John Ball Park
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Ball Zoological Garden | |
Grizzly Bear at the North American Trek in John Ball Zoo
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Date opened | 1891 City commission records provide the first mention of animals at the park. |
Location | Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA |
Land area | 140 acres |
Accreditations/ Memberships |
AZA John Ball Zoo became the first zoo in Michigan to receive accreditation. |
Website | |
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John Ball Zoological Garden is a large urban park located on the west side of the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.
The John Ball Zoo is situated on the ravines and bluffs along the west edge of the park. The zoo houses a variety of animals from around the world and is a significant regional attraction.
Contents[hide] |
[edit] History
[edit] Early History
The original 40 acres of the park was donated to the city by noted pioneer and explorer John Ball upon his death in 1884. Shortly after, another 100 acres would be added and this marked the beginning of additional amenities, including ponds, a theater, a band shell, playgrounds, ballfields, trails and the zoo.
During the Depression, the Zoo fell on hard times. Most of the collection was given away to other zoos. The buffalo and deer, were butchered to help feed the poor. Only a few aging animals remained.
[edit] Recent History
The John Ball Park and Zoo were operated by the City of Grand Rapids until 1989, when the park, known as a regional asset because of the zoo, was sold to Kent County, Michigan. Kent County continues to operate and maintain the park and zoo.
In 2004, a ballot was put forward to voters in Kent County to relocate the John Ball Zoological Gardens; the referendum was defeated, however, and the zoo will remain at its current location for the foreseeable future.
[edit] Animal Collection
Species | Individuals |
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43 mammals | 149 |
58 birds | 219 |
42 reptiles | 80 |
11 amphibians | 26 |
35 fish | 318 |
48 invert. | 391 |
Most animals at John Ball Zoo were born in another zoo. Few of the animals are taken from the wild. Almost all the wild animals are at the zoo because they sustained injuries and can no longer live in their natural habitat.
The newest addition to the zoo is a Komodo Dragon named Precious. He is 7 feet long, is a fierce carnivore with razor sharp teeth and killer saliva. Precious is on exhibit in the Treasures of the Tropics Building.
[edit] External links
Zoo • Public aquarium • Aviary • Menagerie • Tourist attraction
List of zoos • List of aquaria • List of zoo associations
Animals in captivity • Environmental enrichment • Endangered species • Conservation biology • Biodiversity • Endangered species • Extinction • Ex-situ conservation • In-situ conservation • Wildlife conservation • Zoology