What are the opening hours?

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

John Ball Zoo

Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Celebrating the Wonders of our Natural World!
(5397)

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.

08/15/2024

Please join us tomorrow, August 16th, for our Safety Celebration, presented by , and discover how fun safety can be! Local first responders and community partners will be at John Ball Zoo with exciting activities to educate and engage everyone. It takes real superheroes to keep our community safe, so Spiderman, Black Panther, Captain America, and Black Widow will be here to celebrate our local heroes. Don't miss Pedro the Penguin from the American Red Cross who will teach us about home fire safety. 🚓🚑🚒

08/14/2024

Make room for Rocky, Yukon, and Jasper!

Our three male Lynx kits are now exploring their outdoor habitat with mom, Becca. They still like to rest inside, so they may not be out when you visit, but make sure to stop by their habitat to see if they're out playing!

08/12/2024

Penguin Chick Update! 🐧

We would like to formally introduce our newest members to the Penguin family: Phil, Pebbles, and Pinkie. They're still behind-the-scenes being cared for as they grow and learn to swim.

Who volunteers to give them swimming lessons?! 🌊

08/11/2024

Have you checked out our newest experience at the Zoo?

Backyard Butterflies is a free walk-through experience where you can see butterflies up close and personal. It's located on Wild Way Trail right next to the Whistle Stop restaurant.

Next time you're at the Zoo make sure to stop and check it out!

08/10/2024

Birthday Twins! 🦛

We are celebrating two very special birthdays today. Our female pygmy hippo, Penelope, is turning 6 and our newest member of the chimp troop, Zuhra, is celebrating her 11th birthday!

Please send warm birthday wishes to these young ladies! 🐵

08/09/2024

We are excited to announce we have had a very successful Poweshiek Skipperling Season! 🦋

The Zoo works closely with several partners on captive rearing of the species and this season has released more than 1,200 of this endangered butterfly species into the wild this year. The conservation work is yielding amazing results, as wild populations have been reestablished in places where they have not been observed for many years. Population decline is due to multiple factors, including the use of pesticides, habitat loss and climate change.

We want to give a big thank you to for recently sharing this success story! Visit for the article and learn more more about our conversation efforts at www.jbzoo.org.

08/08/2024

Did you know that you & your family can "ADOPT" one of the animals at JBZ for the season?

By ADOPTing an animal at John Ball Zoo, you are helping provide essential food and care for the many animals that call the Zoo home. Your support also extends to vital wildlife conservation efforts occurring both in the Great Lakes Region and around the globe. Each ADOPTion lasts for one year, and renewals are available to ensure your continuous support for animals. Check out our website for more details! ❤️

08/07/2024

It's a baby boom this summer at John Ball Zoo! 🎉

We're excited to announce the birth of our newest female Bongo, Chestnut! Proud parents, Carrot and Beckson, welcomed Chestnut, their second calf, into the world on July 23rd. Chestnut joins older brother, 1-year old Sprout, as the newest member of their family. Mom and baby are healthy and happy and currently enjoying bonding time together. You'll be able to see Carrot and Chestnut in their outdoor habitat soon.

Stay tuned for more baby fun coming your way! 🧡

08/05/2024

Who’s ready for World Lion Day? I know we are!🦁

Join us for World Lion Day on Wednesday, August 7th from 9AM-6PM. This is a Wildlife Exploration Day so remember to bring your passport to collect a badge!

EVENT DETAILS
African drum & dance performances | 9AM & 10AM
Fire Performer | 10:30AM – 12:30PM
Story Time with Circle Theatre | 11AM
Traditional African Music by Samuel Nalangira | 12PM - 2PM
African dance performances | 3PM, 4PM & 5PM
Fire Performer | 3:30PM– 5:30PM
Animal experiences throughout the day
Visit Exploration Stations throughout the Zoo to learn all about our feline friends!

08/04/2024

Don’t worry if you missed out on the first two Rock, Roar and Pour events this season, because another one is coming up this Thursday August 8th. Spend your evening at our 21 and up concert event featuring Earth Radio with additional live music from D!mes and Eric O’Daly. This is the event for music lovers with additional themed entertainment, food trucks, and specialty drinks; all while strolling through animal habitats with no kids!

Earth Radio, Grand Rapids Future-Soul group, carry elements of funk, rock, soul, and progressive jazz that creates their unique sound.

EVENT DETAILS
Live entertainment Earth Radio| 6PM – 9PM
Live entertainment D!mes| 6:30PM – 7PM
Live entertainment Eric O’Daly| 7:30PM – 9PM
Fire performance, Lollipop artist, and Stilt Walker provided by Embodied Arts
Hippo Feeding | 6:45PM
Spider Monkey Enrichment | 7:30PM
Food and alcoholic beverages
Exclusive Zoo access
Giant games to play with friends and family

Book your tickets at https://jbzoo.org/events/rockroarpour-earthradio/?occurrence=2024-08-08. We can't wait to see you there!

08/03/2024

Big birthday happenings at John Ball Zoo!!🎉🎈

Tango our Toucan turned 6 this week! The Toucans have one of the best diets here at the Zoo which consists of many different fruits.

Our male Snowy Owl, Zenon, is turning 11! Even if you don’t think she's looking, think again! Snowy Owls have the capability to turn their head 270 degrees in order to compensate for their limited eye movement.

Duke the Howler Monkey turned 4 yesterday! He got to celebrate with his friends Violet and AJ with some banana leaf enrichment, edible flowers, and snacks in party hats.

Everyone please wish our wonderful zoo residents a very Happy Birthday!!

08/02/2024

We have a very special bundle of joy!

Come out for Dino Adventures at John Ball Zoo and you may have the opportunity to catch one of our dino keepers out in the Zoo with Tilly, the baby triceratops! 🦖

08/02/2024

Twig the Sloth participated in his first Creature Feature show this season. Great job to our Ambassador Animal team in transitioning him from Close Encounters (in his space) to Creature Features (outside his space).

Visit our website for a schedule of our Daily Animal Programs like feedings, Creature Features, Keeper Chats, and more!

07/30/2024

WGVU’s KidsDay at the Zoo, presented by , is back on Thursday, August 1st!

Join WGVU Public Media, John Ball Zoo, and all of our supporting partners for a fantastic day at the Zoo! Enjoy a day of live entertainment and interactive activities for the whole family. Meet some of your favorite characters from shows like the Cat in the Hat and Clifford, and take a step back in time by visiting Dino Adventures at the Zoo!

KidsDay is guaranteed to provide a packed day of fun and adventure for kids, families, and friends. Learn more by visiting the Events link in our bio.

Zoo admission is only $5 per person on KidsDay. See you on Thursday!

07/29/2024

It's International Tiger Day! 🐅

Did you know there are approximately 500 or fewer Amur tigers in the wild? John Ball Zoo has partnered with other zoos to bring Mabelle, our female, and Titan, our male, together as part of a Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP). Conservation programs like the Tiger SSP and the Tiger Conservation Campaign bring us hope that Amur tigers and other species of tigers will survive and one day thrive!

Celebrate International Tiger Day by coming to see Mabelle and Titan and learning more about conservation efforts taking place around the world!

07/29/2024

Happy World Conservation Day! 🦋

Thanks to the support you and our community provide, we are able to lead conservation initiatives both locally and globally. Whether we're giving away plants and wildflowers through our Habitat Hero program, partnering with the Red Panda Network in Nepal, head starting box turtles to help them thrive in the wild, or breeding and releasing Poweshiek Skipperling and Mitchell’s Satyr butterflies into their natural environments, it's all made possible by our guests, volunteers, and donors.

Thank you for helping us achieve our mission of saving wildlife and wild places through your contributions, gifts, time, and support!

07/27/2024

Happy National Zookeeper Week 2024! 🎉

We are doing a keeper feature every day to showcase some of the amazing individuals who care for the JBZ family.

Today is our last feature and it is.... Keeper Sarah!

Sarah is an area 1 keeper at John Ball Zoo. She has spent 9 years as a keeper! She has worked at JBZ for 9 years and did a summer internship. She says that John Ball Zoo has been her one and only home.

Favorite JBZ animal: Rio, the Giant Anteater
Dream species to work with: Spotted hyena
Dream species to do conservation work with: Giant anteaters, specifically working with the "Anteater & Highways," project. They are among the animals most frequently killed on the roads. The research they do helps provide insight into anteater movement patterns, inform road management strategies in Brazil, and help save an iconic New World species!
Something you want people to know about caring for animals: "It can be so many emotions in one single day but still the most rewarding at the end of it. Reaching a break through during a training session with one of your animals, or seeing a young guest light up as you explain fun interesting natural behaviors of the animals that are in my care have always been rewarding but are just two of MANY. In the end, I am always grateful for being in this field and knowing every day is always different!"

We want to thank the amazing animal care team at John Ball Zoo. Our animal care team is incredibly dedicated and passionate. They work through heat, rain, and snow to ensure that all 2,000 members of JBZ's animal family are happy and healthy. They are vital advocates for conservation, participating in the fight for species survival, and have become the spokespersons for vanishing wildlife. If you are visiting the Zoo, be sure to thank our wonderful keepers for all of the incredible work that they are doing!

07/26/2024

Join us for Dino Storytime on Sunday, July 28, and meet Dino Don!

Budding scientists, young and old, won't want to miss this opportunity to learn from the experts. This Sunday, July 28, from 10:00am-1:30pm, join us for Dino Storytime, presented by Michigan First Credit Union.

Storytime will kickoff with a dinosaur chat with "Dino" Don Lessem, founder of Dino Don (the company that brings dinosaurs to life at the Zoo). Dino Don is one of the world's leading presenters of dinosaurs, the author of 40 books of natural history, advisor to Stephen Spielberg's Jurassic Park, and advisor to Universal Studios and Disney theme parks. He will be joined by Michigan First Credit Union and Zoo staff throughout the day reading children's books about dinosaurs.

Come on by to chat with Dino Don and hear some wild dinosaur stories!

07/26/2024

Happy National Zookeeper Week 2024! 🎉

We are doing a keeper feature every day to showcase some of the amazing individuals who care for the JBZ family.

Today we are featuring... Keeper Erin!

Erin is an area 2 keeper at John Ball Zoo. You can find her working in Natural Treasures! She has been a keeper for 14 years! She has worked at JBZ for 10 of those years. Before she was at John Ball Zoo, she worked at Turtle Back zoo in West Orange, NJ.

Favorite JBZ animal: Previously, Oscar the Black footed cat. Now, Hershey, the spider monkey
Dream species to work with: Bat eared foxes or Sand cats
Dream species to do conservation work for: Black footed cats or Komodo dragons
Something you want people to know about caring for animals: "It's a lot of mental and physical work. Some days it feels like the worst job in the world but most days it's the best! Rarely is the bucket we are carrying filled with food, usually it's dishes or compost."

We want to thank the amazing animal care team at John Ball Zoo. Our animal care team is incredibly dedicated and passionate. They work through heat, rain, and snow to ensure that all 2,000 members of JBZ's animal family are happy and healthy. They are vital advocates for conservation, participating in the fight for species survival, and have become the spokespersons for vanishing wildlife. If you are visiting the Zoo, be sure to thank our wonderful keepers for all of the incredible work that they are doing!

07/25/2024

Happy National Zookeeper Week 2024! 🎉

We are doing a keeper feature every day to showcase some of the amazing individuals who care for the JBZ family.

Today we are featuring... Keeper Julia!

Julia is an ambassador animal lead keeper at John Ball Zoo. She has spent 10 years as a keeper. Five of those years have been spent with JBZ. Before John Ball Zoo, she worked with Saginaw Children's Zoo.

Favorite JBZ animal: Monster, the Grand Cayman Iguana and Cusco, the Coati
Dream species to work with: African wild dogs
Dream species to do conservation work for: African wild dogs
Something you want people to know about caring for animals: "Zookeeping is hard work not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. Losing an animal you have been taking care of for years is comparable to losing your pet at home."

We want to thank the amazing animal care team at John Ball Zoo. Our animal care team is incredibly dedicated and passionate. They work through heat, rain, and snow to ensure that all 2,000 members of JBZ's animal family are happy and healthy. They are vital advocates for conservation, participating in the fight for species survival, and have become the spokespersons for vanishing wildlife. If you are visiting the Zoo, be sure to thank our wonderful keepers for all of the incredible work that they are doing!

07/24/2024

Special Announcement: The Zoo will close at 5:00pm tomorrow, July 25. Why, you ask?

Because Rock, Roar and Pour is back by popular demand! Spend tomorrow night at our 21 and up concert event featuring Cabildo. Embrace those Latin vibes with themed entertainment, food trucks, and specialty drinks; all while strolling through animal habitats with no kids!

Cabildo, West Michigan’s Latin Rock, will be performing a fun mix of Cumbia, Ska, Folk, and other genres from Latin and South America.

EVENT DETAILS
Live entertainment Cabildo | 6PM – 9PM
Fire performance provided by Embodied Arts
Meerkat Feeding | 6:45PM
GR Cuban Salsa | 7PM-8:30PM
Otter Enrichment | 7:30PM
Food and alcoholic beverages
Exclusive Zoo access
Giant games to play with friends and family

Book your tickets by using the 'Events' link in our bio. We can't wait to see you there!

07/24/2024

Happy National Zookeeper Week 2024! 🎉

We are doing a keeper feature every day to showcase some of the amazing individuals who care for the JBZ family.

Our second feature today is... Keeper Ryanne!

Ryanne works in area 2 at John Ball Zoo (she does a lot of work in the aquarium!) She has worked as a keeper for 12 years! 3 of those years have been spent at John Ball Zoo. In the past, she has worked at Florida Aquarium and Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo.

Favorite John Ball Zoo animal: Wolf eel
Dream species to work with: Nurse shark
Dream species to do conservation work for: Coral
Something you want people to know about caring for animals: "Always take time to clean up your natural environment as all animals rely on nature to survive."

We want to thank the amazing animal care team at John Ball Zoo. Our animal care team is incredibly dedicated and passionate. They work through heat, rain, and snow to ensure that all 2,000 members of JBZ's animal family are happy and healthy. They are vital advocates for conservation, participating in the fight for species survival, and have become the spokespersons for vanishing wildlife. If you are visiting the Zoo, be sure to thank our wonderful keepers for all of the incredible work that they are doing!

07/24/2024

Happy National Zookeeper Week 2024! 🎉

We are doing a keeper feature every day to showcase some of the amazing individuals who care for the JBZ family.

Today we are featuring.... Keeper Jamie!

Jamie is an area 1 keeper at John Ball Zoo. She has spent 4 years as a keeper. However, she has worked at John Ball Zoo for 8 years.

Favorite JBZ animal: A tie between Dino, the Southern ground hornbill and Carrot, the Eastern mountain bongo.
Dream species to work with: Beluga whales
Dream species for conservation work: Great white sharks
Something you want people to know about caring for animals: "It can be very tough physically, mentally, and emotionally, but ultimately the connections you make and the relationships you build with the animals make it all worth it. There is so much more to zoos than people think, and the bigger picture of conservation and saving species from extinction is what continues to drive me to be a better keeper and a better advocate for all animals. I love my job so much and wouldn't want to be doing anything else."

We want to thank the amazing animal care team at John Ball Zoo. Our animal care team is incredibly dedicated and passionate. They work through heat, rain, and snow to ensure that all 2,000 members of JBZ's animal family are happy and healthy. They are vital advocates for conservation, participating in the fight for species survival, and have become the spokespersons for vanishing wildlife. If you are visiting the Zoo, be sure to thank our wonderful keepers for all of the incredible work that they are doing!

07/23/2024

Happy National Zookeeper Week 2024! 🎉

We are doing a keeper feature every day to showcase some of the amazing individuals who care for the JBZ family.

Today we are featuring... Keeper Tyler!

Tyler is an area 2 keeper at John Ball Zoo (he works with the chimpanzee troop often!) He has spent 4 years as a keeper and 2 of those years have been at John Ball Zoo. He has worked at Indianapolis Zoo and Niabi Zoo in the past.

Favorite animal at John Ball Zoo: Donnie, the chimpanzee
Dream species to work with: Hamadryas baboons or Mandrills
Dream species for conservation work: Mountain lions
Something you want people to know about caring for animals: "There's lots of highs and lots of lows with this career. From seeing animal births to saying goodbye to animals. Getting to see the same animals day in and day out is an honor and it's an absolute joy to get to know them as individuals."

We want to thank the amazing animal care team at John Ball Zoo. Our animal care team is incredibly dedicated and passionate. They work through heat, rain, and snow to ensure that all 2,000 members of JBZ's animal family are happy and healthy. They are vital advocates for conservation, participating in the fight for species survival, and have become the spokespersons for vanishing wildlife. If you are visiting the Zoo, be sure to thank our wonderful keepers for all of the incredible work that they are doing!

07/22/2024

Happy National Zookeeper Week 2024! 🎉

We are doing a keeper feature every day to showcase some of the amazing individuals who care for the JBZ family.

Today we are featuring... Keeper Jackson!

Jackson is an ambassador keeper. In August, Jackson will have spent three years as a keeper. However, she has spent five years at John Ball Zoo.

Favorite John Ball Zoo animal: Pumpkin, the dwarf highland cow
Dream species to work with: Elephants
Dream species to do conservation work for: Rhinos
Something you want people to know about caring for animals: "It's not just picking up p**p! It can be hard, especially in the Ambassador world when our animal's life spans are not very long. There is also a lot more paperwork and meetings than people think! But I would not trade this job for anything else in the world!"

We want to thank the amazing animal care team at John Ball Zoo. Our animal care team is incredibly dedicated and passionate. They work through heat, rain, and snow to ensure that all 2,000 members of JBZ's animal family are happy and healthy. They are vital advocates for conservation, participating in the fight for species survival, and have become the spokespersons for vanishing wildlife. If you are visiting the Zoo, be sure to thank our wonderful keepers for all of the incredible work that they are doing!

07/21/2024

Ah, the classic keeper phone pass.

Happy National Zookeeper Week! 🎉

07/21/2024

Happy National Zookeeper Week 2024! 🎉

We are doing a keeper feature every day to showcase some of the amazing individuals who care for the JBZ family.

First up is.... Keeper Jackie!

She is the Conservation Swing Keeper which means she works with all four animal teams within the Zoo. She has spent 10 years as a keeper, 2 of which have been at JBZ. Jackie has also worked at Saginaw Children's Zoo, Toledo Zoo, and Indianapolis Zoo!

Favorite John Ball Zoo animal: Pumpkin, the dwarf highland cow
Dream species to work with: Sea otter
Dream species for conservation work: Black footed cat
Something you want people to know about caring for animals: "There is a lot more paperwork and record keeping than you would expect."

We want to thank the amazing animal care team at John Ball Zoo. Our animal care team is incredibly dedicated and passionate. They work through heat, rain, and snow to ensure that all 2,000 members of JBZ's animal family are happy and healthy. They are vital advocates for conservation, participating in the fight for species survival, and have become the spokespersons for vanishing wildlife. If you are visiting the Zoo, be sure to thank our wonderful keepers for all of the incredible work that they are doing!

07/18/2024

Tomorrow, July 19, is Pink Flamingo Day at the Zoo!

It's a pink out! Flamingle on over for an exciting day that embraces all things pink. Learn about these iconic birds through Keeper chats and activities. Enjoy live music, Flamingo-inspired crafts and stickers, and see some of your favorite pink princesses.

You can get in on the fun too! Everyone wearing pink gets a $2 discount on Admission.

EVENT DETAILS
Character Meet-and-Greets | 10AM - 3PM
Rapunzel
Elena
Aurora
Rosetta
Performances provided by:
Steel Drum - Greg Secor | 9AM-11AM
Grand Rapids Ballet Demonstration | 1PM & 2PM
GR Cuban Salsa | 3:30PM-5PM
Pacific Island Dancers | 4PM & 5PM
Animal activities throughout the day
Flamingo Crafts
Specialty Face Painting

Come join us in turning the Zoo pink!

07/15/2024

Welcome to Dino Adventures at John Ball Zoo! 🦖

Now through November 10, embark on a dino safari through the Zoo's Forest Realm and learn more about the dinosaurs that once roamed the Earth. These life-sized dinos display real behaviors, such as mothering, feeding, and preying.

No need to purchase special tickets as Dino Adventures is included in your membership and daily Zoo admission. Visit our bio to learn more and grab your tickets today!

07/12/2024

Did you miss this week's Breakfast with Animals, but still want to enjoy a sunrise breakfast at the Zoo? You're in luck!

Join us next Wednesday, July 17 on the South American Boardwalk. You'll enjoy a delicious breakfast, complete with bird-friendly coffee, followed by a guided tour of two animal habitats of your choosing. Stay afterward to explore the Zoo at no additional cost.

Waking up with the animals is the best way to start your day. Book your tickets by using the 'Events' link in our bio. We can't wait to see you there!

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

Website

https://jbzoo.org/

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.

Videos

Ah, the classic keeper phone pass. Happy National Zookeeper Week! 🎉

🇺🇸🎆🇺🇸🎇

Happy fourth of July from our JBZ family to yours! 🇺🇸 Celebrate with a day at the Zoo. We are open from 9AM-6PM.

Bali is 24 today! Happy birthday Bali! 🎊 To celebrate his 24th birthday, Bali was celebrated with streamers, paper chains, frozen treats, and a very special song. Please help us wish Bali a very happy birthday! 🎂

Bongos eating bread. Say that 10 times fast! 🍞 10/10 for Carrot's snack session. Done with ease. Consumed and enjoyed. 5/10 for Sprout's snack session. Couldn't figure out how to eat the slice. Enjoyed but struggled immensely. 📸: Keeper Cam

Can you watch Roger for us?

Hey! Any chance you can watch Roger, the African Spurred Tortoise, for us for just a second?? 🐢

This is what we mean when we say, "we want to go swimming." 🧜‍♀️ Heatwave who? Nugget the merma... capybara, is unbothered. She is enjoying plenty of time in the water. How are you cooling off? 💧

Swim on by for World Ocean Day.

The beach is coming to the Zoo on World Ocean Day, tomorrow 9A-6P! Pygmy hippo, Penelope sure is excited! 🏝️ EVENT DETAILS Greg Secor – Steel Drum | 9AM – 11AM Chimp Feeding | 9:15AM Character Meet-And-Greet | 10AM – 3PM Penguin Feeding | 10:30AM Bubble Performer by Embodied Arts | 10:30AM-12:30AM Story Time with Circle Theatre | 11AM Creature Feature | 11:30AM & 12:30AM Keeper Aquarium Dive | 1PM Roots Vibrations | 1PM-3PM Pygmy Hippo Keeper Chat | 2:30PM Penguin Feeding | 3PM Bubble Performer by Embodied Arts | 3:30PM-5:30PM Ambassador Pavilion Program | 4PM Learn more at https://jbzoo.org/events/world-ocean-day/

Have you seen the chicks on the penguin deck?! 🐧 All penguin parents have been caring dilligently for their babies. The chicks grow bigger every day! The next time you're at the Zoo, be sure to try and spot the babies on the deck. 🥹

The cubs are not cubs anymore! Red pandas mature in about 18-20 months. Nima and Dawa are now considered full-grown red pandas. 🥹

Happy Caturday! You know what that means; it's time for a kit update! 😽 Behind the scenes, the kits are spending lots of their time asleep with their mom, Becca. Becca has been the ever attentive momma. She spends lots of time nursing and snuggling with her kits. There has been lots of big yawns, big tumbles, and big stretches inside of the nest. Did you know that a newborn lynx will not open their eyes until they are about two weeks old?

Are you here for the 🍞 panda experience? We let our gen-z employee edit a promotion for our behind-the-scenes close encounters. 🤪 What do you think? Would you schedule a close encounter to see Wyatt?

Sound up for Nima crunches 🔊 The cubs have been enjoying new snacks such as carrots and grapes!

Spring has sprung which means Bali is ready to party! You may even hear him from the front gates of the Zoo. 🤭 Bali, the Cockatoo, has made his way from his indoor flat to Wild Way Trail. Be sure to say hi to Bali the next time you visit the Zoo!

There is a first for everything. The first video of Bumper dancing (scratching his belly) to the tune of happy birthday. And of course, Bumper's first birthday at the Zoo! 🥳 This very special tortoise is celebrating his birthday today. Please help us wish him the best birthday ever! 🤗

Who the BAWK forgot to order the hay?!

Who the BAWK forgot to order the hay?! Rumor has it, the animal care staff is still looking for the missing bale.

We heard that it's the home opening for Detroit Tigers . We have a recruit for you in Grand Rapids. Mabelle would be a purrrr-fect addition to your 2024 team. ⚾️ This all-star is running the bases with her tasty enrichment! Mabelle will be enjoying opening day with a snack. This enrichment is a home-run that resulted in Mabelle's stink face (flehmen response). 🧢

John Ball Zoo's all-star veteran, Chester, was not the winner of March of the Penguin Madness. While he may not have won, he won many hearts in the process and that deserves a victory screech. 🐧 Chester is the oldest penguin at John Ball Zoo. He is also a survivor. On July 12, 2022, he suffered a suspected stroke but persevered and made a speedy and complete recovery by mid-August. He passed his swimming test with flying colors! Chester's resilience and strength isn't only admired in the competition, but in the JBZ flock as well. 🧡

Look who it is! Today is a very exciting day for John Ball Zoo and the animal care team! 🥹 Comment "🧡" when you find them.

We have four new Zoo residents to introduce! 🐽 We have welcomed four male Chacoan peccaroes! Meet Fennel, Dill, Aiden Oak, and Captain Crunch. Although these peccaries may look like pigs, they are not! They are a pig-like endangered species native to the Grand Chaco, a hot and dry plain in Paraguay. You can find them along the South American boardwalk! Some of their favorite activities include mulch baths and sucking the salt off of rocks! Please help us welcome the newest JBZ residents! 🧡

We're gonna call it what it is, a lemur birthday party (Debbie's Version) 💋 Not a lot going on at the moment, just Debbie's golden 22nd birthday! The party was complete with a fruit covered cake and paper rings. Everyone please wish Debbie an amazing golden birthday! (22 cover sang by Zoo staff) 🤗