Currently the animal collection at John Ball Zoo includes 237 species and 1,183 individuals.
| Species | Individuals |
| 43 mammals | 149 |
| 58 birds | 219 |
| 11 amphibians | 26 |
| 35 fish | 318 |
| 48 invert | 391 |
Endangered, Threatened or Protected Animals Housed At
John Ball Zoo
| Mammals | Herptiles (reptiles and amphibians) |
Birds |
| Sitatunga | Wood Turtle* | Monk Parakeet |
| Chimpanzees | Black Rat Snake* | Snowy Owl |
| Maned Wolf | Aruba Island Rattlesnake | American Bald Eagle |
| Siberian Tiger | Poison Arrow frog | Golden Eagle |
| Snow Leopard | Gila Monster | Military Macaw |
| Hoffman's Two-Toed Sloth | Spotted Turtle* | Fulvous Whistling Duck |
| Goeldi's Monkey | Eastern Box Turtle* | Barn Owl |
| Black Howler Monkey | Black Rat Snake* | Barred Owl |
| Pale-Headed Saki | Wood Turtle* | Black-Necked Swan |
| Spider Monkey | West African Crowned Crane | |
| Mexican Porcupine | Chilean Flamingo | |
| Grizzly Bear | Blue and Yellow Macaw | |
|
Geoffroy's Cat |
Patagonian Conure |
* Michigan list
What is the Species Survival Plan (SSP)?
The Species Survival Plan, or SSP, began in 1981 as a way for zoos and aquariums
in North American to manage and conserve selected species. Each Species Survival
Plan manages the breeding of a species in order to maintain a healthy and
self-sustaining group of animals that is both genetically diverse and demographically
stable.
Most SSP species are endangered or threatened in the wild. Also, SSP species
are often "flagship species", well-known animals which arouse strong
feelings in the public for their preservation and protection of their habitat.
In addition to managing these animals, the SSP members cooperate on conservation strategies, work to increase public awareness of wildlife conservation issues, conduct research to learn more about the species, and work towards reintroduction of captive bred wildlife into restored and secure habitats as appropriate.
Does John Ball Zoo participate in any Species Survival
Plans?
YES! John Ball Zoo currently works with SSP's for these animals:
Tigers
Goeldi's Monkeys
Maned Wolves
Snow Leopards
Aruba Island Rattlesnakes
Clouded Leopards
Wyoming Toad **
Bongo
Chimpanzees
** In 1997, the John Ball Zoological Garden received an American Association
of Zoos and Aquariums Conservation Award for work in the reintroduction of
the Wyoming toad. Just a few years ago the Wyoming toad was nearly extinct
in the wild. Now thanks to the cooperative work of several zoos, including
your Zoo, Wyoming toads are once again populating the wild.
Questions and Answers
Where does the Zoo get its animals?
Almost every animal at John Ball Zoo was born in another zoo. Very few animals
are taken from the wild. Most of our wild born animals are at the zoo because
they sustained injuries and can no longer fend for themselves in their natural
habitat.
The American bald eagles at John Ball Zoo are a good example. The male suffered
an injury in the wild which severed a wing. No longer able to fly, the United
States Fish and Wildlife Services gave him to the Zoo to protect.
The female bald eagle also is unable to exist on her own in the wild. However,
these two wild born birds have hatched five chicks since they have been together
at the Zoo. Their chicks have been sent to Tennessee as part of the Tennessee
eagle recovery program. Each of the John Ball Zoo eagle chicks has been released
into the wild.
Where do the animals go in the winter?
John Ball Zoo is a year round facility with a year round collection. Many
of the Zoo's animals love the cold and snow. It's the perfect time to enjoy
the snow leopards, grizzly bears, otters, and Siberian tigers. The Living
Shores Aquarium is a great spot to get away from the cold and enjoy animals
from Patagonia to the Pacific Northwest Coast.
Do exotic animals make good pets?
No. Exotic animals have special needs and are more difficult to care for than
domestic animals. Many are illegal to own privately. The Zoo receives many
offers each year from people who have purchased animals they thought would
make interesting pets. These animals (monkeys, alligators, snakes, even lions)
have become too dangerous or too difficult for the owner to handle.
Please, if you want a pet, contact your veterinarian, the Kent County Animal
Shelter, or a reputable pet store to find out what kind of animal will make
a good pet for you.
