John Ball Zoo

John Ball Zoo Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan
A non-profit organization dedicated to saving
Wildlife and Wild Places🐾🌳
(22002)

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.

06/07/2026

Bubbles: 🫧✨
Aspen: absolutely not.

📸: Zookeeper Amanda

Enjoy a Night at the Zoo! Come and see the lanterns come alive.🙌 Only one week left to experience the magic of the Grand...
06/05/2026

Enjoy a Night at the Zoo! Come and see the lanterns come alive.🙌

Only one week left to experience the magic of the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival!✨

Buy your tickets now before they sell out. Make sure to get them before you arrive here at: jbzoo.org/events/grlanternfest/

*Our website is the only source for valid tickets. Tickets from other sites won't be accepted.

06/04/2026

If Hugo could talk, we're pretty sure he'd say, "Catch me if you can, Mom!" 🦛💨

📸: Zookeeper Amanda

06/03/2026

Up-close and purrsonal with Yuki, the birthday queen 🎂🐾🎉

One small ripple can create lasting change 🌊✨Experience the ripple effect at RendeZoo, presented by BISSELL, returning t...
06/01/2026

One small ripple can create lasting change 🌊✨

Experience the ripple effect at RendeZoo, presented by BISSELL, returning to John Ball Zoo on Friday, June 12. This unforgettable 21+ evening features live entertainment, incredible food, immersive animal-inspired experiences, exciting auctions, and moments designed to inspire connection and impact.

Best of all, every ticket supports our mission to protect wildlife and wild places both here and around the globe. 🌎

Get your tickets now: jbzoo.org/events/rendezoo/

A big thank you to our other event sponsors: Fox Honda GR, Pioneer Construction, Reyes Coca-Cola, Windemuller Inc., and Bill and Marilyn Crawford

05/30/2026

A rare backyard wildlife moment right here at the Zoo: a Common Snapping Turtle laying her eggs. 🐢

These turtles are native to Michigan and play an important role in our local ecosystems. In late spring and early summer, they travel to find safe nesting sites, sometimes crossing roads, trails, and open spaces along the way.

A snapping turtle typically lays about 20–40 eggs per clutch, though larger clutches can reach 80 or more. Once laid, the eggs are left to develop on their own through the summer. 🥚

If you see a snapping turtle, please give it space and observe from a distance. If it needs help in the road, only move it in the direction it's going, and never pick it up by the tail.

We’re celebrating Michigan wildlife at the Zoo today, so stop by and see how we’re helping protect the animals that call this state home. 💚

In case you weren’t aware… Panini is both prickly and precious. 🥰📸: Zoo Educator, Enya
05/29/2026

In case you weren’t aware… Panini is both prickly and precious. 🥰

📸: Zoo Educator, Enya

It’s World Otter Day, time to pick your spirit otter 🦦✨SlydeThe calm friend who keeps the peace, loves snacks and naps, ...
05/27/2026

It’s World Otter Day, time to pick your spirit otter 🦦✨

Slyde
The calm friend who keeps the peace, loves snacks and naps, and somehow always ends up with everyone else’s food too.

Quigley
Anxious but trying his best. Needs emotional support from his bestie, avoids awkward social situations, but absolutely locks in when food is involved.

Crush
The social butterfly who lives for interaction. Always starting playtime, chatting nonstop, and spreading energy everywhere he goes in the most lovable way.

Bruce
A lovable dreamer with big “main character” energy. Wants everyone to like him, tries a little too hard sometimes, but wins people over anyway.

So… which otter are you? 👀

Pure Michigan… but make it wild 🦅🌊🌲Wildlife Exploration Day is back this Saturday, May 30, at John Ball Zoo for our seco...
05/26/2026

Pure Michigan… but make it wild 🦅🌊🌲

Wildlife Exploration Day is back this Saturday, May 30, at John Ball Zoo for our second monthly adventure of the season: Michigan Wildlife Day! Celebrate the incredible species found right here in our backyard with animal programs, entertainment, character meet & greets, and more. 🦋

Bonus points if you wear your best Michigan-themed gear for $2 off admission at the ticket window!
*Discount is only available when purchased at the ticketing window. Not valid in conjunction with other promotions.

Have you experienced the otter chaos? 👀 🦦The kind of chaos that makes you stop, smile, and stick around just a little lo...
05/24/2026

Have you experienced the otter chaos? 👀 🦦
The kind of chaos that makes you stop, smile, and stick around just a little longer.

Our new river otter habitat is NOW OPEN! Stop by today to see what all the splash is about. 💦

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

Telephone

+16163364300

Website

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