Celebrating the Wonders of our Natural World...

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Calendar of Events

*Activities and times are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen conditions.

Wednesday, February 17 - Wildlife Wednesdays

Time: 7:00 - 8:00pm

Location: John Ball Zoo, Administration Building

Animal Survivor – Camouflage, “weapons”, food, shelter…living in Nature is challenging, even for the animals. We will explore the animals’ survival techniques and look further to find ways we can help.

This is a "Connecting Families With Nature Program". Earn a passport stamp for attending.

Click here for more information

Thursday, February 18 - Family Wildlife Program

Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Location: Wittenbach/Wege Environmental and Agriscience Center
11715 Vergennes, Lowell, Michigan 49331

Animal Survivor – Camouflage, “weapons”, food, shelter…living in Nature is challenging, even for the animals. We will explore the animals’ survival techniques and look further to find ways we can help.
This program will include hands-on activities and the presentation of at least 3 animals that you can see up-close and sometimes get a hands-on opportunity as well.

Click here to register.

Saturday, February 20 - Zoofari Class: Dr. Zoolittle @ GRCM

Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

5-6 year olds with parent.

Cost: $25 JBZ members, additional children $12 each (please no more than 2 children per adult chaperone)

$30 nonmembers, additional children $15 each (please no more than 2 children per adult chaperone)

Location: Children’s Museum of Grand Rapids

22 Sheldon Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Description: Would you like to play “animal doctor” and learn how your pet’s veterinarian, as well as the zoo, takes care of sick critters? Come join us to see some tools of the trade, and learn what happens when an animal gets a cut or a toothache (even a lion can get one!). Class will include animal presentation, snack, craft time, as well as entry to the Children’s Museum for continued fun exploration once the class has concluded!

Click here for more information

Tuesday, February 23 - John Ball Zoo Job Fair

Time: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Work on the Wild Side!

John Ball Zoo is hiring seasonal workers for the gift, experience and food venues. On Tuesday, February 23 from 9am until 6pm stop by the upper level of the administration building at the John Ball Zoo to fill out applications and speak with hiring managers. All jobs require weekends and pay $7.40/hour. Bring a great attitude and a friendly smile! Must be 15 years and older. Please call (616) 336-4326 with any questions.

Friday, February 26 - Zoofari Class: Dr. Zoolittle @ GRCM

Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

3-4 year olds with parent

Cost: $25 JBZ members, additional children $12 each (please no more than 2 children per adult chaperone)

$30 nonmembers, additional children $15 each (please no more than 2 children per adult chaperone)

Location: Children’s Museum of Grand Rapids

22 Sheldon Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Description: Would you like to play “animal doctor” and learn how your pet’s veterinarian, as well as the zoo, takes care of sick critters? Come join us to see some tools of the trade, and learn what happens when an animal gets a cut or a toothache (even a lion can get one!). Class will include animal presentation, snack, craft time, as well as entry to the Children’s Museum for continued fun exploration once the class has concluded!

Click here for more information

Saturday, February 27 - Family Wildlife Program

Time: 2:30 - 3:30 pm

Location: Howard Christensen Nature Center
16160 Red Pine Dr, Kent City MI

Animal Survivor – Camouflage, “weapons”, food, shelter…living in Nature is challenging, even for the animals. We will meet live animals, explore their survival techniques, and look further to find ways we can help them.
This program will include hands-on activities and the presentation of at least 3 animals that you can see up-close and sometimes get a hands-on opportunity as well.

Click here to learn more and register.

Wednesday, March 3 - Wildlife Wednesdays

Time: 7:00 - 8:00pm

Location: John Ball Zoo, Administration Building

Feeding Frenzy – What does a monkey munch or a snake swallow? We will learn how animals are adapted for getting and eating specific foods in the wild, investigate predator/prey relationships and see special foods our zoo animals eat to stay healthy.

This is a "Connecting Families With Nature Program". Earn a passport stamp for attending.

Click here for more information

Wednesday, March 17 - Wildlife Wednesdays

Time: 7:00 - 8:00pm

Location: John Ball Zoo, Administration Building

Go “Green” for Wildlife – Join us on St. Patrick’s Day to learn what you can do to be “green” and support the wildlife that live in your backyard. We’ll get to know some of our local animals and learn how to share your backyard space. Learn what the zoo does to take care of our animals and how you can be a “green” nature neighbor.

This is a "Connecting Families With Nature Program". Earn a passport stamp for attending.

Click here for more information

Thursday, March 18 - Family Wildlife Program

Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Location: Wittenbach/Wege Environmental and Agriscience Center
11715 Vergennes, Lowell, Michigan 49331

Feeding Frenzy -- What does a monkey munch or a snake swallow? We will learn how animals are adapted for getting and eating specific foods in the wild, investigate predator/prey relationships and see special foods our zoo animals eat to stay healthy.
This program will include hands-on activities and the presentation of at least 3 animals that you can see up-close and sometimes get a hands-on opportunity as well.

Click here to register.

Saturday, March 27 - Family Wildlife Program

Time: 2:30 - 3:30 pm

Location: Howard Christensen Nature Center
16160 Red Pine Dr, Kent City MI

Backyard Naturalist – Who lives in your backyard? We’ll get to know some of our local animals and learn how to share your backyard space. Learn what the zoo does to take care of our animals and how you can be a “good nature neighbor”.
This program will include hands-on activities and the presentation of at least 3 animals that you can see up-close and sometimes get a hands-on opportunity as well.

Click here to learn more and register.

Thursday, April 15 - Family Wildlife Program

Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Location: Wittenbach/Wege Environmental and Agriscience Center
11715 Vergennes, Lowell, Michigan 49331

Backyard Naturalist -- Who lives in your backyard?
We’ll get to know some of our local animals and learn how to share your backyard space. Learn what the zoo does to take care of our animals and how you can be a good nature neighbor.
This program will include hands-on activities and the presentation of at least 3 animals that you can see up-close and sometimes get a hands-on opportunity as well.

Click here to register.