Disney’s giant animal crackers added to the train at the Santa Ana Zoo

Santa Ana, Calif. – The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ), a non-profit organization, is pleased to announce the addition of the “Animal Crackers” from Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train ride at the Zoo!

Heimlich is the cute green caterpillar from the movie “A Bug’s Life” and Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train was an attraction in A Bug’s Land at Disney California Adventure that ran from 2002-2018. Guests rode the train in the shape of Heimlich as he narrated the ride. His tendency to overeat was the theme of the ride as it appeared to eat through oversized portions of food including the animal crackers, candy corn, carrots and watermelon. Each piece of giant food had large bites taken out of it and “smelled” like the food as you rode by them. At the end of the train ride, Heimlich reminded the guests to eat their fruit and vegetables.

Now these giant-sized animal crackers are placed along the Santa Ana Zoo’s Zoofari Express Train ride for all to see after they pass by the turtle pond in the Farm area of the Zoo.

“It’s so special and such a great memory to see these pieces of history from Disney here at the Santa Ana Zoo. Disney was so kind as to donate the sculptures to the Zoo when their ride closed and we are grateful to have them on grounds for all who ride the Train here to enjoy,” says Cathi Decker, Executive Director of Friends of Santa Ana Zoo, “It is an honor that we are able to showcase them once again.”

The Zoofari Express Train Ride continues to play an integral role in raising the funds needed for all the special projects and improvements going on here at our favorite community Zoo including educational programs, breaking ground on new animal habitats, supporting important conservation initiatives, introducing new rides and upgrading service facilities for guests to use and enjoy.

The Santa Ana Zoo is home to more than 260 animals, including 60 of the most interesting and engaging monkeys and several endangered species. The parking, park and grounds are wheel-chair accessible. The Zoo is beautifully landscaped and showcases a wide array of succulents, flowers and other conservation-friendly varietals. Inside the Zoo there is a wonderful playground with nearby seating for parents and guardians. Also available throughout the Zoo are picnic tables and rest areas, and tons of shade, as well as the famous Zoofari Express Train, the Conservation Carrousel and the new Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel.

Open Wednesday – Sunday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, the Santa Ana Zoo participates in conservation efforts to save local and South American species, including frogs, turtles, and lion tamarins. 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.

Find out more about admission to the Zoo and the Zoofari Express Train ride at www.santaanazoo.org. You can also follow us on Twitter, join us on Facebook, or discover us on Instagram.