by Paula S. Thompson

Created on: October 07, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

The John Ball Zoological Gardens, better known as the John Ball Zoo, is located at 1300 W. Fulton St. in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Zoo features over 1,100 animals representing Africa, Asia, South America, Australia, and the United States, as well as a number of experiences and adventures for the entire family. Owned and operated by the County of Kent, the private support organization for the Zoo is the John Ball Zoological Society, which has worked in partnership with the Zoo since 1950.

The Zoo features exhibits from all over the world, providing a natural environment for the featured animals and a learning environment for all those who come to visit. The Peter C. and Pat Cook Mokomboso Valley Chimpanzee Exhibit is a 0.33-acre exhibit - one of the largest in the U.S. - providing a lush, natural environment for these endangered primates, as well as an indoor day room for viewing in inclement weather. The South American Boardwalk Exhibit not only features maned wolves, guanacos, screamers, and capybaras (the world's largest rodent), but also teaches about Mayan, Incan, and Aztec cultures. The North American Trek Exhibit features native animals from grizzly bears to wolverines to river otters, while the Treasures of the Tropics Building house the only Komodo dragon in Michigan, plus Dart frogs, fruit bats, and other reptiles, amphibians, and small primates. Other exhibits include the Van Ardel Living Shores Aquarium, Bissell's Lions of Lake Manyara, the Far Side of the World Trail featuring wallabies, the Turtle Exhibit, and Frogs!, featuring 80 different animals representing 15 species of frogs and toads.

The Experiences and Adventures program features eight fun offerings that bring the visitor closer to the Zoo and its animals. A four-story, 300- foot Zip Line sends riders over the Zoo's petting corral, while the Sky Trail Ropes Course is four stories tall with two climbing levels. The Petting Corral is part of LV Eberhard Adventure World, and features domestic animals in a traditional red barn setting, while the Pygmy Goat Corral is a toddler-specific experience with adorable baby goats who love attention. A 5,000-gallon touch pool provides visitors to the Sting Ray Lagoon the opportunity to see, touch, feel, and experience sting rays and sharks up close. The Budgy Aviary allows visitors to walk the the native Australian budgies, and a chance to have them eating out of your hand. Camel Rides and Swan Boat Rides round out the list of Experiences and Adventures.

The Zoo also features concession stands throughout, and proceeds go to support the Zoo, The main eatery is the Monkey Island Cafe, which is supported by the Front Entry stand, Whistle Stop, and African Pad. There are also gift shops on site with a huge selection of souvenirs such as plush animals, puzzles, books, and more.

The John Ball Zoo is open everyday except Christmas Day; its hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from mid-May to mid-September (summer hours), and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from mid-September to mid-May (winter hours). Summer hours admission is $7.50 for adults 14 to 61, $6.50 for seniors (62+), $5.50 for children 3 to 13, and children 2 and under are free. Winter admission is $3.50 for adults and seniors, $3 for children 3 to 13, and children 2 and under are free. More information on the John Ball Zoo can be found at johnballzoosociety.org.

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