WOOD Radio Local News

WOOD Radio Local News

WOOD Radio Local News

 

John Ball Zoo opens for the season today with some new animals and events

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Today (Friday) is Opening Day for the John Ball Zoo, as it begins its 133rd season.

You will see some new animals when you visit the John Ball Zoo this year. The zoo's chief operating officer, Andy McIntyre, told WOOD Radio one of the new animals will be a familiar face for zoo visitors.

"A new tiger that has joined us. He's actually coming back to the zoo after having gone to another (Toledo) zoo for a couple years. Titan is an Amur (Siberian) tiger that will be here back at the zoo," he said.

The John Ball Zoo also has added a 10-year-old chimpanzee, Zuhura, from the Detroit Zoo.

"He joins as a younger member of our older troop and helps really manage that group. And adds some vibrancy back into the aging population. And everyone needs a little spunk from a younger one in their group. And so, she's definitely going to add that to our group and keep them as a healthy troop moving forward," McIntyre said.

Also added to the zoo this year from South America are four small animals from a species called Chacoan peccary. They will join John Ball's anteater and Capybara animals in the South America exhibition area.

The zoo is providing a unique up-close mini-viewing opportunity this year.

"This is a VR (virtual reality) theater experience where you get your own little theater pod. And you get to go on a gorilla trek. So, you get a chance to accompany researchers out in the field. It's a VR headset movie that's got some motion to it where you're sitting. And some sound elements, as well. It's going to be a lot of fun," McIntyre said.

Ticket information is available on the website jbzoo.org

###

{Below is some more information from a news release from the Byrum & Fisk Agency}:

“We are very excited to welcome the community back to the Zoo for the 2024 season,” says Peter D’Arienzo, CEO of John Ball Zoo. “We hope families can create lasting memories and learn about conservation during their visit and engage with our new Zoo residents and events. There is so much to look forward to this year.” 

John Ball Zoo’s chimpanzee troop gained a new member, Zuhura (Zoo-hoo-ra), whose name means “morning star.” She is a 10-year-old chimpanzee who came to John Ball Zoo from the Detroit Zoo. The move was recommended by experts at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to benefit the social needs of Zu and John Ball Zoo’s troop.  

The Zoo also welcomed four male Chacoan peccaries (Chuh-co-an peck-aries), a pig-like endangered species native to the Gran Chaco, a hot and dry plain in Paraguay. The peccaries arrived from three different AZA institutions, and John Ball Zoo visitors can find them along the South American boardwalk. 

Guests will also see three San Clemente Island goats, who were welcomed to the improved Red’s Hobby Farm this season. The Zoo completed renovations to the hobby farm during the off-season, making a more dynamic environment for the animals, including new climbing structures for animal enrichment and extended fencing to allow for more room for Pumpkin, the Dwarf Highland cow.  

Zoo guests may also recognize an Amur tiger, Titan, who was welcomed back from Toledo Zoo at the recommendation of the AZA so he can be part of a breeding pair.  

The Zoo will also feature Wild Explorer, a new educational experience that uses fully immersive Virtual Reality technology so guests can get closer than ever to gorillas in the jungle and understand them in their natural habitats. The experience features a 360-degree, live action film with motion platform seating that adds to the experience. This attraction will remain at the Zoo for a minimum of three years. 

There is always something to do at John Ball Zoo with a line-up of inspiring events for 2024, including the upcoming Grand Rapids Lantern Festival, Wildlife Exploration Days, RendeZoo, Dino Adventures and more. Tickets to events at John Ball Zoo can be found on the Zoo’s website.  

John Ball Zoo is open to the public from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on opening day. Throughout March, the Zoo is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends. The Zoo encourages guests to reserve their tickets online before their visit. Tickets can also be purchased at the Zoo. 

New to John Ball Zoo, chimpanzee Zuhura, or ”Zu”.Photo: From: John Ball Zoo.

Amur tiger, Titan.Photo: From: John Ball Zoo.

San Clemente Island goat, Royal Ann.Photo: Photo courtesy of John Ball Zoo.


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content