GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The John Ball Zoo is announcing a $15 million donation will allow the organization to invest in its African expansion.
The multimillion-dollar gift was give by the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation and will support a state-of-the-art giraffe habitat. The exhibit will include a winding forest path leading to a panoramic African savannah environment and feature giraffes, ostriches and other animals. The exhibit will allow guests to view and feed the giraffes as well as space for educational engagement.
The space is currently scheduled to open in 2028.
"We are incredibly honored by this generous gift from the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation, which has been a longtime champion of conservation, education and community enrichment in West Michigan," said Peter D'Arienzo, CEO of John Ball Zoo. "Thank you to the Foundation for its continued support of our commitment to save wildlife and wild places. This expansion will be a powerful symbol of conservation in action, and it will connect children and families to one of our most iconic species in unforgettable ways."
The zoo included expansion of the African area as part of their 10-year Master Plan. The African expansion reflects JBZ's commitment to meaningful connections to wildlife while advancing conservation locally as well as globally. JBZ will participate in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan with the giraffes in the exhibit. The zoo holds an accreditation from the association for upholding the world's highest standards in animal care, welfare, conservation and education.
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