Feeling the urge to go wild lately? Well, don't ignore those animal instincts -- head on over to the John Ball Zoo and you'll find the wild just a few short minutes from downtown.
The John Ball Zoological Garden has been one of Michigan's major cultural attractions for more than 60 years with roughly 420,000 visitors annually, and they are continually growing and changing.
New for this coming May are the Meijer Grizzly Bear Exhibit and the Jandernoa Children's Treetop Outpost, a treehouse-like elevated play area.
The grizzly bears in the old exhibit were separated from the guests by a moat. In the new and more natural-looking space, a glass wall will allow people to see the bears up close. Also, the bear trainer area that used to be behind the scenes will now be visible by guests.
An area called the Idema Forest Realm has recently increased the Zoo's footprint by 43 percent. This is where the Children's Treetop Outpost can be found and it's the future location of a new tiger exhibit expected to open in 2014. A newly installed three-car funicular takes guests from near the Zoo entrance to this area and offers expansive views of the city during the ride.
With these new attractions and more than 2,000 animals from over 250 different species, there is no shortage of fun at the Zoo. While it's open from March through the beginning of November, guests can enjoy a range of additional Zoo "experiences" from mid May to mid-September, such as a 300-foot Zip Line, the Sky Trail Ropes Course, Swan Boat Rides, Camel Rides, the Sting Ray Lagoon, the Budgie Aviary, the Petting and the Pygmy Goat Corrals, and the Idema Funicular.
The best way to enjoy all that the Zoo has to offer is to become a John Ball Zoo Society member. Not only do members conveniently get into the Zoo for free, they get discounts or free admission to more than 140 reciprocal zoos and aquariums in almost every other state. Plus, members receive invitations to members-only events and discounts on parties, classes, seasonal experiences, gift shop items, and food. The Zoo News Magazine is also delivered quarterly and shares information about upcoming exhibits, events, the animals, and more.
Memberships range from $35 per year for an individual to the $150 Naturalist family membership. For those who really want to "go wild," the John Ball Founder's League and the Beyond the Ticket Club memberships offer additional opportunities to get involved.
John Ball Zoo Society Executive Director Brenda Stringer says that along with supporting the Zoo, the memberships give "you the convenience of knowing you can come anytime you want and for as long as you want." She adds that sometimes people don't have a whole afternoon to spend at the Zoo, so being able to get in free allows for more frequent, shorter trips.
The John Ball Zoo Society currently has approximately 8,000 family and individual members. Stringer is proud of how much the Zoo has grown over the years and how well the community appreciates it. She encourages everyone who enjoys animals and nature to join, even if you don't have children.
"The Zoo isn't just for kids or families," says Stringer. "It's usually very quiet in the morning."
Volunteers are needed all year long at the Zoo as well. Tasks include everything from animal care, educational programming, miscellaneous office work, and assistance with tours, events, and more.
Now that spring weather is finally almost here, be sure to visit the John Ball Zoo and enjoy one of West Michigan's finest cultural attractions. You can also go wild and become a member, volunteer, or donate. Here is the information you need to get started:
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Volunteer at the Zoo year-round, or, if you're a teenager, volunteer during the summer months with the teen program.
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Donate to the John Ball Zoo Society.
Source: Brenda Stringer, Executive Director of the John Ball Zoological Society
Writer: Heidi Stukkie, Do Good Editor
Images provided by the John Ball Zoo Society.
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