GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Zoo season officially kicks off at 10 Friday morning— John Ball Zoo is open!
Enjoy everything the zoo has to offer 10-4 Monday-Friday, and 9-6 on weekends through the end of November.
New season, new zoo!
With the new season, John Ball Zoo is unveiling a new logo and bringing in more animals to enjoy and learn about including new bald eagles, a female snow leopard, a sloth, a coati, and new goats and sheep at Red’s Hobby Farm.
The coati — a relative of the raccoon — originates from the southwest U.S. and northern South America.
Guests can expect up-close experiences, artwork and more.
"I mean, we're always trying to want to improve and make the zoo better and really engage our community in new ways each and every time," says COO Andy McIntyre. "We're also trying to keep art as a part of the experience. So, the last couple of years that's been through sculptures of various types. This year, the Lantern Festival sort of helps us again connect community with art and the zoo."
The Lantern Festival, which will be held April 19 through June 11, will light up the zoo with handcrafted Asian lanterns displays while telling the story of wildlife and Asian culture.
Grab tickets for a day, a big group, or plan a guided experience—just remember, members get free admission, discounts on almost everything inside the zoo —plus— free or reduced admission to over 150 reciprocal zoos and aquariums across North America!
With so many additions, there’s practically a whole new zoo to explore!
