John Ball Zoo

John Ball Zoo is a wildlife park in Grand Rapids featuring animals from local Michigan species to fauna from around the globe in naturalistic enclosures. The facility spans across multiple acres within John Ball Park, with habitats designed to reflect the environments where these animals naturally live.

The zoo was founded in 1891 and grew from a small municipal facility into a modern wildlife conservation center over the following decades. This transformation reflects how communities began prioritizing animal care and environmental protection.

The zoo serves as an educational meeting place where visitors explore conservation efforts and watch wildlife demonstrations that happen regularly throughout the year.

The main entrance on Valley Avenue provides easy access to the grounds for visitors arriving by different methods. Hours of operation change with the seasons, offering extended visiting time in summer and reduced hours during winter months.

The zoo runs specialized breeding programs for endangered species to help protect their populations worldwide. Visitors can also join special nighttime wildlife observation sessions that offer a completely different view of how animals behave after dark.