John Ball Zoo

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John Ball Zoo

Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan
A non-profit organization dedicated to saving
Wildlife and Wild Places🐾🌳
(22102)

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.

26/07/2025

We recently heard from some very special guests who shared their thoughts on giraffes joining John Ball Zoo, and we couldn’t agree more. 🦒

25/07/2025

To close out National Zookeeper Week, we’re highlighting Lauren, and giving a huge thank you to all of our amazing zookeepers! 🐧

Your dedication makes a difference every single day. 💙

23/07/2025

Meet Ian, one of our amazing h**p keepers in Area 2! 🐢 With over 5 years of experience in reptile and amphibian care and research, Ian brings valuable expertise to our team.

His favorite animal? Monster, the Grand Cayman iguana! 🦎 From daily head bobs to a love of grapes, Monster’s bold personality has made him a standout. Over the past year, he and Ian have built a strong bond, with Ian even serving as his personal trainer. Since moving to his new outdoor exhibit near Natural Treasures, Monster has started waking up early to greet guests, a big change from his usual log naps until noon. 😴

Beyond his charm, Monster is a living conservation success story. The Grand Cayman iguana was once nearly extinct, but through decades of work by zoos and conservation partners, Grand Cayman iguanas are thriving again.

Ian wants people to know that caring for reptiles and amphibians takes creativity, problem-solving, and constant learning. Each species is different, and zoos play a vital role in their conservation and education.

22/07/2025

We're proud to be part of the fight to save some of the Great Lakes’ rarest and most endangered butterflies. 🦋 From restoring native habitats to supporting vital research, our team is working alongside conservation partners to protect these delicate pollinators for future generations.🌼 Learn more about how we're making a difference in this important effort: greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/john-ball-zoo-fights-for-great-lakes-rarest-butterflies/

21/07/2025

This National Zookeeper Week, we’re celebrating the incredible dedication, passion, and hard work of our animal care team! 🐾 We’re grateful for all of our amazing keepers, like Hannah, who make John Ball Zoo so special. 🧡

18/07/2025

🦩💗 Meet Andes: the most unexpected rehab story in Grand Rapids.

This 14-year-old Chilean flamingo was living his best poolside life at John Ball Zoo when he developed a curious limp. That’s when experts at John Ball Zoo teamed up with Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics. Over the next several months, our teams worked together to create a one-of-a-kind solution designed just for Andes. As it turns out, custom orthotics aren’t just for humans.

From joint stabilization to Velcro preferences (he has opinions), it’s been a true collaboration—powered by expertise, compassion, curiosity, and a lot of intentionally selected (mostly pink) materials.

And now? He’s back to fla-mingling in style. Thanks to the specialists at John Ball Zoo and Mary Free Bed for teaming up to help Andes achieve new milestones and major . 💗

You can read more about Andes’s story here: https://bit.ly/4lZilur

17/07/2025

Our team wears their love for animals and nature on their sleeves, literally. 🌿🐍✒️

In honor of National Tattoo Day, we’re celebrating the meaningful ink our staff proudly sports. Each tattoo is a tribute to their love for wildlife, nature, and the incredible creatures that inspire them every day.

16/07/2025

You’re more likely to walk past one than ever hear its rattle 🐍

The Eastern Massasauga is Michigan’s only venomous snake, but it’s shy, elusive, and would rather avoid people altogether. Though essential to the ecosystem, its population is shrinking. For the past 6 years, we've worked with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other zoos to monitor wild populations. Together, we’ve tagged over 400 snakes, helping researchers understand how to protect and restore this misunderstood reptile.

14/07/2025

Happy World Chimpanzee Day 💫

Meet our incredible troop. Today and every day, we're happy to celebrate Zuhura, Kiambi, Susie, Sanga, Donnie, and Sammy!🧡

12/07/2025

Wellness routine: ice bath & cuddles 🛁

Did you know? Lynx siblings often stay close as they grow, spending their time play-fighting and snoozing in cozy piles, nature’s version of cuddling!

It's almost time for Jasper, Rocky, and Yukon to start their next journey together, so be sure to visit them soon! 🗺️

📸: Zookeeper Amanda

11/07/2025

These feet pics are 100% free 😉

Whose feet are your fave?🦶

09/07/2025

When life’s this chill, you don’t even need pockets ⛱️

Good news! You can now support John Ball Zoo with just your phone using Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, and PayPal!
That means supporting wildlife is just a tap away — no wallet needed! 📲

jbzoo.org/donate/

Address

Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 18:00
Thursday	09:00 - 18:00
Friday	09:00 - 18:00
Saturday	09:00 - 18:00
Sunday	09:00 - 18:00

Telephone

+16163364300

Website

https://jbzoo.org/

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