Lions Are Back at John Ball Zoo—And Giraffes Are in the Works, Too
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Tree-Climbing Lions Come to Join Ball Zoo
The kings of the savanna are reclaiming their throne at John Ball Zoo.
Two African lions, Amara and Upepo, have landed in Grand Rapids, marking the return of one of the Zoo’s most iconic species.
And they won’t be the only big arrivals.
The Zoo’s Africa expansion is rolling out soon, promising even more wild encounters—including a giraffe habitat where visitors can get up close and personal.
in this article
Climbing Lions? Meet Amara & Upepo
Fresh from their previous home in Tennessee, where keepers described them as playful and inquisitive, this lion duo isn’t your average big-cat pair.
Amara, the 6-year-old lioness, owns every space she enters. If something’s happening, she knows about it.
Her partner Upepo might hang back at first, sizing things up at his own pace, but don’t let that fool you. At over 425 pounds, when this 9-year-old male moves, you notice.
And here’s the twist—these lions climb trees. That’s right—while most lions stick to the ground, Amara and Upepo, like their wild counterparts in Tanzania, prefer to get their feet off of the ground.
John Ball Zoo is all set for these tree-climbing cats, building them a custom climbing setup in their new home. That means visitors might get to see something wild—lions actually hanging out in the trees. It’s a rare sight, even in the wild, and almost unheard of in zoos.
Fighting Extinction
African lions are vulnerable to extinction, but programs like the Species Survival Plan are working to change that.
Amara and Upepo are here as part of that effort, helping to protect their species as wild populations decline. The Zoo’s Africa expansion is part of their commitment to conservation, helping protect African lions while educating visitors about wildlife challenges.
A Big Deal: JBZ’s Africa Expansion Includes Giraffes & More
The lions are just the beginning—John Ball Zoo is rolling out one of its biggest expansions ever, bringing more animals, immersive experiences, and better accessibility to the Africa habitat.
Next up? Giraffes.
Eventually, visitors will be able to stand eye-to-eye with giraffes—and even feed them!
Renderings from the John Ball Zoo Master Plan
The zoo’s master plan includes several new animal habitats that will be developed over the next decade, including educational spaces, and guest-friendly additions like restrooms and a nursing room.
Other details in the master plan include:
- A new Entry Valley experience featuring flamingos and otters
- A central plaza for the zoo featuring Sea Lions
- A dedicated event venue and new gift shop
- A 51,000+ square-foot giraffe and mixed-species habitat, including giraffe barn with indoor viewing
- Elevated giraffe feeding deck where guests can get eye-to-eye with giraffes
- Expanded great ape habitats
- Development of the South American Forest area
- Overall improvements to pathways, circulation, and wayfinding
- Gondolas & gondola landing station
- New food spots, restrooms, and guest amenities
When Can You See the Lions?
For now, Amara and Upepo are getting used to their new home. Some days, you might spot them lounging in the sun. Other times, they’ll be adjusting behind the scenes. But once they settle in and Michigan warms up, expect a prime-time lion experience.
Keep an eye on John Ball Zoo’s social media for updates on their public debut. In the meantime, the countdown is on for giraffes, new habitats, and an even wilder future in Grand Rapids.
John Ball Zoo is located at 1300 W Fulton St, Grand Rapids, MI.
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