Summer wouldn't be complete without a trip to the zoo. 

 The John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids MI has over 1100 animals

from all over the world and the more common animals found

 in our area.  Lions, Wallabies, Stingrays, Frogs, and Budgies

 are the new "Stars" at the John Ball Zoo this season in

Grand Rapids, MI.  If you haven't been to the zoo lately, you

should pack up your friends and family and go take a look at

all the new improvements that have been made over at the zoo.

It isn't the same place that we visited as children.

The new Lions of Lake Manyara Exhibit that just opened is one of the largest in the nation.

 It features the lions of Manyara, which are the only lions known to climb trees. Their enclosure

 has a climbing tree that is heated in cool weather and cooled in hot months. There is a two

story viewing deck that provides panoramic vistas of the lions and the Grand Rapid's skyline. 

Two Bomas (native Manyara houses) are in the enclosure, one has a large rock that is inside

 and outside, so children can share the rock with the lions!

The Children's Zoo features birds and domestic animals that the children can pet and groom

so they can get close to nature in a personal way.

Sting Ray Lagoon has a 5000 gallon outdoor touch pool that allows

 visitors to actually touch a shark or a sting ray as they swim by.

  Sting Ray Lagoon is the only one of its kind in Michigan.

The Budgie Aviary allows you to walk

through an area filled with

over 300 colorful native Australian

Budgies (parakeets).  You can

purchase a feedstick and have them

eating out of your hand!

You can walk with the wallabies (small kangaroos) in The Far Side of the

World Trail as you have access to their entire exhibit -- keep an eye out

                                                for a "joey". They were hidden in their pouches on our visit!!

For the adventurers, there is a  300 foot 4 story ZipLine, and a Sky Trail

Climbing experience, and Camel Rides are all

available this summer for a nominal charge.  You can also

rent a Swan paddle boat on the pond for those less

athletically inclined.

The Mokombozo Valley Chimpanzee enclosure is 1/3 acre

and has an indoor viewingarea, so you can see the

chimpanzees up close, even in inclement weather.  The Living

Shores Aquarium is filled with aquatic animals such as penquins, fish,

& beaver.  You  may be able to touch a sea urchin! 

The Treasures of the Tropics houses the only Komodo

Dragon in Michigan, along with fruit bats, and dart frogs.

North American Trek features many native animals, such

as grizzly bears, wolverines, and you can watch the playful

river otters swim in their environment.

The South American Boardwalk features the largest rodents

in the world, the capybaras, andthe amazing cultures of the

Maya, Inca, and Aztecs.

Grand Rapids is very proud of its zoo and the recent improvements have

made it even better.    

              Make your own visit to the zoo and see for yourself!

If you would like further information about Grand Rapids Homes,

please contact me directly. 

Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate - Westbrook Realty 

 Copyright 2008  All rights reserved

zoo photos by Bonnie Westbrook