John Ball Zoo's Historical Timeline: 2010 to Present

2010

Mighty Mike arrives, a seasonal exhibit of an enormous alligator.

Zoo receives largest donation in its history, $5 million pledge from Bea Idema and Bill & Bea Idema Foundation.

Zoo Society kicks off $12.5 million campaign.

Flamingo eggs from the Atlanta Zoo hatch at John Ball Zoo.

2011

Mighty Mike returns for a second season at the Zoo.

Crain’s Detroit Business names the Zoo the 4th most attended cultural facility in Michigan.

2012

Zoo opens the new gift shop, Idema Funicular and Forest Realm, Bissell Tree House, and Central Services Building.

2013

Meijer Grizzly Bear and Jandernoa Treetop Outpost open in the Forest Realm.

County and Zoo Society form task force to move the Zoo to operation by non-profit.

Zoo kicks off R.A.R.E. (Really Awesome, Really Endangered) promotion which highlights an endangered species a day for 65 days. Promotion ends with visit from Joel Sartore, National Geographic fellow and photographer who photographed several of the Zoo’s endangered animals for his Photo Ark project.

2014

Contract signed that transfers governance and operation of the Zoo to a non-profit entity.

Zoo Society changes its charter and name to John Ball Zoo.

County retains ownership of the Zoo's property and continues to support the Zoo through a management fee.

Zoo opens the Crawford Tigers of the Realm and Forest Habitat, donated by Bill and Marilyn Crawford.