By Brenda Stringer
John Ball Zoo is happy to welcome visitors back for the 2018 season on March 10.
“The first signs of spring gets the animals moving – just like it does for people. It’s a great time to get outside and visit the Zoo.” said Chief Executive Officer Peter D’Arienzo.
Even if there’s still a winter chill in the air, there are plenty of animals to see both inside and out. Guests can expect all the North American and some Asian animals including the grizzly bears, bald eagles, otters, mountain lions, and snow leopards. Indoors, they will find the penguins and other exotic aquatic animals in the Living Shores Aquarium; reptiles, amphibians and small primates in the Nature’s Treasures of the building; and the chimpanzees of Mokomboso Valley are always viewable in their day room. If temperatures are mild, additional animals like the lions will be offered the choice to go outside or stay in. Plus, winter admission rates are reduced to $8 for adults and $7 for children.
Visitors can grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate at The Shade Grounds or have some lunch in the Monkey Island Café. Maybe take time to watch a penguin feeding before heading to the Gifts of the Wild to see what new items have arrived.
Spring Fever is rampant so it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy John Ball Zoo again with the whole family.
John Ball Zoo is located on Fulton Ave., 1 mile west of downtown Grand Rapids. The Zoo is the fourth most attended cultural institution in the state. For more information visit www.jbzoo.org or call 616-336-4301.
