John Ball Zoo creates illuminating connections interactive evening light show

At John Ball Zoo a tale of illuminating connections between wildlife and wild places is ready to be told. The illuminating tale of how we are all connected to each other, to the land, the water, the air, the trees, and all animals big and small with the power to make a positive change in our world. You are invited to take a journey through IllumiZoo – A Glenlore Tale at John Ball Zoo.

IllumiZoo – A Glenlore Tale is a one-mile outdoor nighttime journey through John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This magical tale told through a display of colors and lights will wind through the lower and upper realms of the Zoo and is the combined imaginations of Bluewater Technologies of Wixom, Michigan, and John Ball Zoo.

Michael Lomonaco, Chief Community Engagement Officer of John Ball Zoo, says this is the first time the Zoo has ever created an experience like this to tell the important story of conservation.

“IllumiZoo – A Glenlore Tale is a unique and illuminating way for us to give the important message of conservation and how everyone is connected and can make a positive change to both wildlife and wild places throughout our world,” Lomonaco said.

“Conservation, education, community, and celebration are the four pillars of our work at John Ball Zoo and IllumiZoo – A Glenlore Tale brings all four pillars together in a unique and magical way bringing both young and old together,” added Lomonaco.

Guests should note that the pathway through the Zoo will be lighted with sounds and changing lights and scenery but it is not a haunted trail experience.

“It’s a family-friendly experience. We’ve outfitted John Ball Zoo with lighting and audio/visual elements,” said Braden Graham, Vice President of Clients Services at Bluewater Technologies. “There are projections, LED Light displays, and audio. Each area is a little bit different with sky projections, an interactive LED Wall that tracks your movement as you walk in front of it, and all of the creatures of IllumiZoo – a Glenlore Tale helping to tell the story. We are thrilled to partner with the John Ball Zoo and bring this amazing experience to West Michigan.”

IllumiZoo – A Glenlore Tale will take about 45-60 minutes to walk, depending on your pace. Discover adorable, and vibrant lighted creatures that come alive at night to help tell the tale and experience a dazzling show of lights and sounds that are sure to captivate your imagination. Children of all ages will enjoy this attraction, as long as it isn’t past your bedtime.

The magical light show follows many of the same pathways that guests walk during the daytime at John Ball Zoo so it is wheelchair as well as stroller friendly. Masks are required of guests ages 5 and older who cannot maintain a 6’ distance between other guests.

IllumiZoo – A Glenlore Tale will be at John Ball Zoo from October 10 through November 15, 2020, every Tuesday through Sunday from 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. with the last entry at 11:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $13 for children and seniors, and free for children 2 and under. Guests are highly encouraged to reserve their timed tickets ahead of time to guarantee their preferred date and time to experience IllumiZoo – A Glenlore Tale. Tickets are available at www.jbzoo.org.

John Ball Zoo is located on Fulton Ave., one mile west of downtown Grand Rapids. For questions or for more information, visit www.jbzoo.org, call (616) 336-4301 or email info@jbzoo.org.