This West Michigan Spring Tradition Is Lighting Up Again
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.
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Baby Hippo Hugo Enjoys His First Snow Day at John Ball Zoo
Baby pygmy hippo Hugo enjoyed his first snow day at John Ball Zoo with a tiny veggie snowman inside his warm enclosure.
Catch Juniper The Snow Leopard Cub Before John Ball Zoo Closes For The Season
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.
Say Hi to Hugo! John Ball Zoo’s First Baby Pygmy Hippo Is Finally on Exhibit
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.
John Ball Zoo Reveals Name of Its First Baby Pygmy Hippo
Meet Hugo, John Ball Zoo’s first pygmy hippo born in Grand Rapids. The zoo announced his name after a weeklong public vote.
Baby Pygmy Hippo Arrives at John Ball Zoo—Vote on Its Name
Grand Rapids’ John Ball Zoo welcomes its first pygmy hippo calf. Both mom and baby are thriving—vote now to name him!
John Ball Zoo Hosting A Musical Safari This Saturday in Grand Rapids
Imagine strolling through the zoo with a soundtrack that brings the animals to life. This Saturday, it’s an experience unlike any other.
It’s a Boy! John Ball Zoo Reveals Gender of Baby Pygmy Hippo
In a delightful turn of events, a baby pygmy hippo's gender was revealed in a way that blended fun and conservation perfectly.
A Tiny Splash: Baby Pygmy Hippo Born at John Ball Zoo
A baby pygmy hippo was born at John Ball Zoo to first-time mom Penelope. The rare birth marks an important milestone for this endangered species.
John Ball Zoo’s Snow Leopard Cub Finally Has a Name
John Ball Zoo reveals the name of its newest snow leopard cub: Juniper. She's a playful addition and a milestone for the Species Survival Plan.
John Ball Zoo Welcomes Adorable Snow Leopard Cub
Yuki, the snow leopard at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, gave birth to a healthy cub on July 28. Mom and cub are bonding off-exhibit as zoo plans public updates soon.
John Ball Zoo Employee Attacked On The Job
The John Ball Zoo has been a family staple in Grand Rapids for many years. The zoo recently had a dark day when an employee was assaulted while on the job.