On May 16^th, 2009, John Ball Zoo will be re-opening their many interactive experiences. SKY TRAIL features a high ropes course with seven different climbing elements. The experience has been built and is owned and operated by ROPES COURSES, INC., the same Allegan company that designed and installed the Zoo’s 4-story, 300 foot ZIPLINE. Like the ZIPLINE riders, SKY TRAIL participants will be harnessed up to a continuous-track frame that keeps them safe throughout the climb.   

Also opening on May 16^th will be the walk-thru wallabies on Far Side of the World Trail, the walk-through Budgie Aviary where 300 colorful parakeets will land on a stick for a nibble of seed, camel rides and the favorite, Stingray Lagoon. This year, visitors will be able to touch and feed not only the Cownose stingrays and sharks but also the new species, Horseshoe crabs! But the chance to get up-close-and-personal to animals doesn’t stop there. There are now two petting corrals at the Zoo: The FARMYARD, featuring everything from donkeys (new last year) to sheep and the PYGMY GOAT corral which is perfect for children three and under. 

John Ball Zoo is open from 9 am until 6 pm daily from May 16th thru Sept 6. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $5.50 for children 12 and under and children 2 and under are free. There are additional fees associated with the experiences.