John Ball Zoo
| Last updated on July 15, 2011 |
Make a difference in our community--make a difference in our world! John Ball Zoological Garden is a nationally accredited facility working for the conservation of animals. We provide entertaining and educational experiences to help visitors and our community gain information about, respect for, and an understanding of the animal kingdom. The Zoo also actively participates in local, state, national and international conservation and research programs.
Description:
John Ball Zoological Garden is owned and operated by Kent County and supported by the non-profit, John Ball Zoo Society. It is recognized as one of the top mid-sized zoos in the nation, with a strong commitment and history for promoting conservation, research, education and recreation, both within and beyond the boundaries of our facility.
John Ball Zoo is open year-round and only closed on Christmas Day. Almost 350,000 visitors stream through the Zoo during the summer months. Look for the Lions of Lake Manyara exhibit to open this summer along with our newly added Sky Trail, Zipline and interactive Wallaby, Budgie, Pygmy Goat and Stingray Lagoon exhibits.
Currently, John Ball Zoo uses adult volunteers to serve as "teachers", "keeper assistants", "divers" or in the Ball 40 park program. Education Volunteers provide a variety of services: tours, presentations, zoo ambassadors, discover carts and more. Ball 40 volunteers, too, provide a variety of services:
gardeners, nature trail work, park rangers, and information booth staffers. Dive volunteers perform cleaning and other activities within the waters of the Living Shores Aquarium. A Teen Volunteer program, 14-17 years, runs only during the summer.
History:
In 1884, John Ball died and left Grand Rapids 40 acres of land for the purpose of recreation. The first zoo began in the 1890's with animals and an addition of 100 more acres. The Zoo declined during the Great Depression but was revived in 1949 by private citizens, led by Kay Whinery, in conjunction with the city's support. In 1974, a volunteer program was established to provide educational opportunities to the zoo visitors and the community. In 1983, the Zoo became the first Michigan zoo to be nationally accredited by the AAZPA (now the AZA). Kent County assumed ownership of the Zoo in 1989, and continues the development and renovation of the facility.
Volunteers continue to support the Zoo and its mission through a variety of educational activities. Additional volunteers contribute their support by providing horticultural services.
Contact people:
Office fax number: (616) 336-3907
Address:
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1300 West Fulton
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.johnballzoosociety.org
Directions:
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John Ball Zoo is located on the west side of Grand Rapids, on the corner of Fulton Street and Valley. From downtown, take Fulton street west to Valley.
There's easy access off of westbound 196 from Grandville/Jenison area at exit 75 (Lake Michigan Drive), keeping right as it diverges into Fulton Street near the entrance of the Zoo parking lot.
Access from 131 South-bound to 196 East; use the Lane Street exit off 196 East. Turn left at Lane and continue to Fulton Street. Turn right (heading west) until the intersection of Fulton and Valley.
Nearest Bus Stop: Fulton & Valley, 5 minute walk |
| Last updated on July 15, 2011 |
