Monkeys will get new digs at John Ball Zoo

GRAND RAPIDS — Next spring, visitors to John Ball Zoo will be treated to an unfamiliar site: monkeys romping on grass.

The zoo’s outdated, mostly concrete Monkey Island, is being replaced with a softer, greener, more natural version.

“Everyone loves the monkeys, and they tolerated the exhibit, but I think we all wanted it to change,” said Zoo Director Bert Vescolani.

Work began after the spider monkeys that normally inhabit the exhibit were moved to winter digs inside the tropical building, Vescolani said.

Crews already have taken down the cement walls as well as the moat that surrounded the concrete island.

The exhibit will be rebuilt in the same area with the same footprint and will feature soft soil and grass, climbing and play areas, a waterfall and educational pods to bring visitors closer to the animals.

“It already feels bigger and a little bit more open and inviting,” Vescolani said.

The exhibit will be designed to hold the 14 monkeys the zoo has, he said.

Half of the $318,000 renovation cost will be covered by Kent County funds and the other half by the nonprofit John Ball Zoo Society, Vescolani said.

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