Year-end memberships and behind-the-scenes experience discounts available through December 31
It was an exciting year at John Ball Zoo, the most visited cultural institution in Michigan outside of Detroit.
This year, the Zoo welcomed a new pygmy hippo calf Hugo and a snow leopard cub Juniper; it also continued progress on conservation projects that help preserve wildlife and wild places. Zoo officials broke ground on exciting new habitats and welcomed more than 700,000 guests through the Zoo’s gates.
“Our 2025 season at John Ball Zoo has been one of incredible progress and pride for our entire team, from amazing conservation milestones to exciting new developments across the Zoo,” said Peter D’Arienzo, CEO of John Ball Zoo. “We are pleased to offer unique opportunities to see and learn about wildlife during the off season. We are already looking forward to welcoming guests back in the spring, when we have even more opportunities to help protect wildlife and wild places.”
Highlights from John Ball Zoo’s 2025 season:
• Pygmy hippo calf Hugo was born at John Ball Zoo on Sept. 3, marking a conservation win for the species which is endangered with fewer than 2,500 estimated in the wild.
• The Zoo also welcomed Juniper, a snow leopard cub, on July 28, a conservation milestone for the threatened species.
• Thanks to a historic $15 million donation from the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation, the Zoo began construction on a state-of-the-art giraffe habitat that is set to open in 2028.
• Work began on a larger, more sustainable habitat for North American river otters, which will feature an underwater viewing area and unique interactive elements when it opens in 2026.
• The Zoo welcomed Amara and Upepo, two African lions, helping protect this iconic species and ensure future generations have the opportunity to witness their beauty and power.
• John Ball Zoo, along with its partners at the Minnesota Zoo and Assiniboine Park Conservancy, earned a North American Conservation Award from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for their groundbreaking work to save the critically endangered Poweshiek skipperling butterfly.
• The Zoo hosted nearly 150,000 people at the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival in the spring that featured hundreds of Chinese lantern highlighting wildlife conservation.
• More than 24,700 Kent County students visited the Zoo as part of free field trips thanks to the community’s support for the 2016 John Ball Zoo and Grand Rapids Public Museum millage.
• Phil, a Magellanic penguin, was declared the World’s Most Popular Penguin after he won a bracket-style tournament through Penguins International. Grand Rapids Mayor David LeGrand declared April 23, 2025, “Phil, World’s Most Popular Penguin Day.”
During its winter closure, Zoo staff are still hard at work caring for more than 2,000 animals.
Behind-the-scenes experiences at the Zoo are available year-round for those who want to connect with animals during the off-season.
Memberships and gift memberships to John Ball Zoo are also available year-round and offer unlimited admission, additional discounts and exclusive perks. The Zoo is currently offering 10% off annual memberships and 30% off of behind-the-scenes experiences for members.
During the 2026 season, Zoo leaders are looking forward to an all-new Grand Rapids Lantern Festival, opening the new otter habitat and more fun, engaging and educational events for the whole family. Watch The Zoo’s Facebook, Instagram and TikTok channels to keep up with activity during the winter.
