John Ball Zoo

We're excited to unveil the John Ball Zoo 2025 Master Plan, featuring giraffes, sea lions, and more! Join us this week at a community meeting to learn about our vision. Can’t make it? View the presentation here. Thank you for your support! Wednesday, November 20 - 3:00-5:00 p.m. - North Kent County Campus, 4191 17 Mile Rd NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319 Wednesday, November 20 - 6:00-8:00 p.m. - John Ball Zoo, Savannah Ballroom, Administration Building, 1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 Thursday, November 21 - 1:00-3:00 p.m. - Gaines Township Office, 8555 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Caledonia, MI 49316 jbzoo.org/masterplan/

We're excited to share that the AZA SAFE team recently announced the approval of the Prairie Butterfly as the 49th SAFE species program by the Wildlife Conservation Committee. This initiative is a collaboration between AZA-accredited institutions, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and other regional partners, focused on recovering the Poweshiek skipperling, Dakota skipper, and Mitchell’s Satyr butterflies. We're honored to serve as a key steering committee member for this initiative as we continue to collaborate with our partners in hopes of saving and preserving the Poweshiek skipperling and other prairie butterflies.???

Last Friday, Grand Valley State University students presented their incredible research projects that align with our conservation work at the GVSU Student Showcase. From 'rattlesnake drones' to acoustic 'vernal symphony' studies, the event displayed their innovation and passion for environmental stewardship. ??

We'd like to take a moment to congratulate our friend and partner Dave Pavlik for his nomination for the 2025 Indianapolis Prize Emerging Conservationist Award! The Indianapolis Prize is widely recognized as the world's leading animal conservation award. Dave is one of only 10 finalists, the only finalist being recognized for his work with invertebrates and the only finalist from the US. We have the privilege of seeing him in action here at John Ball Zoo, breeding two of the world's rarest butterfly species, the Poweshiek Skipperling and Mitchell's Satyr. It’s rewarding to see an international conservation community acknowledge his remarkable work. Congratulations Dave! ?? ?? https://lnkd.in/g4bRdanr

It's International Snow Leopard Day, and we'd like to congratulate our partner, Dr. Charu Mishra, Executive Director of the Snow Leopard Trust, for his nomination for the 2025 Indianapolis Prize. The award recognizes conservation leaders for their inspiring achievements in protecting endangered species around the world. It's been an honor to collaborate with the Snow Leopard Trust and help support their work tracking snow leopards in the Gobi region of Mongolia. Together, we're better understanding this elusive species and how to protect it.??

This week is National Veterinary Technician Week, and at John Ball Zoo we are incredibly lucky to have two amazing veterinary technicians, Kaylee and Sovanny! Whether they are holding a patient for an examination, taking a blood sample, filling a prescription, analyzing laboratory samples, or assisting in surgery, veterinary technicians all over the world are dedicated, highly trained, and passionate advocates for their patients. ?? Kaylee and Sovanny are constantly going above and beyond to help make sure every animal at John Ball Zoo gets the best possible medical care. They work alongside the veterinarians and the animal care staff to assess and optimize the wellbeing of all the animals at the zoo, from sea stars and fish in the aquarium to our bongos, bears, and chimpanzees. It is safe to say that Dr. Ryan and Dr. Alex would not be able to do their jobs without this amazing duo. ?? Kaylee and Sovanny, thank you for all that you do every day! Not only are we blessed to have you on our team, but our animals are lucky to have you helping with their care. ??

Join us at Frederik Meijer Gardens on Oct. 24th ? Register at: https://lnkd.in/g8-GfmF5

Conserving Michigan's living fossil ?? Sturgeons are an endangered species, notable for their prehistoric appearance and having existed for millions of years. We've teamed up with the Grand Rapids Public Museum and Grand Valley State University to actively monitor these living fossils in the Grand River. Nighttime surveys are conducted to capture sturgeon, collect genetic samples, mark the fish, and release them. With the use of sonar technology, we are able to track their movements to learn where they're reproducing so spawning habitats can be conserved. This season has been successful, with over 20 juvenile sturgeons spotted, indicating effective reproduction.?This work wouldn't be possible without the support and grant funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

From?? to?? This past spring, with the help of KCTC students and maintenance staff, a hoop house frame was installed, and ~500 milkweed plugs were planted in hopes of rearing monarch butterflies. Five female butterflies were collected, and over the course of a week they laid over 300 eggs. After hatching and feasting on milkweed, the caterpillars formed chrysalises. In less than two weeks in the chrysalis, the caterpillars complete their incredible transformation into butterflies. After the butterflies emerge, KCTC students help photograph and measure 10% of the population’s forewings to compare their size and shape with wild monarchs. Once measured, the butterflies are released, and their flight direction is recorded using a method called "disappearance bearing" to assess their migratory orientation. The butterflies are then tagged, swabbed for OE (parasites), and ready to be released on their next adventure.

Last week, John Ball Zoo was “litter”-ally cat crazy as 180 animal care specialists, veterinarians and researchers from the United States and around the world attended the Felid TAG Conference. A felid is a wild cat, and the Felid TAG is a Association of Zoos and Aquariums committee of advisors with expertise in wild cat issues. Experts, including JBZ staff, shared best practices for caring for felids large and small. ??