Boy, we wish we had a Panda at the Santa Ana Zoo, but we don't right now. You can still find some Panda fun at the Zoo! Play the Kung Fu Panda 2 game at the Santa Ana Zoo!
With the new Kung Fu Panda movie coming out, we've got a new scavenger hunt game to add to your Zoo fun...
Here's how it works:
1- Come to the Zoo during regular hours and ask for a Kung Fu Panda game card at the ticket booth. (You have to ask, or you won't get one!)
2- As you adventure around the Zoo, read the questions on the game card and find the answers to questions about Po's animal friends.
3-Answer the 5 questions on the card.
4-Take your completed card to the Treetop Toys gift store and if it's correct, you'll get Panda goodies from the people at Dreamworks. It's that easy!
Visit theSanta Ana Zooand play the Kung Fu Panda game, and go seeKung Fu Panda 2 in theaters beginning May 27!
(All prizes are provided by Dreamworks. Offer valid only while supplies last.)
A new baby Giant Anteater is born at the Santa Ana Zoo!
There’s a new baby nosing around in Orange County. The Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park is pleased to announce the birth of a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) on April 28, 2011. Born to father “Peter” of University of California, Irvine fame and mother “Heesoo of Troy”, this birth has been highly anticipated by Zoo staff. Animal keeper and veterinary staff were able to perform ultrasounds to monitor the developing baby during the six month pregnancy. All appears well to Zoo staff and the pup is most often observed sleeping on mom with her tail draped over it.
The yet-to-be-named baby will ride around on its mother’s back up to 10 months while growing to over half her size. Giant anteaters are found in the tropical forests and grasslands of Central and South America. They are considered vulnerable in the wild due to habitat loss and hunting. In the wild anteaters may eat up to 30,000 ants and termites a day. The Zoo feeds a commercial food designed for insect-eating animals, plus spinach, papaya, hardboiled egg, banana and sometimes avocado--all mixed in a blender and presented as a “smoothie.” The baby will nurse for approximately six months.
The Santa Ana Zoo acquired giant anteaters in 2009 from a partner facility in South America with the help of donations from the UC Irvine Alumni Association and the Mike Schroeder Family. This is the first birth of this species at the Santa Ana Zoo and was a collaborative effort of the Species Survival Plan Program through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The mission of the Species Survival Plan Program is to manage and conserve select threatened or endangered species through the cooperation of AZA-accredited Zoos and Aquariums.
There are only about 100 giant anteaters in zoos throughout the United States, and the species is classified as "vulnerable" due to the destruction of their habitat in the wild. The anteater habitat at the Santa Ana Zoo is part of the newest exhibit, the Tierra de las Pampas, or grasslands exhibit. This exhibit showcases rheas, guanacos, and the giant anteaters. The pair of anteaters was introduced to this exhibit as part of a breeding program, and it's exciting that the first attempt in a brand new facility like this has resulted in a successful birth.
The new baby will be difficult to see for the next few weeks as she spends time bonding with her mother who is spending most of her time in the quiet off-exhibit sleeping quarters. Once she is on view for the public, you can find her in the Tierra de las Pampas daily between 10:00AM and 4:00PM at the Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park, 1801 Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Admission is $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors and children 3-12 years. Children under three are free. For more information call 714-836-4000 or visit our website at:www.santaanazoo.org.
The "Sunset at the Zoo" series is one of the most unique concert events in Orange County. Bring a comfy chair or blanket and pack a picnic supper to come enjoy great music on the lawn. This is not just a concert, though.
In addition to the show, select galleries from the artist districts in Santa Ana and around Orange County will be there showcasing some of their work. Meet and greet the artists as you walk the party area. They'll be there to give a little taste of what you might see at one of the district art walks.
The Zoo grounds will be open for you to go exploring, and see the animals at a time when most of the public doesn't get to enjoy them. Animals are also brought out and circulated throughout the show grounds. There is a separate kids area with crafts and other fun stuff. We'll bring lemonade and other treats for everyone.
The first of the 2011 "Sunset at the Zoo" shows on Sunday, June 12 will feature The Fabulous Peggie Perkins. From the sultry crooning of a torch singer, to belting out an 80's favorite, this lady's style and ability makes the show! She will be joined for this performance by perennial favorites The Ron Kobayashi Trio. Together, they are the consummate family fun show band. Every one of Peggie's concerts is an interactive experience that'll have you tapping your toes, singing along, or dancing in the aisles. Big cool fun for a Sunday afternoon at the Zoo! During this show, ride the Zoofari Express train around and take a spin on the Conservation Carousel, and with a $3 wristband it's all the rides you can handle. Check out a very special silent auction, where all proceeds go to benefit the animals. Just added to this event is the "Brew at the Zoo"! For a small donation to the Zoo, sample beers from Kona and Shock Top brewing companies.
The "Blues at the Zoo" series will also return with great performances of Americana and vintage Blues out on the lawn in the front of the Zoo.
Explore the Zoo, see some cool animals and maybe catch an animal show, feed a few goats and sheep, ride the Zoofari Express train and the Conservation Carrousel, then relax on the lawn for a Sunday afternoon Blues jam. Bring a folding chair or blanket and pick a spot to hang out and see the show. "Blues at the Zoo" concerts are from 2:00pm - 4:00pm - June 12, June 26, and July 17.
"Blues at the Zoo" series is sponsored by:
The "Blues at the Zoo" concerts are included with regular Zoo admission. The "Sunset at the Zoo" shows are a separate after-hours event after the Zoo is closed to the public. Admission for this show is $10, $5 for Zoo members, and free to SAZOO Club members.
The Santa Ana Zoo at PrenticePark is located at 1801 East Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA, 92701
Save the dates now for these "Blues at the Zoo" and "Sunset at the Zoo" shows:
Sunday, June 26 with Dano Forte and the Juke Joint Freak Show
followed by Peggie Perkins feat. The Ron Kobayashi Trio
