Zoo celebrates successful season, record attendance numbers with discounted admission
John Ball Zoo guests have one more week to visit their favorite animals before the Zoo closes for its 2023 season. The last day to visit the Zoo is Sunday, Nov. 19, for general zoo guests. It will reopen in the spring on March 22, 2024.
This year the Zoo saw record attendance numbers, welcoming more than 5 million guests over the last decade. During the 2023 season, the Zoo debuted new animals like pygmy hippos, white storks and black swans. It also welcomed new life with red panda cubs and an eastern mountain bongo born at the Zoo.
“It’s been an incredibly exciting season at John Ball Zoo, and we thank every guest for visiting, making memories here and contributing to the conservation of wildlife and wild places,” said Andy McIntyre, chief operating officer at John Ball Zoo. “While we are closed to the public, our staff remains dedicated to providing the best possible care to all our animals, planning engaging educational opportunities and being actively involved in wildlife conservation locally and around the world. We look forward to an amazing 2024 season.”
Throughout the winter, John Ball Zoo staff will remain busy caring for animals, running educational programming at the Zoo and throughout the community, preparing new habitats, planning activities and events and continuing work on the conservation of wildlife and wild places.
During the seasonal closure, John Ball Zoo is open for Behind the Scenes experiences. Zoo staff also provide private guided tours. Visit the Zoo’s website or contact the Education Department for more information about off-season opportunities at education@jbzoo.org.
Until the Zoo closes for the season, all tickets are 50% off in celebration of Gratitude Month. During the 2024 season, the Zoo is looking forward to annual favorite events like Party for the Planet, STEAM Day, Zoo Goes Boo and many others. The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival will also return beginning April 10 after an extremely successful event this year. Tickets for members go on sale Jan. 8, and will be available to the general public on Feb. 5.
