Zoo Attractions
The John Ball Zoo has over 1100 animals representing the wilds of Africa, Asia, South America, Australia and the United States.
Peter C. and Pat Cook Mokomboso Valley Chimpanzee Exhibit
This 1/3 acre exhibit housing a troop of chimpanzees is is one of the largest in the country. This lush exhibit provides a natural environment for the endlessly fascinating group of endangered primates. In inclement weather, the chimpanzees can be viewed in the comfort of their indoor day room.
South American Boardwalk
Based on the culture of Maya, Inca, and Aztecs this area features the capybaras, tapir, screamers and maned wolves.
North American Trek
Our own country is home to numbers of amazing animals from grizzly bears. to mountain lion. Be sure to catch the underwater antics of the river otter.
Treasures of the Tropics Building
Dive into the world of night animals and also discover the vast diversity of reptiles and amphibians along with many small primates. The TREASURES OF THE TROPICS BUILDING also houses the only Komodo dragon in Michigan, the elusive Black-footed cat, Dart frogs, Caimans, Fruit bats, and insects.
Van Andel Living Shores Aquarium
Immerse yourself in the world of aquatic animals as you visit a Michigan stream, the coast of Patagonia and the northwest coast of the US. Enjoy the penguins as they fly underwater and surround yourself with mysterious fish and invertebrates. You may even get the chance to touch a sea urchin or sea star!
LV Eberhard Red's Hobby Farm
The children’s zoo focuses on birds and domestic animals found in today’s variety of farms both urban and rural. Many interactive features besides a chance to brush a cow, sheep or pig! Kids will need a partner to get a drink at the fountain – “drive” the tractor – Hear the owl hoot – and wash your hands at the water tower! The contact corral is open during the summer so children can make even closer connections with wildlife.
Bissell's Lions of Lake Manyara
Opening June 2008, this all new lion exhibit is not only one of the largest in the nation, but is unique in many ways. Lake Manyara in Tanzania has been named a biosphere by the United Nations because of its rich diversity of people and animals. Lake Manyara is one of the few places in the world where lions have been known to climb trees, so this new exhibit features a climbing tree that is heated in the cooler months and cooled when it is warm. There are a variety of viewing vantage points that the visitor may take advantage of. Two BOMAS, replicas of Tanzanian buildings, sit at the foot of the exhibit giving a panoramic view of the exhibit. One of the bomas contains a rock that is both inside the boma and outside the exhibit so that children can actually 'share a rock' with the lions. There is also a two-story viewing deck that provides a bird's-eye view of the lions and the Grand Rapids skyline.Sting Ray Lagoon
STING RAY LAGOON is a 5,000 gallon outdoor touch pool that provides visitors with the opportunity to not only see, but to touch, feel and experience the Sting rays and sharks as they traverse the water. STING RAY LAGOON is the only exhibit of its kind in Michigan! This is a seasonal exhibit.Far Side of the World Trail
Take an adventure on the open seas! Discover new species of animals! Walk with the wallabies! Wallabies are on exhibit during the summer season.Budgie Aviary
Get cheek to beak in this newly expanded interactive exhibit! Located near the waterfall by the Children's Zoo, our Budgie Aviary allows you to walk through an exhibit full of colorful Budgies native to Australia. You can even purchase a feed stick and have birds feeding right out of your hand! This is one exhibit you won't want to miss! Open during the summer season.Frogs!
This new exhibit, which opened on Saturday April 19, 2008, features about 80 different animals representing 15 different species of frogs and toads. The new exhibit is intentionally designed to capture the attention of the young children. It is brightly colored with interactive graphics that parents and children can explore together. One offers tykes a chance to actually hear the ‘call’ of many different frogs. The strategy is to build upon the strong attraction young children already have for frogs and to help develop needed respect for these very important disappearing.Zipline
This four story, 300-foot, zipline is the real thing! Riders are securely harnessed before they step off the platform and fly over the Zoo petting corral to another ridge! The Zip Line is open seasonally and may close during inclement weather. There is an additional fee to ride the Zipline.
Camel Rides
Even the littlest tykes love a chance to ride the hump. Souvenir photos available. This is a seasonal attraction. There is an extra charge for this attraction.
Swan Paddle Boats
Six giant swans grace the picturesque park pond just outside the Zoo. Two adults or an adult and two children fit nicely in the boats and a paddle around the pond is more of a challenge than one might think! This is a seasonal attraction. Additional fees apply.Turtle Exhibit
Get up close and personal to nearly 30 turtles in this pleasant exhibit with a variety of viewing vantage points.Sky Trail Ropes Course
Four stories tall with two climbing levels, this adventure course, gives you a chance to test your courage and strength, but once you get the hang of it, it’s downright fun! Extra fee applies. The Ropes course is open seasonally and may close during inclement weather. Also available by request for corporate parties or team building events (call 616-336-8951) for more information).
Also, be sure to stop by our Gifts of the Wild Gift Shop to take home a souvenir from your memorable trip to the zoo as well as one of our Food Service areas, such as Monkey Island Café, to enjoy a delicious treat during your visit!
