New Santa Ana | Tag Archives: Santa Ana Zoo

Two new cochinitos from New Zealand are now at the Santa Ana Zoo

Santa Ana, Calif. – The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ), a non-profit organization, invites Zoo guests to welcome the latest residents to our Zoo Family, “Hana” and “Pua,” two Kunekune pigs. These adorable little pigs are settling in to their new home at the Crean Family Farm.

Kunekunes (pronounced “cooney cooney”) are domesticated pigs once thought to be only found in New Zealand living among the Maori people. Today, they are found worldwide, including in the U.S. Kunekunes are identified by their chin tassels, called “piri piri,” and varied coat colors. They can grow to over 200 pounds.

Next time you visit, stop by to see what our new friends are up to. Who is who? “Pua” (meaning “to bloom or flower” in Maori) has a light colored coat, while “Hana” (meaning “to shine, bright, radiant”) has a darker coat.

The Santa Ana Zoo is home to more than 260 animals, including some of the most interesting and engaging primates, 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 shaded picnic tables and rest areas. The famous Zoofari Express Train, Conservation Carrousel, and Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel operate Friday through Sunday. Guest admission, ride ticket, and gift shop purchases contribute to the Zoo’s conservation funds.

Open daily for admission 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 or visit our website. The Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park is located at 1801 East Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701.

To find out more about Zoo admission and conservation projects or ADOPT an animal, please visit www.santaanazoo.org. You can also follow us on Twitter, join us on Facebook, or discover us on Instagram.

State Sen. Umberg got $2M in state funding for the Santa Ana Zoo

Posted on March 10, 2022 by Editor Posted in California, Santa Ana Zoo, Tom Umberg Leave a comment

Senator Thomas J. Umberg (D – Orange County) presented a check for $2 million to the Santa Ana Zoo for design and construction of a new Education Hub building. The Zoo’s 70th birthday was also celebrated at the event, with cake, cupcakes, and cookies.

“The Santa Ana Zoo’s 70th birthday is the perfect opportunity for us to be here to help expand the Zoo’s mission and outreach capabilities,” said Senator Umberg. He continued to say that, “Direct exposure to the animals and science-based professionals here at the Zoo will impact children like no textbooks can. I’m incredibly proud to have a hand in influencing our next generation of eco-warriors here in Orange County.”

Senator Umberg led the charge on this funding from the State of California that will help the zoo increase its work and outreach to underserved youth in Orange County and involve them in conservation and zoological efforts. The new environmentally sustainable facility will include a flex space, classrooms, and a hub for community volunteers and education coordinators. The classrooms will be flexible in design and layout to maximize their use potential throughout the day and year.

“We’re grateful for Sen. Umberg’s $2 million donation that will help us continue the transformation of the Santa Ana Zoo,” Santa Ana Mayor Vicente Sarmientosaid. “In 2021, Zoo education programs served over 40,000 people, and the Zoo has become an educational resource for not only local schools and teachers, but also community colleges and for university research.”

“The new Education ‘Hive’ will provide a welcoming gateway to the Zoo for school groups, a flexible space for programs, and a home base for education staff and volunteers,” said Lauren Bergh, Curator of Education for the Santa Ana Zoo. “We are thrilled to have a dedicated space to build connections between our community and the natural world through hands-on experiences.”

The Education Hub, nicknamed “the Hive” because it will be buzzing with activity, was conceptualized as a part of the 20-year Master Plan for the Santa Ana Zoo approved by the City Council in 2018. Community surveys in 2020 and 2021 showed widespread support for the Zoo and the desire for additional educational opportunities and programming. The Education Hub is a

The Santa Ana Zoo breaks ground on a new Giant River Otter and Primate Habitat

Posted on January 16, 2022 by Editor Posted in Nature, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A new exhibit that will showcase giant river otters swimming through a waterfall while monkeys play above is coming to the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park.

The Santa Ana Zoo had a ceremonial groundbreaking Friday, January 14, for the giant river otter habitat and primate trails renovation and expansion at the Amazon’s Edge exhibit. The $6.6 million project is the most complex that the Zoo has undertaken and will bring new life and an immersive experience for guests and animals alike. It is expected to open in summer 2023.

The project is the first phase of the Zoo’s Master Plan for further development and is made possible by $6 million in parks improvement funds from the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency and $600,000 from the Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo in the form of grants and donations.

Zoo visitors will be able to venture to the river’s edge to get up close with the otters in a new underwater viewing area, and get immersed with the monkeys as they trek overhead exploring a new treetop trail system and habitat. Via a series of enclosed exploration routes, the monkeys will have the ability to safely move through a network of see-through mesh trail ways.

Below the trail system, a 15-foot waterfall will spill into a crystal-clear pool where the otters frolic and play. The largest of the otter species, the endangered giant river otter is rarely displayed in zoos. Educational signage throughout the project will provide natural history and conservation information, and will give guests a better understanding of a resource often taken for granted – water.

The Santa Ana Zoo is home to more than 260 animals and is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Zoo is located at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92701. For more information call 714-836-4000 or visit www.santaanazoo.org.

To learn more about the Santa Ana Zoo 20-Year Master Plan, please visit: Master Plan. Follow The Santa Ana Zoo on Instagram and Facebook.

7th Annual O.C. Parent Union School Choice Fair set for Jan. 29 at the S.A. Zoo

Posted on December 20, 2021 by Editor Posted in Education, Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo Leave a comment

Join Community leaders, parents, education partners, business leaders to celebrate National School Choice Week at the 7th Annual O.C. Parent Union School Choice Fair, on Jan. 29 at the Santa Ana Zoo. This is a free community event with food, entertainment, family activities and Free entrance to the zoo.

Come learn about the quality public school choice options available for K-12 students:

Free Public Education Enrollment Opportunities

District Schools
Public Charter Schools
On-Line Learning
Home school

Where: Santa Ana Zoo
When: Saturday, January 29, 2022
Time: 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Please RSVP. For more information please contact: Cecilia Iglesias at 714-573-2208 Email: cecilia@calpolicycenter.org or www.parentunion.org.

Sponsors include:

The Santa Ana Zoo celebrates a Ring-Tailed Lemur’s milestone 35th birthday

Posted on July 7, 2021 by Editor Posted in Nature, Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo 2 Comments

Santa Ana, Calif. – The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ), a non-profit organization, invites Zoo guests to join us in celebrating “Isaac” the ring-tailed lemur’s 35th birthday on Saturday, July 10!

Ring-tailed lemurs are easily identified by their long tails with 13 alternating black and white stripes. While movies may have you thinking about their dance moves, these prosimians are most often found relaxing both in the trees and on the ground of their habitat.

“Isaac” is believed to be the oldest living ring-tailed lemur in the United States at 35 years old. He is in good health, maintaining an active lifestyle with his daughter “Jesse” who was born in 2015. In the wild, ring-tailed lemurs reach an average of 16-19 years old.

Lemurs are some of the most endangered primates in the world with their native habitat in the forests of Madagascar decreasing at an alarming rate. The Santa Ana Zoo participates in a number of conservation programs to help both local and international species, from frogs to lemurs. You can help protect ring-tailed lemurs by making good decisions for wildlife like not using harsh chemicals on your yard or for cleaning, recycling and reusing what you can, and being a responsible pet owner by not considering or adopting wild animals as pets. You can support the Zoo’s animals directly through our Animals Depend on People Too (ADOPT) program. All funds from the ADOPT program go directly to animal care and conservation.

The Santa Ana Zoo is home to more than 260 animals, including 60 of the most interesting and engaging primates 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. Guest admission, ride ticket, and gift shop purchases contribute to the Zoo’s Conservation funds.

Open daily Sunday-Saturday 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 Zoo admission and conservation projects or ADOPT an animal, visit www.santaanazoo.org. You can also follow us on Twitter, join us on Facebook, or discover us on Instagram.

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

Posted on June 25, 2021 by Editor Posted in Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo, Youth Activities Leave a comment

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.

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

Students can sign up for the Santa Ana Zoo’s free virtual Lab

Posted on December 13, 2020 by Editor Posted in Santa Ana 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 – 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, December 19 with the information in your kit to join the LIVE program for your grade level with zoo staff and special animal guests!

Questions? Please submit all questions using the registration form.

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.

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.

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.

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

The Santa Ana Public Library presents “Guanaco Storytime” at the Santa Ana Zoo

Posted on August 12, 2019 by Editor Posted in Entertainment, Family, Literature, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Santa Ana, CA: The Santa Ana Public Library will be hosting “Guanaco Storytime” on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at the Santa Ana Zoo from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. The event will offer an innovative storytime to children that will engage curiosities about the vast world of camelid species like Guanacos, Llamas, Vicunas and Alpacas while developing basic literacy skills as the community comes together to learn more about these remarkable mammals native to South America.

All ages are invited to participate in the storytime readings, sing-a-longs, and arts and crafts activities that will help the community learn more about our South American camelid friends!

The program will be held on the front lawn by the playground at the Santa Ana Zoo. Zoo admission is required to attend. Free parking is available on a first-come-first serve basis.

For more information, please call (714) 647-6913 between the hours of 3-8 pm Monday through Thursday, Fridays 3-6 pm, and Saturdays between 10-6 pm. Additional information is available online at https://www.santa-ana.org/events/guanaco-storytime.

Location:
Santa Ana Zoo
1801 E. Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92701

“Zoofari Safari” gala tickets now on sale; Sponsorships available

Posted on July 22, 2019 by Editor Posted in Charities, Civic Affairs, Santa Ana Zoo Leave a comment

The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ), a non-profit organization, is pleased to announce its 27th annual gala fundraising event, “Zoofari Safari,” taking place Saturday, August 24 from 5:30 pm to 11 pm at the Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park, located at 1801 East Chestnut Avenue in Santa Ana. Throughout the fundraiser guests are welcome to bid on wonderful trips, unique baskets, artwork and one-of-a-kind gifts during the event’s live and silent auctions.

Tickets sales, media and sponsorship opportunities are now available to the public for purchase online at www.santaanazoo.org or by calling (714) 953-8555 x10.

With an expected attendance of more than 400 people, Zoofari guests are treated to complimentary valet parking, a first-class catered dinner by Parties by Panache, and a hosted bar of spirits, wine and beer. Partygoers will enjoy a “Serengeti Sunset” signature drink, themed photo op, décor by R.W.B. Party Props and dancing to the “Groove Factory” live band.

“Zoofari is a first-class fundraising event that demonstrates the love and investment that the local community, surrounding businesses and FOSAZ have for the Zoo,” says David Exline, President of the FOSAZ Board. “Our 2019 gala promises to be full of fun and laughter. Thank you to our local community, sponsors, and loyal FOSAZ members for your continued sponsorship and support of the Santa Ana Zoo. We have an awesome master plan in play at the Zoo and are accomplishing so much thanks to the Zoo’s amazing leadership team, staff, and all those who support and advocate for the Zoo.”

Honorees this year are Jane Olin and Tim Jerkovich who have supported the conservation programs at the Zoo over the years and most recently the “Frog Pod” saving endangered species.

“Zoofari has and will continue 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, tackling important conservation initiatives, introducing new rides and upgrading service facilities for our guests to use and enjoy,” says Cathi Decker, event manager and Executive Director of FOSAZ.

Tickets to this exclusive black-tie, fundraising gala under the stars are $325 each. Private tables for 10 are available for a special rate of $3,000 each. Space is limited. Guests must purchase tickets and tables in advance of the event.

Open daily 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 x12. 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.

Newport Beach man pleads guilty to stealing endangered lemur from the Santa Ana Zoo

Posted on July 9, 2019 by Editor Posted in Crime, Federal Government, Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, California – A Newport Beach man pleaded guilty today to a federal criminal charge for breaking into the Santa Ana Zoo after hours and stealing North America’s oldest-living ring-tailed lemur in captivity in order to keep the endangered animal as a pet, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.

Aquinas “Quinn” Kasbar, 19, pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of unlawfully taking an endangered species. United States District Judge Andrew J. Guilford has scheduled an October 28 sentencing hearing, where Kasbar will face a statutory maximum sentence of one year in federal prison and a $100,000 fine.

Kasbar admitted in his plea agreement that he broke into the Santa Ana Zoo on July 27, 2018 after it had closed for the day. Kasbar 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, court documents state.

Kasbar then stole Isaac, a 32-year-old, ring-tailed lemur (lemur catta), and North America’s oldest ring-tailed lemur in captivity. (A lemur’s life span typically is 20 to 25 years.) The ring-tailed lemur is on a list of the 25 most endangered primates, and ring-tailed lemurs are endangered, in part, because of the illegal pet trade, the plea agreement states.

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Newport Beach Police Department, and the Santa Ana Police Department.

This matter is being 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.