New Santa Ana | Category Archives: Santa Ana Zoo

The Santa Ana Zoo has reopened today

Posted on January 31, 2021 by Editor Posted in Civic Affairs, Entertainment, Family, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo, Youth Activities Leave a comment

The Santa Ana Zoo is reopening on Sunday, January 31, 2021, from 10 am to 4 p.m.

The Santa Ana Zoo is subject to capacity and with the following safety modifications:

Masks are required for all persons age 2 and up, at all times, unless seated to eat or drink. For details, please click here for details.
The following attractions are OPEN: Exploration Maze, Colors of the Amazon Aviary, Conservation Education Theatre, Primates, Camels, Tierra de las Pampas, Anteaters, Crean Family Farm (cow, pony, new miniature donkeys!), Treetop Toys Giftshop.
The following are closed: Rides, Indoor spaces (Exploration Outpost & Barn), Playground, Beansprouts Café, Goat Yard & all direct animal-contact interactions.

Regular Hours: Wednesday — Sunday, 10am – 4pm (Closed Monday and Tuesday). FREE PARKING!

We welcome you back to our Urban Oasis. The Zoo remains a great OUTDOOR place to relax and escape and learn about the natural world.

Your support cares for the wildlife at the Zoo and endangered species worldwide. Thank you for all you do. We can’t wait to see you soon!

Check our website for details on safety protocols before you arrive.

Admission:

Adults (13+) – $12
Children (3 – 12) – $9
Seniors (60+) – $9

The Santa Ana Zoo is open now

Posted on November 24, 2020 by Editor Posted in Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, CA – The Santa Ana Zoo, “Home of the 50 Monkeys,” announced that it is open as an outdoor experience from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Parking is free. Zoo Members and children under age 3 are also free. Adults are just $12 each and Children ages (3-12) are just $9 each. You came as a kid, now come back with yours!

“For 68 years The Santa Ana Zoo has remained one of Southern California’s most memorable places for families and friends to come together, enjoy wildlife and learn about conservation and the wonders of nature,” says FOSAZ Executive Director Cathi Decker. “We are thrilled to share our outdoor experience and unique animals with the community.”

Also a scientific study shows that a zoo visit is good for your health. Walking through a zoo can elicit positive changes in physiological and psychological measures of health and well-being of visitors. The study titled “Changes in human health parameters associated with an immersive exhibit experience at a zoological institution” was published on April 17, 2020 by St. Louis Zoo researchers. The evidence from the study supports the role of zoos and other green spaces in providing health benefits to zoo visitors. “We need the human-animal-nature bond to ensure public health,” noted Dr. Deem, senior author of the study. The study shows how blood pressure, tension levels, energy and happiness all improve from a walk through a zoo with natural space and encounters with animals. So the next time you are planning an outing, think about improving your health by visiting the Santa Ana Zoo for a beautiful stroll through lush green walkways and the amazing feeling of looking into one of our majestic animals, like the howler monkey, anteater or guanaco.

The Zoo is taking all the precautions and measures to make sure that your visit will be safe. Social distancing, hand sanitizing stations and facial masks will be in effect to protect each other and the animals.

The Santa Ana Zoo is home to more than 260 animals, including 60 of the most interesting and engaging monkeys and several endangered species, like the golden lion tamarins. The Zoo is open Wed-Sun from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Closed Mon-Tues, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. To become a Member of the Zoo, please call (714) 953-8555 x10 or visit the Website. The Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park is located at 1801 East Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701.

For more information about the Zoo call 714-836-4000 or visit our website at: www.santaanazoo.org. You can also follow us on Twitter, join us on Facebook, or discover us on Instagram.

Learn about snakes at the Santa Ana Zoo’s next virtual nature lab

Posted on November 18, 2020 by Editor Posted in Nature, Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo Leave a comment

Join the Santa Ana Zoo for at-home nature activities! Santa Ana youth in preschool through middle school are invited to sign-up for your kit and join zoo staff for a FREE virtual program.

Community Connections: The Zoo & You is a new program dedicated to connecting the zoo to our community through fun, interactive programs for youth of all ages. Nature Lab programs include kits of all of the materials needed to complete activities during a live, Zoom session with zoo staff. Participants will love getting their hands dirty as they investigate, observe, construct and share their discoveries.

Slither into the world of snakes! Reserve your kit and mark your calendar to discover why snakes are so important to our environment!

Sign-Up: Visit https://forms.gle/V37Mxd98vCExTbLR7 to reserve your activity kit. Kits are designated for students in preschool through 2nd grade or 3rd grade through middle school.

Confirm: A confirmation email will be sent letting you know when your kit is in the mail. When registration is full, a wait list will be created for the next program.

Log-On: Log on to Zoom on Saturday, Nov. 21, with the information in your kit to join the LIVE program for your grade level with zoo staff and special animal guests!

The Santa Ana Zoo steps up to help animals evacuated from the O.C. Zoo

Posted on October 27, 2020 by Editor Posted in Santa Ana Zoo Leave a comment

The Santa Ana Zoo is providing shelter for about 150 animals from Orange County Zoo in Irvine Regional Park that were evacuated on Oct. 26 because of the Silverado and Blue Ridge wildfires. Animals were evacuated and transported by 25 County staff and assisted by 12 City staff upon arrival at Santa Ana Zoo.

The evacuated animals range in size from bears and mountain lions to Madagascar hissing cockroaches and a desert hairy scorpion. The Santa Ana Zoo is using off-exhibit holding and indoor spaces to provide the animals with safe and comfortable temporary homes until it is safe for them to return to Orange County Zoo.

As in 2017 when the OC Zoo evacuated during the 2017 Santiago fire, the Santa Ana Zoo is proud to be part of a supportive community and to provide aid to its zoo neighbors.

Free Boo at the Zoo community nights for Santa Ana residents

Posted on October 23, 2020 by Editor Posted in Entertainment, Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo, Youth Activities 1 Comment

Santa Ana residents can join the Santa Ana Zoo for special zoo hours on Oct. 26 and 27, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., during Boo at the Zoo Community Nights.

During the walk-through experience, visitors can follow a fun Halloween trail through the Zoo. Visitors will discover the “merry, not scary” decorations along the way, making this an activity the whole family can enjoy together, wearing family-friendly costumes and collecting goody bags for each child when leaving the zoo.

Due to current COVID-19 recommendations and to create an allergy-friendly experience, goody bags will not include candy.

Community Nights on Oct. 26 and 27 are only available to Santa Ana residents. Free tickets must be reserved in advance. Choose your admission time, 5:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. Space is limited and proof of residency (driver’s license, utility bill) will be required upon arrival. Not valid for school or business addresses.

To RSVP, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boo-at-the-zoo-community-nights-tickets-124355184705

Face Covering Policy: All guests 2 years of age and older must wear face coverings while in the zoo, including guests who choose to wear costumes. Masks that are part of a Halloween costume do not replace COVID compliant face coverings.

To purchase admission tickets for additional dates, October 28-31, please visit:
www.santaanazoo.org/boo.htm

For additional information, please call the Zoo at (714) 647-6575.

Boo en el Zoológico Noches Comunitarias para Residentes de Santa Ana

Los residentes de Santa Ana pueden reunirse al zoológico de Santa Ana para el horario especial del evento, Boo en el Zoológico Noches Comunitarias, el 26 y 27 de octubre de 5:30 p.m. a 7:30 p.m.

Durante la experiencia de recorrido, los visitantes pueden seguir un divertido sendero de Halloween a través del zoológico. Los visitantes descubrirán las decoraciones “alegres, no aterradoras” a lo largo del camino, haciendo de esta una actividad que toda la familia puede disfrutar junta, vistiendose en disfraces familiares y recolectando bolsas de obsequios para cada niño al salir del zoológico. Debido a las recomendaciones actuales de COVID y para crear una experiencia apta para personas alérgicas, las bolsas de golosinas no incluirán dulces.

Las noches comunitarias del 26 y 27 de octubre solo están disponibles para los residentes de Santa Ana. Las entradas gratuitas deben reservarse con anticipación. Elija su hora de admisión, las 5:30 p.m. o las 6:30 p.m. El espacio es limitado y se requerirá prueba de residencia (licencia de conducir, factura de servicios públicos) a la llegada. No válido para direcciones escolares o comerciales. Para confirmar su asistencia, visite:
www.eventbrite.com/e/boo-at-the-zoo-community-nights-tickets-124355184705

Política de cubiertas faciales: Todos los visitantes de 2 años de edad o más deben usar cubierta facial mientras estén en el zoológico, incluidos los invitados que decidan usar disfraces. Las máscaras que forman parte de un disfraz de Halloween no reemplazan las mascarillas faciales que cumplen con COVID.

Para comprar boletos de admisión para fechas adicionales, del 28 al 31 de octubre, visite: www.santaanazoo.org/boo.htm

Para obtener información adicional, llame al zoológico al (714) 647-6575.

Free Santa Ana Zoo virtual program for your kids

Posted on September 25, 2020 by Editor Posted in Education, Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Join the Santa Ana Zoo for at-home nature activities! Santa Ana youth in preschool through middle school are invited to sign-up for your kit and join zoo staff for a FREE virtual program.

Tiptoe into the world of spiders and tarantulas on Saturday, Oct. 10! Reserve your kit and mark your calendar to discover why these arachnids are so important to our environment!

Sign-Up:

Visit https://forms.gle/V37Mxd98vCExTbLR7 to reserve your activity kit. Kits are designated for students in preschool – 2nd grade or 3rd grade through middle school.

Confirm:

A confirmation email will be sent letting you know when your kit is in the mail. When registration is full, a wait list will be created for the next program.

Log-On:

Log-on to Zoom on Saturday, Oct. 10, with the information in your kit to join the LIVE program for your grade level with zoo staff and a special animal guest!

Questions? Please submit all questions using the registration form.

The Santa Ana Zoo reopens today, Sept. 9

Posted on September 9, 2020 by Editor Posted in Civic Affairs, Entertainment, Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo, Youth Activities Leave a comment

After closing its gates on March 16, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Santa Ana Zoo is ready to safely reopen to the general public and its members today, September 9, 2020.

The Zoo will be reopening with a modified schedule. Open hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Monday and Tuesday and last admission is at 4 p.m.)

During the closure, the Zoo worked on creating a safe, modified reopening experience for its guests that conforms with State of California guidance for the museum sector. Changes include limited capacity, closure of indoor and high-touch spaces, requirement of face coverings, and supplemental signage throughout the zoo.

What Guests Can Expect:
• First-come, first-served entry based on capacity
• Required face coverings for all Zoo staff, volunteers and guests (ages 2 and older)
• Enhanced cleaning procedures for high-contact surfaces and restrooms
• Additional hand sanitizer or hand-washing stations available at various locations throughout the Zoo
• New traffic flows and pathways throughout the Zoo to allow for physical distancing
• Physical distancing reminders, markers and physical barriers placed throughout the Zoo
• The closure of high-touch areas such as the playground, dung beetle maze, Colors of the Amazon bird aviary, and the goat contact yard at the Crean Family Farm Children’s Zoo
• The closure of rides including the Zoofari Express Train, Conservation Carrousel, and 50 Monkeys Ferris Wheel
• The closure of indoor exhibit spaces including the Exploration Outpost

For additional information, please visit: www.santaanazoo.org or follow the Santa Ana Zoo on social media.

El Zoológico de Santa Ana reabre hoy 9 de septiembre

Después de cerrar el 16 de marzo, 2020, debido a la pandemia de COVID-19, el Zoológico de Santa Ana está listo para reabrir sus puertas sus miembros y público en general hoy 9 de septiembre, 2020.

El zoo abrirá en horario modificado. Las horas de operación son de miércoles a domingo de 10 de la mañana a las 5 de la tarde (cerrado el lunes y el martes y la última admisión es a las 4 de la tarde).

Durante el cierre, el zoológico trabajó en la creación de una experiencia de reapertura modificada y segura para sus visitantes que cumple con las pautas del estado de California para el sector de museos. Los cambios incluyen capacidad limitada, cierre de espacios interiores y de alto contacto, requerimiento de cubiertas faciales y señalización complementaria en todo el zoológico.

Los visitantes deben esperar:
• Entrar por orden de llegada en base a capacidad
• Requerimiento de cobertura facial para todos los empleados, voluntarios y visitantes (mayores de 2 años)
• Procedimientos de limpieza mejorados para baños y superficies de alto contacto
• Desinfectante de manos adicional o estaciones de lavado de manos disponibles en varios lugares del zoológico
• Nuevos flujos de tráfico y caminos en todo el zoológico para permitir el distanciamiento físico.
• Recordatorios de distanciamiento físico y marcadores y barreras físicas colocadas por todo el zoológico.
• El cierre de áreas de alto contacto como el patio de recreo, el laberinto de escarabajos, el aviario Colores del Amazonas y el corral de contacto con cabras en la granja zoológico infantil de la familia Crean
• El cierre de atracciones como el Tren Expreso Zoofari, el Carrusel de Conservación y la Rueda de los 50 monos.
• El cierre de los espacios de exhibición interiores, incluido el Puesto de Exploración.

Para obtener información adicional, visite www.santaanazoo.org o siga al Zoológico de Santa Ana en las redes sociales.

Santa Ana kids can sign up for a new Santa Ana Zoo virtual program

Posted on July 24, 2020 by Editor Posted in Education, Entertainment, Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo Leave a comment

Join the Santa Ana Zoo for at-home nature activities! Santa Ana youth in preschool through middle school are invited to sign up for your kit and join zoo staff for a FREE virtual program.

Community Connections: The Zoo & You is a new program dedicated to connecting the zoo to our community through fun, interactive programs for youth of all ages. Nature Lab programs include kits of all of the materials needed to complete activities during a live Zoom session with zoo staff. Participants will love getting their hands dirty as they investigate, observe, construct and share their discoveries.

Whooooo is ready to fly into the world of owls? Reserve your kit and mark your calendar to discover why owls are so important to our environment!

Sign Up:
Visit https://forms.gle/V37Mxd98vCExTbLR7 to reserve your activity kit and get your confirmation. Kits are designated for students in preschool through 2nd grade or 3rd grade through middle school.

Pick Up:
Ask a grown-up to help you pick up your kit from the Santa Ana Zoo parking lot (drive-thru only) on Saturday, July 25, at the designated time.

Log On:
Log on to Zoom on Saturday, Aug. 1, with the information in your kit to join the LIVE program for your grade level with zoo staff and a special animal guest!

Questions? Please submit all questions using the registration form.

Note: This kit contains an owl pellet activity. We recommend that children with sensitivities to feathers or fur sign up for a different program. Please request to be put on the waitlist for future kit programs.

The Santa Ana Zoo’s trees have been recognized as an accredited arboretum

Posted on May 10, 2020 by Editor Posted in Nature, Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo, Trees Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, CA – The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park’s collection of over 500 trees has been recognized as an accredited arboretum.

The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program awarded the Zoo a Level 1 Accreditation in March for achieving particular standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta and botanic gardens. An arboretum is like a botanical garden devoted to planting trees and shrubs for educational and scientific purposes.

“The Santa Ana Zoo is an important educational, recreational and conservation resource for the residents of Santa Ana and the greater region,” Santa Ana Mayor Miguel A. Pulido said. “The recognition of the Zoo’s significant botanical collection compliments the animals living in its care, and I congratulate our Zoo staff on this achievement.”

The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity and professionalism. The Zoo’s accreditation is listed in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world’s arboreta and gardens dedicated to woody plants maintained by the Morton Arboretum in Illinois.

Just as the animals living at the Santa Ana Zoo come from varied environments and habitats, so too do the trees that comprise the Zoo’s urban forest. It is made up of more than 100 species of trees, including an Argentinean Ombú tree, African fever tree and massive Moreton Bay Fig, which can reach over 150 feet in diameter. Signage throughout the Zoo highlights such notable specimens, and a visitor’s botanical guide is available for interested guests.

The Zoo is currently closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

About Santa Ana Zoo

The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park’s mission is to empower the community to save wildlife and wild spaces through fun, adventure, and learning. The Zoo is owned and operated by the City of Santa Ana, and receives additional support from Friends of Santa Ana Zoo, a private 501(c)3 non-profit entity. The Zoo opened in 1952 on land donated to the City of Santa Ana by Joseph Prentice on the conditions that it must always be a city park named Prentice Park, and that the city must maintain a zoo with ample accommodations for at least 50 monkeys.

About ArbNet

ArbNet is an interactive, collaborative, international community of arboreta. ArbNet facilitates the sharing of knowledge, experience, and other resources to help arboreta meet their institutional goals and works to raise professional standards through the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program. The accreditation program, sponsored and coordinated by The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois in cooperation with American Public Gardens Association and Botanic Gardens Conservation International, is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta based on a set of professional standards. The program offers four levels of accreditation, recognizing arboreta of various degrees of development, capacity and professionalism. Standards include planning, governance, public access, programming and tree science, planting and conservation. More information is available at www.arbnet.org.

The City of Santa Ana closes the Libraries, Community Centers and Zoo in response to COVID-19

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Editor Posted in Civic Affairs, Entertainment, Family, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo Leave a comment

The City of Santa Ana took further action today to address the growing threat of COVID-19 (coronavirus), closing all libraries, community centers, recreation facilities and the Santa Ana Zoo and canceling related programs and services, City Manager Kristine Ridge announced.

The City additionally is expanding upon its decision last week to cancel City-sponsored events of 250 or more people to now include gatherings of 50 or more indefinitely, in accordance with new guidance announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. City Manager Ridge also is restricting the ability of outside groups to obtain permits for hosting gatherings in excess of 50 or more attendees. Restrictions are also in place for general public access to police and fire facilities.

The City previously closed the Santa Ana Senior Center and canceled adult recreation classes in order to protect those most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Those who rely on the senior meals program will be able to pick up frozen to-go meals. In addition, the City implemented enhanced cleaning measures at all City facilities.

“I am in communication with the governor and other California mayors to ensure that we have a coordinated effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” Mayor Miguel Pulido said. “The measures we have put in place in Santa Ana will help protect the public health while we continue to provide essential services to the community.”

On Tuesday, March 17, the City Council will meet in closed session to discuss public safety impacts related to COVID-19. During the Council’s open meeting, they will consider other possible actions, including Declaration of an Emergency, which may further expand closure of non-essential services and actions to alleviate financial hardships for our community due to business interruptions.

Please go to www.santa-ana.org/coronavirus for updates, links to updates from local school districts and other agencies, health resources and more. Details about City services impacted by the closures and cancelations are below.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The Santa Ana City Council will meet on Tuesday, March 17, but the City is encouraging the public to watch the meeting on television or online instead of attending in person. The meetings are broadcast live on Spectrum TV Channel 3 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 and livestreamed at www.santa-ana.org/cc/city-meetings. Members of the public who wish to comment on matters before the council, instead of doing so in person, may submit comments by emailing ecomment@santa-ana.org. The comments will be provided to the City Council as part of the meeting record and will be uploaded to the City’s website.

SANTA ANA SENIOR CENTER
The Santa Ana Senior Center is closed and adult recreation classes have been canceled. Beginning on Tuesday, March 17, seniors will be able to pick up frozen to-go meals at the Senior Center provided by Meals on Wheels. The Senior Center is located at 424 W. 3rd St. and can be reached at (714) 647-6540.

COMMUNITY/RECREATION CENTERS
All community centers, recreation centers and sports facilities have been closed, and all classes and activities have been canceled. Existing field reservations at City facilities will be honored, but the City is requesting that organizers cancel their activities. For more information, call the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency at (714) 571-4224. The closed locations include:
• Corbin Center, 2215 W. McFadden Ave.
• El Salvador Community Center, 1825 Civic Center Drive.
• Jerome Park Recreation Center, 726 S. Center St.
• Logan Recreation Center, 1009 N. Cluster St.
• Memorial Recreation Center, 2102 S. Flower St.
• Salgado Recreation Center, 706 N. New Hope St.
• Santa Anita Recreation Center, 300 S. Figueroa St.
• Garfield Center, 501 N. Lacy St.
• Roosevelt/Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Ave.
• Nature Center, 2535 N. Main St.
• Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.

LIBRARIES
The Main Library and the Newhope Library have been closed and all programs and classes have been canceled. For information, call the Main Library at (714) 647- 5250. For digital books and other eLibrary services, go to www.santa-ana.org/library/elibrary.

POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Santa Ana Police Department front lobby, Santa Ana Family Justice Center and the Santa Ana Jail front lobby will be closed until further notice.

FIRE STATIONS
The Orange County Fire Authority, which provides fire and emergency services to Santa Ana, announced that it has closed all fire stations to the public for non-emergency matters. The fire stations are still staffed and available for all emergency needs.

Cierres de los Vestíbulos Delanteros de Santa Ana PD y Cárcel y El Centro de Justicia Familiar de Santa Ana

Por extrema abundancia de cautela y siguiendo las medidas establecidas por los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades y la Agencia de Salud del Condado de Orange, el vestíbulo delantero del Departamento de Policía de Santa Ana, El Centro de Justicia Familiar de Santa Ana, junto con el vestíbulo frontal de la cárcel de Santa Ana, permanecerán cerrados hasta nuevo aviso para minimizar la exposición a COVID-19.

La seguridad de NUESTRA comunidad es nuestra máxima prioridad y estos cierres no tendrán ningún impacto en nuestra capacidad para proporcionar servicios de vigilancia.

NÚMEROS DE TELÉFONO IMPORTANTES PARA RECORDAR

Línea de no emergencia
(714) 245-8049

Centro de Justicia Familiar de Santa Ana
(714) 245-8278

Le agradecemos su paciencia y comprensión durante este tiempo. Manténgase atento y conectado para recibir actualizaciones.

The Santa Ana Zoo welcomes a baby anteater

Posted on February 1, 2020 by Editor Posted in Nature, Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park had a little extra to be thankful for this holiday season, a baby giant anteater.

The newest addition to the zoo was born on November 26, 2019 to mother “Heesoo of Troy” and father “Peter”. Mom and baby, whose sex has not yet been determined, have been bonding in their den off exhibit and both are doing well. As the baby gets bigger, mom and baby will spend more time outside on warm days with good weather. When they choose to go outside, guests will see the baby anteater riding on its mother’s back for a number of months, even after it begins exploring on its own.

Giant anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla, are native to the grassy plains and rainforest borders of Central and South America. Most easily identified by their long, thin nose, anteaters are true insectivores eating copious amounts of ants, termites, and other insects which they dig up using the long, sharp claws of their front feet. At the zoo, our anteaters enjoy a “smoothie” of insect protein and fresh fruits and vegetables which mimics the nutritional value of their wild diet. Baby anteaters, called pups, are born with similar coloring and striping to adults, allowing them to instantly camouflage. The pup will ride on the mother’s back for up to 1 year as they grow to full size, before leaving to establish their own territory. Anteaters are generally solitary animals, coming together only to mate. Anteaters are listed as a threatened and vulnerable species due to ongoing threats of habitat loss and destruction, fire and poaching for fur. The Santa Ana Zoo is proud to be an active participant in collaborative giant anteater conservation programs, contributing to the maintenance of genetic diversity in managed populations and conservation of the species in the wild.

The anteaters can be viewed in the Tierra de las Pampas area of the zoo daily between 10:00AM and 4:00PM at the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park. The Santa Ana Zoo is home to more than 150 animals, including entertaining and engaging monkeys, and several endangered species including the Golden Lion Tamarin.

To become a Member of the Zoo, please call (714) 953-8555 x13. The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is located at 1801 Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701. For more information call 714-836-4000 or visit www.santaanazoo.org. For the latest on baby news and zoo happenings follow The Santa Ana Zoo on Facebook and Instagram.

Snow Days with the Critters storms into town this weekend at the Santa Ana Zoo

Posted on December 12, 2019 by Editor Posted in Civic Affairs, Family, Nature, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana Zoo, Youth Activities Leave a comment

The Santa Ana Zoo’s annual Snow Days with the Critters event will take place Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15.

Watch animals receive icy treats and snow enrichment, listen to festive music, enjoy the winter decorations, discover how animals adapt to surviving in freezing environments, create cool crafts and listen to delightful winter stories. There also will be a special area for children to play in “snow.” Snow enrichment for the animals is being provided by Kona Ice, which also will be selling their delicious and colorful shaved ice at the zoo.

The event is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days. Residents of Santa Ana receive free admission to the zoo on Dec. 15. Proof of residency (such as a utility bill or ID with a Santa Ana address) is required for free admission.

The Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park is located at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana.

More information at santaanazoo.org

Community tree planting day at the Santa Ana Zoo this Saturday

Posted on November 7, 2019 by Editor Posted in Crime, Nature, Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo Leave a comment

Community members are invited to join the Santa Ana Zoo as we plant new trees throughout the zoo!

On Saturday, November 09, 2019 from 9:00am – 1:00pm over 20 new trees will be planted in multiple areas of the zoo. Trees were funded through the California ReLEAF Social Equity Grant Program to provide trees as part of creating and sustaining healthy communities in California. Trees being planted at the Zoo replace those damaged by insects, wind and removed and create new planted areas as part of the “urban forest” environment at the zoo. Especially in urban areas, trees sequester carbon and other pollutants from the air, act as wind and sound barriers, slow runoff from developed areas and create a more aesthetically pleasing environment. Over 100 new trees are being planted at the zoo as part of this project.

Event participants will be treated to an educational, introductory presentation on the value and types of trees being planted. Then, the fun begins as volunteers get their hands dirty putting trees in the ground! Trees being planted will range in size from 15 gallon pots to large boxed trees and will be placed in a number of locations throughout the zoo. At the end of the day, volunteers will have a special encounter with one of our animal friends as a “thank you” for their participation.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome and will be provided with a City volunteer waiver. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Closed-toe shoes are required, work gloves are recommended, all other supplies will be provided.

To sign-up for this Community Tree Planting Day, please visit https://forms.gle/RLp1mhGfoUMeQmwFA or contact the Santa Ana Zoo at 714-647-6575.

Santa Ana Zoo lemur thief going to prison for only 90 days

Posted on October 29, 2019 by Editor Posted in Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo 4 Comments

SANTA ANA, California – An Orange County man was sentenced today to three months in federal prison for breaking into the Santa Ana Zoo after hours and stealing North America’s oldest ring-tailed lemur in captivity to keep the endangered animal as his pet.

Aquinas Kasbar, 19, of Newport Beach, was given the 90-day prison sentence by United States District Judge Andrew J. Guilford, who also ordered him to pay $8,486 in restitution to the zoo.

Kasbar pleaded guilty on July 8 to one misdemeanor count of unlawfully taking an endangered species. He broke into the Santa Ana Zoo on July 27, 2018 after it had closed for the day. He then used bolt cutters to cut a hole in the zoo’s enclosures for lemurs and capuchin monkeys, which enabled several of the animals to escape, though they were later recovered.

While inside the zoo, Kasbar stole Isaac, a 32-year-old, ring-tailed lemur (lemur catta) and the oldest such lemur in captivity in North America. (Isaac turned 33 years old in July; a lemur’s lifespan typically is between 20 years and 25 years.) The ring-tailed lemur is native to Madagascar and is on a list of the 25 most endangered primates, according to court documents. Ring-tailed lemurs are endangered, in part, because of the illegal pet trade, court papers state.

Kasbar then placed Isaac in a plastic drawer that lacked ventilation holes, court papers state. The next day, Kasbar abandoned the animal in front of a Newport Beach hotel, leaving him in the same plastic drawer with two notes placed on it, which read, “Lemur (with tracker)” and “This belongs to the Santa Ana Zoo it was taken last night please bring it to police,” according to court documents. Kasbar’s actions resulted in a loss to the Santa Ana Zoo of approximately $8,486. Isaac later was returned unharmed to the zoo.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Newport Beach Police Department, and the Santa Ana Police Department.

This matter was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel H. Ahn of the Santa Ana Branch Office and Erik M. Silber of the Environmental and Community Safety Crimes Section.

Boo at the Zoo starting on Oct. 19

Posted on October 10, 2019 by Editor Posted in Entertainment, Family, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo, Youth Activities Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, CA – Mark your calendars, grab your costumes, and join us for our annual “merry not scary” Boo at the Zoo, OC’s Premier Halloween Event for Kids.

The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo present the 29th Annual Boo at the Zoo located at the Santa Ana Zoo. The event will take place from 5:30 PM to 8 PM on Saturday, October 19; Sunday, October 20; Saturday, October 26; and Sunday, October 27, rain or shine.

Boo at the Zoo is one of Orange County’s longest-running Halloween events, providing a fun, safe, and family-friendly event for trick-or-treaters and children of all ages who love to wear costumes and embrace the Halloween spirit!

Guests will have the opportunity to explore 10 prize stations on our Trick-or-Treat Trail, enjoy a variety of Halloween-themed games and activities – including storytelling and sing-alongs, and visit with our nocturnal animals. This will be our second year proudly supporting the OC Teal Pumpkin Project, ensuring kids with food allergies are presented with friendly treats and takeaways! Guests will also be able to participate in our nightly costume parade, led by SAZOO (our monkey mascot).

Our exciting “Boofari” Express Train, Conservation Carrousel and Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel rides will be entertaining little ghouls and goblins all night long. Parents, don’t forget your cameras! Boo at the Zoo provides great photo opportunities that will last a lifetime.

General Admission is $24.95 per non-member ages 3 and up, and only $12.95 per Zoo Member ages 3 and up. Bonus: Children under the age of 3 are free. Join as a Member to receive your half price tickets! “Boofari” Express Train, Carrousel and Ferris Wheel rides will be available for an extra charge. Food and drinks will be available for purchase nightly.

For those who are a little older and more adventurous, Boo at the Zoo will once again have a separate area for our “Teen Scream” haunted house (included in the regular price of admission). This is sure to provide chills and thrills for those who dare to enter.

To avoid the lines, admissions are now available online at www.santaanazoo.org (valid any night of the event, nonrefundable – bring your receipt to Will Call on the night of the event). You may also purchase admissions at the main gate on the night of the event. For more information, please call (714) 953-8555. So grab your costume and we’ll see YOU at the BOO at the Santa Ana ZOO!

The Santa Ana Zoo is home to more than 260 animals, including 60 of the most interesting and engaging monkeys and several endangered species, like the golden lion tamarins. The Zoo is open daily from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. To become a Member of the Zoo, please call (714) 953-8555 x13. The Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park is located at 1801 East Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701.

For more information call 714-836-4000 or visit our website at: www.santaanazoo.org. You can also follow us on Twitter, join us on Facebook, or discover us on Instagram.