by Debbie Robus

Created on: October 06, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

People are visiting the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in record numbers... and with good reason! In 2008, nearly 427,500 guests visited the John Ball Zoo, breaking a record set in 2007 of almost 420,000 visitors. The Zoo is on track to break both records in 2009. Zoo Director Bert Vescolani attributes this heavy visitation in large part to the economy. For just over $25, a family of four (2 adults and 2 children ages 3-13) could visit the Zoo and experience all of the attractions. Children 2 years and under are admitted free of charge, and seniors over age 62 pay $6.50 - one dollar less than the general adult admission fee. Winter rates, which are in effect from mid-September to mid-May, offer greatly reduced admission fees (all adults - $3.50; children 3-3 for $3 each).

While the John Ball Zoo represents a bargain for families, there are hundreds of other reasons to visit. So what will a day and just over $25 get your family at John Ball Zoo?

* For starters, the zoo has over 1100 animals from the wilds of the United States, Africa, Asia, and South Australia.

* The Peter C. and Pat Cook Mokomboso Valley Chimpanzee Exhibit covers one third of an acre and is one of the largest in the country. View these endangered primates in a natural environment, weather permitting, and indoors during inclement weather at the "indoor day room." And exhibit with educational brochures rounds out this area.

* The North American Trek is home to exhibits of United States wildlife, from wolverines to grizzly bears to river otters.

* The South American Boardwalk teaches guests about ancient cultures of the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas. Exhibits include the capybaras - the world's largest rodents - guanacos, screamers, and maned wolves.

* The Treasures of the Tropics Building houses a number of small primates, as well as a diverse group of reptiles and amphibians. It also serves as home to the only Komodo dragon in Michigan, Dart frogs, a Black-footed cat, Caimans, insects and Fruit bats.

* Want to touch a Sting ray? Sting Ray Lagoon offers guests the chance to see, feel and experience Sting Rays as they travel through the water in a 5,000-gallon outdoor touch pool. The "touch experience" costs an additional $1.

* At the Van Andel Living Shores Aquarium, visitors can see simulations of a Michigan stream, the northwest coast of the United States, and the coast of Patagonia. The Aquarium offers guests a chance to see many aquatic animals, including penguins, fish and invertebrates,

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>