John Ball Zoo

John Ball Zoo Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan
A non-profit organization dedicated to saving
Wildlife and Wild Places🐾🌳
(22081)

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.

10/14/2025

Sneakily trying to get a glimpse of the slippery spud like... 🫣

Hugo is still hanging out behind the scenes, but stay tuned for news about his first public appearance coming soon. 🤗

📸: Zookeeper Amanda

10/14/2025

Big little splashes are coming soon! 💦 See how we're getting our hippo habitat ready for our newest calf, Hugo, in our full YouTube video 🦛: youtu.be/LXvhGWKR69Y

Spider Monkey 🐒 vs. Spider 🕷️🐒 2 legs + 2 arms + 1 tail vs. 🕷️ 8 legs🐒 Full skeleton vs. 🕷️ exoskeleton🐒 Swings through...
10/13/2025

Spider Monkey 🐒 vs. Spider 🕷️

🐒 2 legs + 2 arms + 1 tail vs. 🕷️ 8 legs
🐒 Full skeleton vs. 🕷️ exoskeleton
🐒 Swings through trees vs. 🕷️ Spins webs

Vampire vibes… but make it hippo 🧛‍♂️📸: Zookeeper Amanda
10/12/2025

Vampire vibes… but make it hippo 🧛‍♂️

📸: Zookeeper Amanda

10/10/2025

“Scar buddies” to the rescue! 🐻✨

Our staff carefully repaired “imperfect” stuffed animals with cheerful patches and stitches. Every patch and stitch tells a story of care and resilience. These special “scar buddies” were then donated to children at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, bringing comfort, smiles, and a little extra joy to young patients. 🧡

Read more about how these stuffed friends are making a difference: bit.ly/JBZooScarBuddies

Go Directly to Fun! 🎲🎩The brand-new Monopoly: Grand Rapids Edition is here, celebrating all the places that make our cit...
10/09/2025

Go Directly to Fun! 🎲🎩

The brand-new Monopoly: Grand Rapids Edition is here, celebrating all the places that make our city wild and wonderful! We’re thrilled to be featured on this playful tribute to our hometown and had a blast hosting the official launch right here at John Ball Zoo.

As two iconic family brands loved by generations, we’re proud to be part of this playful piece of local pride. 🧡

Grab your Monopoly: Grand Rapids Edition board in our gift shop and pair it with an annual membership for a gift that keeps the fun going all year long. ✨

10/09/2025

Rest? Never heard of her. - Penelope and Yuki, probably 😅

These two feisty youngsters have been keeping their moms busy behind the scenes. Stay tuned to find out when they'll be making their grand debut on habitat! 🥳

📸: Zookeeper Amanda & Animal Care Supervisor Jaime

10/07/2025

Personal space? Hugo’s still working on that… He’s just a baby. 🥹

Hugo and his mom, Penelope, are still enjoying some quiet time behind the scenes, but we’re hoping they’ll make their debut on habitat later this month. In the meantime, you can catch all the adorable moments on our livestream: jbzoo.org/baby-hippo-cam-live-feed/

📸: Zookeeper Amanda

Trick or treat yourself… responsibly 🎃Halloween is right around the corner, and you know what that means… candy! 🍬 Did y...
10/06/2025

Trick or treat yourself… responsibly 🎃

Halloween is right around the corner, and you know what that means… candy! 🍬 Did you know, all of the candy handed out at Zoo Goes Boo is sustainably sourced? That means every treat you enjoy is helping protect wildlife and their habitats.

When planning your own Halloween haul, keep this sustainable palm oil guide from our friends at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo handy. Choosing candy made with sustainable palm oil is a simple way to make a big difference for wildlife.

We can’t wait to see you at Zoo Goes Boo this weekend for some frighteningly fun Halloween adventures! 👻

10/05/2025

Water you think Juniper’s been up to? 🐾

Junie’s still busy bonding with mom behind the scenes, but stay tuned for updates on when she'll be making her first appearance outside. 🥰

📸: Zookeeper Valerie

10/03/2025

Everywhere Hugo, I go. 💙

We're excited to officially introduce you to our baby pygmy hippo, Hugo! His name means smart and spirited, just like we expect him to be. ✨

Hugo and mom Penelope are still spending time behind the scenes, but we’re hoping they’ll make their first appearance on habitat later this month. Until then, tune in to all the cuteness on our livestream: jbzoo.org/baby-hippo-cam-live-feed/

Thank you to everyone who voted and donated. Your support helps us provide the best care for Hugo and all the animals who call John Ball Zoo home.

Follow our social media pages for updates.

10/02/2025

Baby s̶h̶a̶r̶k̶ hippo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo 🦈

You still have a chance to vote on a name for our feisty boy! Voting ends tomorrow, October 3rd, at noon, when the winning name will be announced: jbzoo.org/baby-hippo-naming-poll-2025

Want to give your favorite name a boost? ✨ Every donation adds extra votes and supports the calf and pygmy hippo conservation.

📸: Zookeeper Hannah

Address

1300 Fulton Street West
Grand Rapids, MI
49504

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+16163364300

Website

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