GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The John Ball Zoo is launching a month-long fundraising campaign Tuesday to update their animal hospital equipment.
In a release from the zoo, they say their animal hospital x-ray equipment is 17 years old and is still using film. New equipment would make the transition to digital and provide clearer images faster.
The current x-ray machine sometimes produces blurry images that need 3-5 minutes to develop. This can mean extra time under anesthesia for an animal and extra exposure to chemicals and radiation for the animal and staff.
The zoo has a goal of raising $132,000 by the end of 2015. The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs is offering a matching grant for donations to the zoo for up to $49,575.
To donate, visit http://www.jbzoo.org/support/donate or send by mail to Fran Miller, John Ball Zoo, 1300 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids, 49504. For more information, call 336-4301.
X-ray of a goat - from John Ball Zoo
X-ray of a penguin that swallowed a coin - from John Ball Zoo
