2025 season will feature new lions, wildlife exploration days and many fun events
John Ball Zoo is excited to welcome the community to a new season beginning Friday, March 21, filled with fun, educational events and some new animals.
This is the Zoo’s 134th year of operation as it continues its focus on inspiring the community to be engaged in wildlife conservation through immersive, inclusive and meaningful educational experiences.
“We are truly looking forward to seeing the community return to the Zoo for what will be an amazing season,” says Peter D’Arienzo, CEO of John Ball Zoo. “Our stellar team has been hard at work these past months creating experiences for our guests to enjoy and to hopefully inspire the next generation of leaders, scientists and conservation advocates by creating lasting memories for those who visit. We can’t wait for everyone to see what we have planned.”
There are a number of exciting events in store this season at the Zoo, ranging from the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival, Wildlife Exploration Days, a 5K race, Summer Nights, Member Nights and more. Tickets to events at John Ball Zoo can be found on the Zoo’s website.
As opening day draws near, it’s also a great time to consider purchasing a John Ball Zoo membership, which allows members access to discounts on tickets, food, beverages and unlimited daytime admission. Membership information is also available on the Zoo’s website.
While the Zoo has not raised its prices for general admission or memberships, it has added additional experiences and enhancements which add even more to the value of each.
This includes the Zoo’s newest interactive exhibit “The Power of Pollinators: Tiny Creature That Make BIG Things Happen!,” which opens in July. It will include more than 20 large animatronic bees, butterflies, birds and other pollinating species.
There are also several new animals this season, including a warthog and two new lions, Amara, a six-year-old female, and her nine-year-old male companion, Upepo.
There may be some obstructed views of the lion habitat as work continues on the Zoo’s Africa expansion project as part of its 2025 Master Plan.
Visiting John Ball Zoo not only provides the means to save wildlife, but the opportunity to leave with a deeper connection to wildlife while learning and having fun with loved ones. The Zoo offers a wide range of educational opportunities from school field trips, free for Kent County schools, camps and classes, behind the scenes animal experiences for visitors 12+ and Zoo to You programs where the Zoo comes to schools and other organizations.
John Ball Zoo is open to the public from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on opening day. Throughout March, the Zoo is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends. The Zoo encourages guests to reserve their tickets online before their visit. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Zoo.
