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Today's post features John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In celebration of International Red Panda Day, I did a day trip to visit both John Ball Zoo as well as Lansing's Potter Park Zoo. Last year, I also visited both zoos in one day along with a quick trip to Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. While I have pictures of that visit, it's in the backlog. This year, I visited Binder Park Zoo on a separate trip along with the Saginaw's Children Zoo.
Here are my Michigan posts:
L1: John Ball Zoo (2026) (this post)
And this is the lengthy backlog I have for Michigan tourist attractions:
Potter Park Zoo (2026)
Binder Park Zoo (2026)
Saginaw's Children Zoo
Detroit Zoo
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium
Museum of Contemporary Art
Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry
Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
Argus Museum
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
University of Michigan Museum of Art
Ann Arbor Art Fair
John Ball Zoo (2025)
Potter Park Zoo (2025)
Binder Park Zoo (2025)
All of the pictures in this post were taken by me except for the map of the zoo. If you want to use any of my photos, please contact me to first obtain permission.
JOHN BALL ZOO
1300 W. Fulton St,
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Website: https://jbzoo.org/
Hours:
Open Daily, 9 AM - 5 PM.
Cost (as of 2026):
Admission Type: Value Days / Weekday / Weekend
Adults (Ages 13 - 61): $19.95 / $21.95 / $24.95
Youth (Ages 3 - 12): $14.95 / $16.95 / $18.95
Seniors (Ages 62+): $14.95 / $16.95 / $18.95
Children (Under 3): FREE / FREE / FREE
There is a $5 parking fee that was implemented in March 2026 so if you haven't come to the zoo in awhile, this may be a new development. Parking is free for John Ball Zoo members and Kent County residents.
John Ball Zoo participates in the AZA reciprocity program at the 100% level. Members of institutions participating at 100% get free admission at other institutions participating at the 100% level and 50% off admission at institutions participating at the 50% level. Members of institutions participating at 50% get half off admission at all participating institutions.
Since I was a member of Buttonwood Park Zoo, I got free admission and did not need to pay the $24.95 admission on a weekend. I did, however, have to pay $5 for parking.
Estimated Time: 1 - 2 hours.
I spent 2 hours 45 minutes at the zoo. I would characterize John Ball Zoo as medium-sized, but on the smaller side of medium-size zoos. There are elevation changes involved, with Africa and the Idema Forest Realm being on elevated ground, though there are always ramps available for strollers and wheelchairs. Also note that the Idema Forest Realm only has a handful of animals so it's largely a nature walk.
SUMMARY
The highlights of the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, are the red pandas, the pygmy hippos with baby, and the snow leopards with cub. They have a new otter exhibit which gives you great and clear views of the otters, plus there are big cats (lions + tiger), and cute ambassador animals (a pair of coatis and a sloth).
The zoo map makes the zoo appear larger than it is. I would say John Ball Zoo is bigger than a small zoo, but it is definitely on the smaller side of medium zoos. Weekend prices are a little more expensive but the daily keeper/feeding/training activities only happen on the weekend.
Last year, I felt like my zoo experience was just average. I went on a weekday so there weren't any daily activities. I did see the lions and tiger but I didn't get any good views of the red pandas - they were always sleeping and far away. The baby pygmy hippo (Hugo) has just been born and he and his mother (Penelope) were cordoned off for privacy. I did briefly see the father (Jahari).
This year, I went on a weekend so there were daily activities plus there were special Steam Day activities. However, it was extremely rainy. In fact, I originally had other plans for that Saturday but that event ended up being canceled due to weather, which freed up my Saturday. And since I wanted to visit on International Red Panda Day to get some trading cards, I couldn't simply go on a different day when the weather was better. The good news is that I got great views and photos of the red pandas, baby pygmy hippo, and snow leopards. The heavy rain did interfere with some of my pictures though and not all of the animals were out. On this visit, I did not see the Amur tiger, the lions (who had a veterinary appointment), the warthog, or the black howler monkeys (who were loudly howling from inside their building).
John Ball Zoo offers some daily animal programs on Saturdays and Sundays. Since I was only visiting for a few hours in the morning, I attended the Otter Chat and the Chimp Feeding. The Otter Chat had a keeper in the area to answer any questions and to tell you about the individual otters at the zoo. The Chimp Feeding started earlier than scheduled. The zoo put out a lot of vegetables in the interior habitat so all the chimps came inside and you could watch them eat.
If you had to pay standard admission and parking, then I would rate the John Ball Zoo as an average, 2-star zoo. If you can view the zoo for free (e.g. due to 100% AZA reciprocity) and only have to pay the $5 parking fee, I would bump up the rating to a good, 3-stars. The staff are quite helpful and I have to acknowledge John Ball Zoo's efforts towards red panda conservation - they are a founding member of the AZA SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) Red Panda program!
Here is my assessment of various zoos:
5 stars:
- San Diego Zoo (San Diego, CA)
- Brookfield Zoo (Brookfield, IL)
- Taipei Zoo (Taipei City, Taiwan)
4 stars:
- San Diego Safari Park (San Diego, CA)
- Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden (Cincinnati, OH)
- Oklahoma City Zoo (Oklahoma City, OK)
- Milwaukee County Zoo (Milwaukee, WI)
- Houston Zoo (Houston, TX)
- Oakland Zoo (Oakland, CA)
- Toledo Zoo & Aquarium (Toledo, OH)
3 stars:
- Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago, IL, Free)
- Zoo Atlanta (Atlanta, GA)
- Buttonwood Park Zoo (New Bedford, MA)
- Butterflies of Cape Cod (Bourne, MA)
- International Crane Foundation (Baraboo, WI)
- Henry Vilas Zoo (Madison, WI, Free)
- Indianapolis Zoo (Indianapolis, IN)
- Sacramento Zoo (Sacramento, CA)
- Santa Barbara Zoo (Santa Barbara, CA)
- Fort Worth Zoo (Fort Worth, TX)
- Fort Wayne Zoo (Fort Wayne, IN)
- Zoo Knoxville (Knoxville, TN)
- ZooTampa (Tampa, FL)
- Busch Gardens (Tampa, FL)
- Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens (Los Angeles, CA)
- Detroit Zoo (Detroit, MI)
- Virginia Zoological Park (Norfolk, VA)
- Virginia Living Museum (Newport News, VA)
- Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley, MN)
- Tulsa Zoo (Tulsa, OK)
- Roger Williams Park Zoo (Providence, RI)
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (Cleveland, OH)
2 stars:
- Audubon Insectarium (New Orleans, LA)
- Audubon Zoo (New Orleans, LA)
- Sarasota Jungle Gardens (Sarasota, FL)
- Save Our Seabirds Wild Bird Learning Center (Sarasota, FL, Free)
- San Francisco Zoo & Gardens (San Francisco, CA)
- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo, CA)
- Franklin Park Zoo (Boston, MA)
- Capron Park Zoo (Attleboro, MA)
- Taylor-Bray Farm (Yarmouth Port, MA, Free)
- Racine Zoo (Racine, WI)
- Ochsner Park Zoo (Baraboo, WI, Free)
- John Ball Zoo (Grand Rapids, MI)
- Potter Park Zoo (Lansing, MI)
- Antalya Zoo (Antalya, Turkey)
- Marine Mammal Center (Sausalito, CA, Free)
- Santa Ana Zoo (Santa Ana, CA)
- San Antonio Zoological Society (San Antonio, TX)
- Cameron Park Zoo (Waco, TX)
- Dallas Zoo (Dallas, TX)
- Caldwell Zoo (Tyler, TX)
- Peoria Zoo (Peoria, IL)
- Miller Park Zoo (Bloomington, IL)
- Scovill Zoo (Decatur, IL)
- Potawatomi Zoo (South Bend, IN)
- Como Park Zoo & Conservatory (St. Paul, MN, Free)
- Akron Zoo (Akron, OH)
1 star:
- Cosley Zoo (Wheaton, IL)
- Stone Zoo (Stoneham, MA)
- Timbavati Wildlife Park (Wisconsin Dells, WI)
- Binder Park Zoo (Battle Creek, MI)
- Happy Hollow Park & Zoo (San Jose, CA)
- CuriOdyssey (San Mateo, CA)
- Columbian Park Zoo (Lafayette, IN)
- Saginaw's Children Zoo (Saginaw, MI)
INTERNATIONAL RED PANDA DAY
In celebration of International Red Panda Day (the third Saturday of September), John Ball Zoo participated in SAFE Red Panda's inaugural series of trading cards. There are two different cards - one of Wasabi and one of Wyatt. Starting in the late morning, a zoo keeper was in the red panda area to answer any questions about the red pandas and to hand out free trading cards.
Outside the aquarium, there was an activity station where you could use toys and props to create a habitat for red panda figurines:
IDEMA FOREST REALM
The Idema Forest Realm is essentially an elevated forest trail. There are only a handful of animals - red pandas, tiger, and snowy owls. There is a pavilion, stage, playground area (treetop outpost), zip line, and an impressive waterfall. If you don't want to walk up the stairs or go up the windy ramp, you can pay money for a one-way or round-trip ride on the Funicular.
On this visit, the tiger was not viewable but I got excellent views of the red pandas. Last year, I didn't get to see much of the red pandas but I did see the tiger then.
Red Panda
Ailurus fulgens fulgens
This red panda (Wasabi maybe?) spent most of the time outside, allowing me to get a great view! Look at that adorable face!
The other red panda (Wyatt?) was always hanging out inside the shelter. Since I was never able to view them side-by-side, it was hard figuring out which was Wasabi and which was Wyatt!
Snowy Owl
Bubo scandiacus
Here are some scenic pictures of the waterfall:
WATERS OF THE WORLD
Waters of the World is the first section of the zoo and you have to walk through it (up a slope) to get to the rest of the zoo. The black swans and otters are at the entrance and then you walk past the pygmy hippos and the bald eagle. This area ends with a small aquarium (containing penguins and fish) and then branches out into the other geographic areas of the zoo.
The zoo recently unveiled a new otter exhibit (May 2026) which was still under construction the last time I visited. Also, I was able to actually see the baby pygmy hippo. Last year, the baby had just been born so it wasn't viewable to the public on my last visit.
The Pygmy Hippo Pavilion is relatively new, having opened in 2023:
Hugo was born on September 3rd, 2025 to first-time parents Penelope and Jahari. Here you can see Penelope and Hugo sleeping.
Pygmy Hippo
Choeropsis liberiensis
Penelope on alert!
Penelope and Hugo eating
This is Jahari, the father. He was swimming around in the outside enclosure.
North American River Otter
Lontra canadensis
Black Swan
Cygnus atratus
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Magellanic Penguin
Spheniscus magellanicus
(The water results in a blurry picture).
Japanese Giant Spider Crab
Macrocheira kaempferi
Unlabeled Fish
Northwest Kelp Forest
Tide Pool
WILD WAY TRAIL
Wild Way Trail is a miscellaneous hodgepodge of animals - wallabies, lemurs, monkeys, petting farm, birds, frogs, and ambassador animals (including the coati and sloth).
White-Nosed Coati
Nasua narica
Apparently, coatis like to eat mealworms!
Linne’s Two-Toed Sloth
Choloepus didactylus
Bennett's Wallaby
Macropus rufogriseus
The goats were huddled under a shed so they could stay dry. Visitors can enter the farm area and pet the goats.
Domestic Goat
Capra hircus
Greater Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo
Cacatua galerita galerita
Eastern Screech Owl
Megascops asio
Barn Owl
Tyto alba
Nicobar Pigeon (Nicobar Dove)
Caloenas nicobarica
Bali Mynah
Leucopsar rothschildi
Unfortunately, between the rain and the fence, I was not able to get an in-focus picture of the lemurs.
Ring-Tailed Lemur
Lemur catta
Dyeing Poison Dart Frog
Dendrobates tinctorius
Chacoan Horned Frog
Ceratophrys cranwelli
Kaup's Caecilian
Potamotyphlus kaupii
Vietnamese Mossy Frog
Theloderma corticale
AFRICA
Chimpanzee
Pan troglodytes
Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
Mountain Bongo
Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci
Unfortunately, the lions were not on display due to a veterinary visit. I was able to view them last year though.
The zoo does have an elevated lookout area where you get a good vantage point of the lion habitat.
The warthog also wasn't around today.
Taveta Golden Weaver
Ploceus castaneiceps
AMERICAS
John Ball Zoo currently has 3 snow leopards. Mylo (father), Yuki (mother), and Juniper (daughter). Juniper was born last year (July 28, 2025) and she is now a little more than a year old.
Yuki and Juniper were in one habitat. They spent a lot of time in their cave grooming each other and showing affection.
Snow Leopard
Panthera uncia
Mylo was in a separate habitat, watching.
Brown Bear
Ursus arctos
Black-Headed Spider Monkey
Ateles fusciceps rufiventris
Cotton-Top Tamarin
Saguinus oedipus
Six-Banded Armadillo
Euphractus sexcinctus
Chacoan Peccary
Catagonus wagneri
North American Beaver
Castor canadensis
North American Porcupine
Erethizon dorsatum
Chilean Flamingo
Phoenicopterus chilensis
Turkey Vulture
Cathartes aura
Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman
Paleosuchus palpebrosus
Red-Footed Tortoise
Chelonoidis carbonarius
Yellow-Footed Tortoise
Chelonoidis denticulatus
African Pancake Tortoise
Malacochersus tornieri)
Reticulated Python
Broghammerus reticulatus
False Water Cobra
Hydrodynastes gigas
Panther Chameleon
Furcifer pardalis
Male green basilisk with a crest on his back and plumes on his head.
Green Basilisk
Basiliscus plumifrons
Female green basilisk
Green Keel-Bellied Lizard
Gastropholis prasina
Mexican Beaded Lizard
Heloderma horridum
Blue Spiny Lizard
Sceloporus serrifer
Mangrove Monitor
Varanus indicus
Henkel's Leaf-Tailed Gecko
Uroplatus henkeli
Magnificent Tree Frog
Pelodryas splendida
American Toad
Anaxyrus americanus
Giant Cave Cockroach
Blaberus giganteus
STEAM DAY
Although I visited the zoo for International Red Panda Day, it also coincided with the zoo's Steam Day events. There were various tables and booths that highlighted science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
https://jbzoo.org/events/steam-day/
This station demonstrated how radio telemetry is used to track turtles:
Mathnasium had a scavenger hunt where you could solve some basic math problems while visiting the animals. If you solved everything correctly, you could enter a raffle for a prize. While I didn't participate in the challenge, I did appreciate the cute animal cartoons!
FLORA
Probably a Dahlia (possibly 'Purple Gem' or 'Ambition')
Dahlia 'Purple Gem' or Dahlia 'Ambition'
Probably a Dahlia (possibly 'Firebird' or 'Weston Spanish Dancer')
Dahlia 'Firebird' or Dahlia 'Weston Spanish Dancer'
Probably a Dahlia (possibly 'Beets Me' or 'Fabulous')
Dahlia 'Beets Me' or Dahlia 'Fabulous'
Probably a Dahlia 'Ivanetti'
Dahlia 'Ivanetti'
Probably a Dahlia (possibly 'Ball Boom Boom Yellow' or 'Clearview Daniel')
Dahlia 'Ball Boom Boom Yellow' or Dahlia 'Clearview Daniel'
A collarette Dahlia (possibly 'Kelsey Sunshine') being pollinated by a bee
Dahlia 'Kelsey Sunshine'
Probably a Dahlia (possibly 'Hilltop Lost Treasure' or 'Ferncliff Cameo')
Dahlia 'Hilltop Lost Treasure' or Dahlia 'Ferncliff Cameo'
Probably a Red Hot Poker
Kniphofia uvaria
ART
There was a fantastic otter sculpture made out of plastic. It reminded me of the Como Park Zoo's Washed Ashore art exhibit!
There are actually a lot of Meerkat sculptures near the Meerkat exhibit
'Skunk' sculpture in memory of zoo volunteer Robert W. Christian
I don't think the zoo currently has any skunks though.
"Mom, Dad and the Kid "
Penguin sculpture by Shirley Thomson-Smith
Donated by The Meijer Foundation
Otter sculpture in memory of Melinda Robinett
OTHER
Although the walk to the top of the Idema Forest Realm isn't too bad, visitors do have the option of buying a ticket on the Funicular. It is currently $4 for a one-way ticket and slightly more for a round-trip.
This is the Treetop Outpost playground area in the Idema Forest Realm.
Bissell Tree House Event Center in the Idema Forest Realm.
The Zip Line is weather-dependent and is located in the Idema Forest Realm. It is $11 for non-members and $9 for members. There are package deals if you combine it with the Sky Trail Ropes Course.
Backyard Butterflies is a seasonal exhibit in Wild Way Trail and was closed during my September visit (both this year and last year).
Like many other zoos, there is a paid activity to sift for gemstones. This is located in Wild Way Trail.
The Sky Trail Ropes Course is weather-dependent and located in Wild Way Trail. It is $11 for non-members and $9 for members. If you combine it with the Zip Line, it is $16 for non-members and $12 for members.
This is the Central Stage area in the Americas section.
The Wild Explorer VR Experience is in the Africa area right outside the chimpanzee building.
Camel Rides are seasonal and are are located in the northeastern edge of the Africa section. They cost $10 for non-members and $8 for members. It is an additional $8 for a camel photo.
GIFT SHOP
Red Panda Network 12" Red Panda Plush
$19.99
Zoologee 7" Red Panda Snuggletz Plush
$14.99
Red Panda Network 9" Red Panda & Baby Plush
$24.99
Red Panda Coin Bank
$15.99
Red Panda Snow Globe
$18.39
Red Panda Bobblehead
$13.99
Aurora 45" Gunga the Gorilla Plush
$300
Zoologee 12" Red Panda Earth Keeperz Plush
$23.99
Wild Republic 8" Red Panda Mini Eco Cuddlekins
$14.99
Fiesta 15" Red Panda Earth Pals Plush
$24.99
Fiesta Red Panda Camping Critters Plush
Red Panda Backpack
$28.99
I bought this Red Panda Magnet for $8.99. Last year, they had a different red panda magnet (with the photo of a cute red panda) which I bought then.
Last year, John Ball Zoo had a small supply of Little Critterz porcelain figurines and I bought "Maddie" the Ring-Tailed Lemur. This time around, they only had a single Little Critterz left. Although normally I would not have chosen a goat figurine, I felt bad for "Chiumbo" the Goat Kid at being left behind so I decided to give him a home and bought him for $11.99.