John Ball Zoo

John Ball Zoo is an internationally accredited zoological society founded in 1891 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, making it the 10th oldest zoo in the United States and one of Michigan's most visited cultural attractions. The zoo is home to more than 2,000 individual animals representing over 200 species, including lions, tigers, chimpanzees, red pandas, pygmy hippos, black swans, bald eagles, snow leopards, and many more. Highlights include an aquarium, the Wild Way Trail, and a diverse range of habitats. Interactive experiences at John Ball Zoo are among the most extensive in Michigan, featuring behind-the-scenes encounters with penguins, pygmy hippos, red pandas, and sloths, as well as a zipline, sky trails rope course, camel rides, gem sluice, and virtual reality explorations. Located at 1300 Fulton Street West, the zoo is a must-visit family destination in West Michigan.