MORE ZOO FUN

Enjoy Experiences and Adventures At John Ball Zoo

All of our experiences are generally available during the summer season. However, occasionally Mother Nature requires that we close them for safety.

Note: Availability is subject to weather. Please call (616)336-2017 for daily availability.

Funicular

John Ball Zoo Gem Company

Budgie Aviary

Face Painting

Sky Trail Ropes Course

Zip Line

Shopping Cart

Amur Tiger

Panthera tigris altaica

Facts
Diet: Carnivore

Large hoofed mammals, such as boar, deer, and elk

Habitat

Tundra, Savanna, Mountainous areas, mixed deciduous and conifer forests.

Threat Range

Endangered

SSP (Species Survival Plan)

Yes

Region

Eastern Russia and small areas of Eastern China

Fun Facts

Each tiger’s stripes are unique to them as our fingerprints are unique to us.

Currently there are approximately 500 or less Amur tigers in the wild.

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Our Animals
Finn (1)
Finn

Male

Mabelle (1)
Mabelle

Female

Snowy Owl

Bubo scandiacus

Facts
Diet: Carnivore

Wild – Birds, fish, and mammals (Typically lemmings and mice)

Habitat

Tundra When food is scarce, snowy owls travel south to warmer climates in winter.

Threat Range

Vulnerable

SSP (Species Survival Plan)

Yes

Region

They have a circumpolar distribution.∙ Alaska, Canada, Greenland, as well as northern Scandinavia and Russia.

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Our Animals
Snowy Owl
Xenon

Male

Experience

Tree Top Play Zone

Information

Beautiful, shaded play area featuring wooden and rope bridges, play house area, and benches perfect for kids.

Amenity

Tiger Paws Restroom

Description Accessibility
Restroom 2 family restrooms with a baby changer in each
Drinking Fountain 2 drinking fountains with 1 bottle re-filler

Food

Tiger Paws Pizza

Enjoy Fresh Pizza and Breadsticks and watch the tigers while your children play in the Treetop Outpost! The ever-popular Pineapple Dole Whip can be found here and Guests 21 and up can enjoy our Dole Whip Moscato Floats or a nice Cold Beer.

Menu

*Open daily

Amenity

Forest Realm Amphitheater

Information

This shaded area features bench seating and a stage where you can find Daily Animal Programs. Visit our Daily Animal Programs page for the full schedule and details.

Snacks & Drinks

Bird's Nest

Located in the Forest Realm, our 21 and older guests can enjoy a variety of Craft Beers while getting a scoop of Dippin Dots or a Soft Pretzel for a snack.

Menu

*Open daily

Red Panda

Ailurus fulgens fulgens

Facts
Diet: Omnivore

Berries, blossoms, bird eggs, bamboo leaves, birds, and small vertebrates o Bamboo constitutes 85 to 95 percent of the red panda's diet

Habitat

Temperate climates in deciduous and coniferous forests

Threat Range

Endangered

SSP (Species Survival Plan)

Yes

Region

Himalayan mountains in northern Burma, Nepal, Sikkim region of India, and the districts of western Sichuan and Yunnan in China

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Our Animals
Wyatt (1)
Wyatt

Male

Wasabi (1)
Wasabi

Female

Cubs

3 Female cubs: Rose, Ruby, Willow

Amenity

Upper Waterfall

Information

The Upper Waterfall is a great place to take a rest. Enjoy a cool breeze off of the water as you look out at the Grand Rapids skyline and over the parts of the Wild Way Trail.

Experience

Zip Line

Information

COMING YOUR WAY SOON!

Location: Forest Realm Trail near the Red Panda’s

This four story, 600-foot, Zipline is the real thing! Riders are securely harnessed before they step off the platform and fly over the waterfall to another ridge! Children must be 85 pounds and fit securely into the harness to participate. Closed back shoes are required.

All height, weight, clothing and harness restrictions must be met to ride this experience. Additional restrictions may apply, please see the Zipline restrictions listed below.

Combo tickets are currently unavailable due to Ropes Course Closure. Come prepared! View our full list of requirements for more information and have your waiver signed and submitted all online!

Zipline may close early due to inclement weather.

General Guidelines:

  • A waiver must be completed by each participant/guardian.
  • Closed back shoes are required.
  • Guests should have on pants or shorts, no skirts or dresses.
  • Minimum weight of 85 pounds (34.02 kg).
  • Maximum weight is 250 pounds (113.4 kg). Participant must safely fit in the harness.
  • Must be 48 inches (122cm) tall to participate.
  • Participant must be able to understand and demonstrate knowledge of all safety rules.
  • Last ticket sold 30 minutes prior to zoo closing.
  • Participants while under the under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited.
  • Cell phones are not allowed on attraction.
  • Pockets must be empty. No loose objects such as cell phones. Eyeglasses should be secure.
  • No gum, food or drinks allowed on the attraction.
  • Anyone with joint or back injuries my re-injure themselves or worsen a preexisting injury.
  • Anyone with heart problems, fresh stitches, or is pregnant should refrain from participating.

Please have the Individual Waiver Form filled out prior to your visit.

PRICES PUBLIC MEMBER
Per Ride $10.00 $8.00
Ropes Course and Zip Line Combo $16.00 $12.80

Event Venue

Bissell Tree House

Host Your Event At John Ball Zoo!

The Bissell Tree House, where fun and elegance meet, is situated on one of Grand Rapids’ highest points, is John Ball Zoo’s most picturesque venue.

Enjoy a spacious view of downtown with floor to ceiling windows, adjustable lighting for the perfect ambiance, and a covered deck set for cocktails, ceremonies, and more.

Whether you choose to host a seated meal or a casual cocktail party, the Bissell Tree House makes a memorable backdrop for any meaningful event in your life.

Experience

Funicular

Information

Enjoy a ride through the trees and above the zoo as you head to the top of the Forest Realm. The Funicular is perfect for folks looking for a ride to the top and leisurely stroll back down through the zoo.

Perfect for guests with strollers! The Funicular is an accessibility train where wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers are all allowed.

PRICES PUBLIC MEMBER
Per Ride $4.00 $3.20

Amenity

Bissell Tree House Restroom

Description Accessibility
Restroom Women's restroom with baby changer
Restroom Men's restroom with baby changer
Drinking Fountain 1 drinking fountain with bottle re-filler