attitu...
11/27/2025

Follow these animal-approved tips for a holiday feast that's festive, friendly, and just a touch wild:

- Show your attitude of gratitude by bringing a small gift for the host.
- Chew with your mouth close. No one wants to see that.
- Don't forget to share. And definitely don't step in the salad.
- Be grateful for your troop, even when they drive you bananas.

This Thanksgiving the John Ball Zoo family is feeling extra grateful for you! Your support helps us care for our animals, spark curiosity, and protect wildlife both near and far. Thanks to you, every day at the zoo is something to be thankful for.

Your support this Giving Tuesday can make all the difference for the animals you love. And the best part? Every donation made will go three times as far, thanks to generous matching gifts from The Eileen DeVries Family Foundation and Jennifer & Ron Boezwinkle!

Donate today: jbzoo.org/givingtuesday/

Because of you, our animals thrive every day. Thank you for being part of our zoo family. 🧡

Nominate us for Best of Grand Rapids 2025! 🌟Nominations are now open through December 15, and we'd love your support! Ta...
11/25/2025

Nominate us for Best of Grand Rapids 2025! 🌟

Nominations are now open through December 15, and we'd love your support! Take a moment submit us for the categories below and share with your friends and family.

Nominate Here 🗳️: grmag.com/bestofgr/ballot/

Arts & Entertainment
Best Annual Festival
✍️ Write in: Grand Rapids Lanterns Festival

Community & Personalities
Tourism Attraction
✍️ Write in: John Ball Zoo

Community & Personalities
Wedding Venue
✍️ Write in: The Bissell Tree House at John Ball Zoo

Thank you for helping us shine! 🧡

11/24/2025

Thanksgiving tip from Hugo: potatoes are life, but don’t skip the greens🥬

Our tiny spud is growing up, one little bite at a time! He’s starting to explore solid foods, though he still loves his mama’s milk the most. 💛

📸: Senior Zookeeper Stacy

If fall had a mascot, it would be Mabelle 🍂Can you be-leaf that the last day to visit the Zoo is this Sunday?! Leaf your...
11/21/2025

If fall had a mascot, it would be Mabelle 🍂

Can you be-leaf that the last day to visit the Zoo is this Sunday?! Leaf your plans open and come see your favorite animals before we close for the season. 🐅

Purchase a membership today for unlimited visits next season and enjoy 10% off. Plus, save an extra 35% on our Winter Season Guided Tours, where you can see snow leopards, Canada lynx, river otters, red pandas, Amur tigers, and more.✨

🔗 jbzoo.org/membership/

Join us and Broadway Grand Rapids at the Zoo tomorrow for some Lion King fun! 🦁🎟️
11/19/2025

Join us and Broadway Grand Rapids at the Zoo tomorrow for some Lion King fun! 🦁🎟️

11/19/2025

Guess who's stealing the spotlight on World Anteater Day? Rio, our queen of the long snout. 👑

Over the last few years, Rio has been busy sweeping up snacks and hearts. This winter, she will be moving to another accredited zoo per AZA recommendations. Come try to see her before our season ends on November 23. If temperatures are above 40 degrees, you might even spot her outdoors! 🐜

Fun facts about Rio from Zookeeper Sarah:

- She loves perfumes and extracts. Her favorites are maple and lemon. 🍋
- Vets love her because we can do extensive hands-on care without the need for anesthesia. 💉
- She goes into torpor to conserve energy when it is chilly. 😴
- Hard-boiled eggs are a favorite snack.🥚
- She loves playing with her boomer balls. ⚽
- Showers are her ultimate relaxation. 🚿

Snack first, check-up second. Monster knows the drill. 🦎Monster, our Grand Cayman iguana, takes part in his own health c...
11/18/2025

Snack first, check-up second. Monster knows the drill. 🦎

Monster, our Grand Cayman iguana, takes part in his own health check-ups through voluntary training. With patience, trust, and plenty of snacks, he cooperates with his care team during a full, hands-on exam that includes a physical check-over, eye exam, x-rays, and blood draw. This positive approach keeps his annual check-ups calm and stress-free. 🩺

11/15/2025

That leaf pile never stood a chance 👊

Our leopard ladies received a crunchy pile of leaves from the mountain lion habitat behind the scenes. 🍁 It didn't take long for Juniper to go full-on leaf chaos mode, pouncing, rolling, and turning over every leaf in sight.

📸: Zookeeper Sarah

Address

1300 Fulton Street West
Grand Rapids, MI
49504

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+16163364300

Website

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