One of the biggest parts of going to the zoo is seeing all the different types of animals. That can also be the biggest challenge, as some of the animals aren't always so visible and active, especially in the heat.

Tiger in Water
Photo: John Ball Zoo via Facebook
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In the summer heat most of the animals will be looking for ways to keep cool. That means they might be in their enclosure, or hiding under a tree somewhere in their habitat. They are usually just taking it easy to stay cool -- just like us humans do.

One thing that all living beings like is food! This year John Ball Zoo has put together a daily animal program that includes training and feeding of some of the zoo's residents. If you can plan your visit around these times, you have a much better chance of seeing these animals as they come out to feast.

Here is the schedule:

  • Goat Training happens at the Red's Hobby Farm at 10 am
  • Penguin Feeding takes place at the Aquarium at 10:30 am
  • North American Porcupine Feeding or Training is scheduled at 11 am
  • Capybara or Anteater Feeding or Training happens at the South America exhibit at 2 pm
  • Penguin Feeding takes place a second time each day in the Aquarium at 3 pm.
Penguins
Photo: Scott Winters/Townsquare Media
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In addition, there is also a Creature Feature in the Forest Realm at 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. Here is a chance to enjoy a variety of activities with some of the ambassador animals at the zoo. The program changes daily.

These Daily Animal Programs run through Labor Day, Monday, September 5th, 2022.

Upcoming Special Events at the Zoo

Koalas

Sleeping Koala
Photo: John Ball Zoo via Facebook
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John Ball Zoo is home to two male koalas for the summer. Iluka and Noorundi are visiting from the San Diego Zoo's Education and Conservation Project. During the day, koalas don't move around much. They are most active after dark (when the zoo is closed). However, if you'd like to observe the koalas moving around, Fox 17 has set up a Koala Cam that runs 24 hours a day...

Roaring Nights for Adults

Lion
Photo: John Ball Zoo via Facebook
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Roaring Nights at the zoo are also returning this year. This is a time for those 21 and over to visit John Ball Zoo. There will be animal activities, music, craft beer and wine, along with specialty food and beverage menus. Each Roaring Night has a different theme. Here are the dates and themes for upcoming Roaring Nights:

  • Thursday, June 30th - Wyatt, Wasabi, & Wine
  • Thursday, July 14th - Snakes, Seltzers, & Sweets
  • Thursday, July 28th - Monkeys & Mimosas - Presented by Whole Foods Market
  • Tuesday, August 9th - Meerkats & Margaritas
  • Thursday, August 25th - Lions & Libations

Tickets are $24 for non-members and $21 for zoo members. More information can be found on the John Ball Zoo website.

Princess Day

Princess Day
Photo: John Ball Zoo via Facebook
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There will be not one, but two Princess Days at the John Ball Zoo in July -- Wednesday, July 6th and Wednesday, July 20th. It is a chance to explore the zoo with some of your favorite princesses. The princesses will rotate throughout the day. There is a members only meet and greet from 8-9 am and then the Princess Day is open to the public from 9 am to 2 pm. You can get additional details and purchase tickets on the John Ball Zoo website.

Washed Ashore Art Exhibit

Washed Ashore Art Exhibiti
Photo: John Ball Zoo via Facebook
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The Washed Ashore Traveling Art Exhibit is still at the John Ball Zoo. This is a collection of giant sea life sculptures that have been created entirely out of marine debris that was collected from the beaches of Oregon. The exhibit features 16 different sculptures throughout the zoo. The exhibit will be at the zoo through the 2022 season. Read more here.

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