Spring is in the air, and with it comes the opening of John Ball Zoo for its 134th season this Friday, March 21. Anticipation fills the community as kids and adults alike prepare to flock to the long-standing West Michigan establishment. Notably, this year the zoo will showcase a host of new attractions, including a warthog and a pair of lions, named Amara and Upepo, to enhance the Africa habitat experience.
Peter D’Arienzo, CEO of John Ball Zoo, has expressed his excitement for the upcoming season. "We are truly looking forward to seeing the community return to the Zoo for what will be an amazing season,” D’Arienzo told WZZM 13. The zoo team has evidently invested time, planning new experiences to engage visitors and inspire the next generation through environmental education, and conservation advocacy.
Moreover, visitors have a lot to look forward to with various events scheduled throughout the season. These include the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival, Wildlife Exploration Days, and a zoo-themed 5K race among other activities. A new interactive exhibit set to draw particular attention is “The Power of Pollinators: Tiny Creature That Make BIG Things Happen!,” launching in July with over 20 large animatronic pollinators. Tickets and event details can be found on the zoo’s official website.
John Ball Zoo also encourages guests to consider purchasing a membership. Offering perks such as discounted tickets, food, drink, and unlimited daytime admission, the memberships are a popular option for frequent visitors. Their prices, and availability of day tickets, can be found on the zoo’s website. On opening day and subsequent weekdays throughout March, operating hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while weekends will welcome guests from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to an interview by WWMT.
As the zoo launches into another season, further growth is in the cards with the fulfillment of their 2025 Master Plan. This includes expansions such as bringing back sea lions, updating the Africa habitat, adding giraffes, and creating an indoor South American biome, as details found at WZZM 13's article suggest. Amidst the excitement, other zoos in the vicinity such as Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park, and Binder Park Zoo are also set to open as the temperature warms up, with more information available on their respective websites, as per FOX 17 Online.
