John Ball Zoo is a great place to spend a few hours and an even better place to spend a whole day. John Ball Zoo and the surrounding John Ball Park combine to provide almost 140 acres of outdoor entertainment. Located at 1300 W. Fulton St.,the park complex is easily accessible from area highways, local lodging, and is handicap accessible, as well. There are wheelchairs available free of charge and strollers for rent on a first-come first-served basis. Check availability at the admissions desk. Certified assistance dogs are the only pets allowed in the zoo compound.

As you approach the front gate of the zoo you will see a bronze statue of the zoo's benefactor, John Ball, with two of his children. Millions of children, since the statue's addition in 1925, have climbed aboard the statue's lap for photographs and for fun. The first record of animals being cared for on this location was in 1891 and since that time has seen many changes. Hard times befell the zoo during the depression and the community came together, under the supervision of Katherine Whinery, and formed the John Ball Zoological Society. Currently there are over 1,100 animals representing more than 235 species.

The zoo is currently working on a Master Plan that was put in place in 2005 to renew, add-on to, and refurbish the existing facilities. A new lion exhibit; renovation of the Monkey Island exhibit; and plans for a system of waterways re-creating the "Grand Rivers of the World", and connecting the zoo with the park, are just some of this almost $100,000.00 plan for the improvement of the zoo.

One of the newer exhibits is a 5,000 gallon touch pool, located outside, providing guests with an up close and personal visit with the resident sting rays and small sharks. John Ball Zoo is also the home to the only aquarium in Michigan. The Living Shores Aquarium showcases native aquatic life, as well as displaying species from around the world.

The new lion exhibit is one of the largest the country and has a very realistic feel to it. Patterned after the Tanzanian area surrounding Lake Manyara, it is complete with a lion climbing tree that can be cooled in the hot summer months and warmed when the weather turns cooler. Multiple viewing areas include a two-story deck for a panoramic look at the habitat, as well as a breathtaking view of the Grand Rapids skyline.

During the summer months the more daring visitors can experience the rush of the new zip-line ride that takes you flying over the petting corral; or test their courage on the Sky Trail rope climbing course. Both adventures reach to a height of four stories and provide thrills and excitement not usually found in a trip to a zoo.

A long-standing tradition at John Ball Zoo is the camel ride. Young and old alike will enjoy the ride and a souvenir photograph to take home. The newest tradition is the Swan boat ride in the lagoon just outside the zoo near the park entrance. Large enough to accommodate two adults or one adult and two children, these boats are easy to maneuver and a blast to ride in.

John Ball Zoo is great for any age and ability level. Large enough to keep the interest of the adults and older children, yet small enough to be easy for the littler ones to be independent and see everything under their own power. Wide, paved pathways make pushing strollers or wheelchairs a breeze and foot-traffic can easily traverse them in either direction. The Gifts from the Wild gift shop provides keepsakes, souvenirs, and apparel to please the toughest critic and to appease the hungry adventurer, try the fare at Monkey Island Cafe. Their menu changes with the seasons to provide the best possible choices for their visitors. Check the zoo's website for current offerings, times, and admission fees.

Learn more about this author, Wendy Lafond.
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