John Ball Zoo
John Ball Zoo inspires people to be active participants in the conservation of wildlife and the natural environment. At John Ball Zoo, their team houses 1,500 animals and serves a diverse audience of over 550,000 visitors annually. It is one of four Michigan zoos accredited by the Association of Zoo and Aquariums (AZA). As an accredited Zoo, John Ball Zoo is measured against the established standards and best practices in animal husbandry, conservation, sustainability, education, business, and more.
As an AZA member, the Zoo participates in over 50 cooperative breeding programs and Species Survival Plans (SSP) throughout the Zoo community. These programs are managed globally by the AZA to reinforce animal populations in zoos and in the wild in hopes of keeping bloodline pure for future reintroduction. John Ball Zoo offers financial support to conservation projects both locally and around the world through monies earned through their animal adoption program and supports field projects by providing animal specialist time and knowledge.
The Zoo is building a plan aimed to both educate and challenge itself and its community partners about waste management, in hopes of achieving zero-waste in the years to come. Since launching a water conservation plan in 2002, it saved 900-million gallons of water and cut usage by over two-thirds. Green roofs have been added on 6 buildings, several ‘live’ walls have been installed, and a site wide storm water system has been installed that can handle a 100-year storm event. At John Ball Zoo, the team is Actively Conserving and Always Celebrating.
Contact
John Ball Zoo
1300 W. Fulton
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Representative
Allmon Forrester
Director of Facilities, Planning & Sustainability
aforrester@jbzoo.org
616.336.2545