Welcome!
The John Ball Zoological Garden is owned and operated by the County of Kent. The John Ball Zoological Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation serving as a private support organization for the John Ball Zoo. The Zoo Society incorporated in 1950 and has been working in partnership with the Zoo since that time.
The Society operates a membership program, food services and the Gift Shop, coordinates publicity and promotions, and conducts fund-raising operations. The Zoo Society contributions include funds for promotions, events, marketing, advertising, animal purchases, a portion of the education budget, and all capital exhibit construction.
Holiday Shopping at John Ball Zoo
John Ball Zoo has the PERFECT GIFTS!
Give a family a year of unlimited ZOO VISITS! John Ball Zoo Society gift memberships! Follow this link.JOHN BALL ZOO gift cards with our own DOCHA the male lion! Good for any dollar amount ($5 minimum)! Order in person or by phone (616)336-4312.
GIFTS OF THE WILD GIFT SHOP with hundreds of unique plush animals, home décor and cool shirts! Click here for details about our Holiday Sale (December 17)GIVE A GIFT THAT HELPS ANIMALS! FOOTSTEPS animal adoption! Click for more information.
It's Beginning to Look alot like Christmas!
Thank you to all who braved the weather to donate animal enrichments on December 6. It was a beautiful snowy day and we would especially like to thank William and Peggy Ham (for their continued support), our volunteers, and Santa. Visitors enjoyed seeing Santa's reindeer (courtesy of Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farms) and an ice sculpture carving by Philip DeBoer.
A huge Holiday thanks also goes to the Grandville Police, Fire Department and Court Staff for supporting our animals with a tremedouse donation of enrichment items. Thanks! Please view photos of the event here.