Cover image rendering by TowerPinkster and Stefansson Design & Consulting courtesy of John Ball Zoo
John Ball Zoo Just Dropped the Best News: Giraffes Are Coming!
In the biggest announcement we’ve seen from the zoo in years (maybe ever), John Ball Zoo just shared plans for a brand-new giraffe habitat! Some seriously tall new neighbors are coming soon.
Thanks to an incredible $15 million donation from the Bill & Bea Idema Foundation (the largest gift in zoo history), West Michigan families will get to meet the John Ball Zoo giraffes up close in 2028.
What We Know So Far: Giraffes, Ostriches, & A Massive New Habitat
The new giraffe habitat will be part of the JBZoo’s African expansion and is expected to open in 2028.
Here’s what the zoo has planned:
- Giraffes, obviously, plus ostriches and other animals that call the savannah home
- A winding forested path leading to panoramic views of the African-style landscape
- Feeding opportunities (get ready for your kids to lose their minds)
- Educational programming and conservation tie-ins for families and schools
The African expansion will be the largest animal habitat at John Ball Zoo, and it’s designed to create an immersive, world-class experience right here in Grand Rapids.
Who’s Behind It?
The Bill & Bea Idema Foundation is no stranger to John Ball Zoo. They’ve already helped bring big favorites like:
- The Idema Funicular (that cool little tram your stroller loves)
- The Idema Forest Realm
- The North American River Otter’s Habitat
This $15 million gift of John Ball Zoo giraffes brings their total contributions to $20 million, a huge investment in wildlife education, conservation, and fun for West Michigan families.
Why It Matters (Beyond the Cutest Family Photos Ever)
Giraffes are a vulnerable species. Their populations are declining in the wild due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.
John Ball Zoo will be joining a Species Survival Plan through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), working to protect giraffes and other species through global conservation efforts.
So yes, the new John Ball Zoo giraffe exhibit in Grand Rapids will be stunning, but it’ll also serve a much bigger purpose.
John Ball Zoo Giraffe FAQs
When will we be able to see the giraffes?
The John Ball Zoo giraffe habitat is expected to open in 2028. Construction timelines could shift, but that’s the target date.
Where will it be located in the zoo?
It’s part of the African expansion outlined in the zoo’s 10-year Master Plan. Exact location details haven’t been released yet.
Will giraffe feedings be included with admission?
No details yet, but most zoos offer giraffe feeding for an additional fee. We’ll update as we learn more.
Will this help with giraffe conservation?
Yes! The zoo will be part of the AZA’s Species Survival Plan, which supports giraffe conservation around the world.
Can I donate or get involved?
Yes! This project is part of the zoo’s “Rising to New Heights” capital campaign. There will be opportunities for the public to support and get involved. Details coming soon.
The Bottom Line
John Ball Zoo just gave us one more reason to keep our memberships going strong. Giraffes are officially coming to Grand Rapids, and we already know this new exhibit is going to be a fan favorite.
We’ll keep you posted as we learn more!
John Ball Zoo Trip Planner
Don’t wait until 2028 to visit the zoo – plan your animal adventures today with pygmy hippos, tigers, penguins and more:
