WELCOME TO

JOHN BALL ZOO

Inspiring our community to be actively engaged in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment since 1891.

EVENTS

There's Always Something Happening at John Ball Zoo!

No matter the time of year, we’re always finding new ways to provide you with a festive and interactive experience. Our Daily Animal Programs include animal trainings, animal feedings, and animals receiving enrichment. Event schedule subject to change due to unforeseen events.

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Wizarding Weekends

September 10, 11, 17,18 | 9AM – 6PM It’s that time of year again, where magic is in the air. …

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Washed Ashore

Making Waves With Art to Save the Sea This 2022 season John Ball Zoo is hosting a powerful, larger-than-life exhibit …

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Koalapalooza

September 3, 4, 5 | 9AM – 6PM Forget Lollapalooza…it’s KOALAPALOOZA! Koalapalooza is your chance to spend some Koala-ty time …

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EDUCATION

Make Learning Come Alive for Your Students with Our Education Programs

Our programs are designed using fun, hands-on and flexible teaching methods for students ages three through adulthood. At John Ball Zoo, our goal is to teach our guests about wildlife conservation and the importance of restoring and protecting natural ecosystems. We offer onsite programs that help school-aged children spark their interest in wildlife conservation with lessons and activities that are rooted in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). These programs are available to groups ranging from Pre-K to High School Seniors. Our offsite programs will allow you to bring an interactive zoo into your classroom or qualified location. The learning opportunities don’t stop there! We also provide opportunities for distance learning, professional development, and an interactive Virtual Zoo Lab. Become immersed in the world of wildlife conservation with our educational programs, enrichment curriculum, workshops, and trainings!
EDUCATION

Make Learning Come Alive for Your Students with Our Education Programs

Our programs are designed using fun, hands-on and flexible teaching methods for students ages three through adulthood. At John Ball Zoo, our goal is to teach our guests about wildlife conservation and the importance of restoring and protecting natural ecosystems. We offer onsite programs that help school-aged children spark their interest in wildlife conservation with lessons and activities that are rooted in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). These programs are available to groups ranging from Pre-K to High School Seniors. Our offsite programs will allow you to bring an interactive zoo into your classroom or qualified location. The learning opportunities don’t stop there! We also provide opportunities for distance learning, professional development, and an interactive Virtual Zoo Lab. Become immersed in the world of wildlife conservation with our educational programs, enrichment curriculum, workshops, and trainings!
CONSERVATION

Conserving Wildlife and Wild Places in More Than 30 Countries

Conservation education is at the core of the Zoo’s mission and we strive to provide opportunities for our guests and partners to grow their knowledge, appreciation, and support of wildlife conservation.

Grean Palm Leaf
SUPPORT

Providing customized and compassionate care to over 2,000 animals

From nourishing our animals with local produce in their diets to innovative medical care, our team provides customized and compassionate care to the over 2,000 animals that call John Ball Zoo home. None of this is possible without your philanthropic support.

Because we are a nonprofit organization, we rely on contributions from our community to help us go above and beyond in our daily operations. It is also important for us to give back to the community that’s given so much to us, and to inspire others to be active participants in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment.

Whether you choose to contribute to our Annual Fund, join the Conservation Circle, sponsor an animal, or form a corporate partnership, your support fuels our mission! We truly appreciate your dedication to wildlife conservation.

ZOO MAP

Explore Our Animals and Discover New Experiences

There is so much to explore when you visit John Ball Zoo! On your voyage beyond Entry Valley, you will discover captivating habitats like the Aquarium and Wild Way Trail along with fun, interactive experiences like Face Painting, Zip Lining, Camel Rides, and our Forest Realm Amphitheater. Take a look at our Zoo Map for guidance on your next adventure at John Ball Zoo!

ZOO MAP

Explore Our Animals and Discover New Experiences

There is so much to explore when you visit John Ball Zoo! On your voyage beyond Entry Valley, you will discover captivating habitats like the Aquarium and Wild Way Trail along with fun, interactive experiences like Face Painting, Zip Lining, Camel Rides, and our Forest Realm Amphitheater. Take a look at our Zoo Map for guidance on your next adventure at John Ball Zoo!

SPONSORS

Your Support Makes Our Mission Possible!

When you support John Ball Zoo, you not only invest in exemplary animal care, state of the art animal exhibits, inspiring educational programs and first-class visitor amenities, but also in West Michigan. As a sponsor, your company will touch the lives of over 500,000 children and adults annually. We sincerely appreciate your support.

Grand rapids lantern festival

A truly breathtaking experience for all ages. APRIL 19 - JUNE 11