john ball zoo

John Ball Zoo and Long Road Distillers launch Otter Watter, a new watermelon and lime vodka soda drink inspired by otters, supporting conservation efforts in Grand Rapids and beyond.

John Ball Zoo gave a grieving family a free year membership after their mother passed away from pancreatic cancer before they could ever pick up their membership cards.

Get ready for four otters, triple the space, and a fish cannon at John Ball Zoo's brand new otter habitat opening this weekend.

John Ball Zoo is continuing plans for a world-class aquarium in the Grand Rapids area after the originally selected site was rejected by organizers, prompting officials to search for a new location.

New otter habitat, community sculpture, and naming contest headline OtterPalooza at John Ball Zoo May 22–24.

The 2026 Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo is officially here. Take a sneak peek at the glowing displays and magical theme lighting up Grand Rapids this spring.

Baby pygmy hippo Hugo enjoyed his first snow day at John Ball Zoo with a tiny veggie snowman inside his warm enclosure.

Get ready to meet a charming snow leopard cub named Junie, who’s ready to steal hearts just in time for the zoo's season finale.

Meet Hugo, the baby pygmy hippo everyone in Grand Rapids (and online) has been waiting to see! John Ball Zoo’s newest addition is now out for zoo members to meet.

Meet Hugo, John Ball Zoo’s first pygmy hippo born in Grand Rapids. The zoo announced his name after a weeklong public vote.

Grand Rapids’ John Ball Zoo welcomes its first pygmy hippo calf. Both mom and baby are thriving—vote now to name him!

Imagine strolling through the zoo with a soundtrack that brings the animals to life. This Saturday, it’s an experience unlike any other.