Tis the season for "Holiday With the Critters"!

Come one, come all to our annual holiday family festival, “Holidays with the Critters," at the Santa Ana Zoo on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18 (rain or shine).

The event features enchanting animals, beautifully lighted displays, seasonal music, fun interactive crafts, and holiday storytelling placed all around the Zoo entrance and farm area, which are transformed into a winter wonderland!
Along with the crafts and holiday decorations, the evenings will feature an assortment of music from DJ Steve and others, dancing,  and five “treat” stations, including an additional “prize!”

Come early and see "Quitara", our pregnant female camel... There was no room at the inn so she came to live with us at the Zoo this winter!

The Holiday Event admission prices are $6 per person or $3 per Zoo Member.
December 17 - City of Santa Ana and Senior Night - City of Santa Ana residents, employees, and all seniors (60+) get in free
December 18 - Member Appreciation Night - Zoo Members get in for free

(**Click Here** to pre-order your tickets online)
Conservation Carrousel and Zoofari Express Train Rides will be available for $3 each, and combo tickets for $5 each.

Come and make the “Holidays with the Critters” part of your family’s annual tradition during the holidays.

Please call (714) 953-8555 x12 for more information about this event or become a Zoo Member by calling (714) 953-8555 x13 or logging on to www.santaanazoo.org.

Tickets for this event are available in advance online and at the gate on event evenings.

Happy Holidays from all your friends at the Santa Ana Zoo! 

What:      "Holidays With The Critters"
When:     December 17 & 18, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Where:    The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park
                1801 East Chestnut Avenue
                Santa Ana, CA  92701
                (conveniently located just off the 5 fwy.)
Admission: $6 per person, ($3 for Zoo members)


Regular daily Zoo admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children/seniors, under age 3 free

The Santa Ana Zoo is the only AZA certified zoo in Orange County.  This distinction allows us to bring in animals and exhibits from other AZA facilities, and ensures a better quality of life for the animals in our care.  We also partner with other conservation agencies throughout the world to help guarantee that endangered species are given a better chance to survive, and promote animal and habitat conservation.

See the website for info on the Zoo, other great Zoo events, membership, and more....

www.santaanazoo.org

The Santa Ana Zoo, Home of the 50 Monkeys...

 

 

Magic at the Santa Ana Zoo!

It's Magic at the Zoo! 

While many of you may already consider the Santa Ana Zoo a sort of magical place where you can immerse yourself in nature and make the entire surrounding city disappear, on Tuesday, August 2, it will be magical for a whole different reason...

Come see professional magician Frank Thurston at the Santa Ana Zoo!
The Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo are proud to present the return of Frank Thurston to the Zoo in a one of a kind family comedy and magic showcase!

Frank has been a professional magician for over 26 years, entertaining people of all ages with feats of illusion and prestidigitation.  He has performed at numerous venues on the magic circuit and is a regular at fairs like our own Orange County Fair, as well as performing at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.

Frank Thurston

Join us at the Santa Ana Zoo right on the front lawn Tuesday, August 2 at 12:00 for a children's comedy and magic show. 

Frank always plays to his audience, and this show will be one for the kids.  He'll need a few volunteers, so pick a good seat and maybe you'll get to be part of the show!

This show is included free with your regular Zoo admission, so come explore the Zoo and visit your favorite animals, take a ride on the Zoofari Express and Conservation Carousel, and then settle in for a fun and amazing show.

Here's Frank Thurston during his last visit to the Santa Ana Zoo!

The Santa Ana Zoo is located at 1801 East Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701

(conveniently located just off the 5 fwy, parking is free)

Zoo hours are from 10am-4pm daily (10-am-5pm Sat/Sun)

Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children/seniors, under 3 free

(714) 836-4000

For info on the Santa Ana Zoo, events, membership, and more, see our website at

www.santaanazoo.org

The Santa Ana Zoo...  Home of the 50 Monkeys!

Stork Visits the Santa Ana Zoo!

Stork Visits the Santa Ana Zoo!

Rare Monkey Born at the Santa Ana Zoo!

The Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park is pleased to announce the birth of a golden-headed lion tamarin on June 28, 2011. Closely related to the golden lion tamarin, golden-headed lion tamarins have a black body with a golden-orange face and hands. These rare monkeys are only found on the Atlantic coast of Brazil. Weighing less than 1 pound as adults, the babies tip the scale at about 1/8th of a pound!

Zoos have worked together for several decades on the conservation of this species. Captive breeding, habitat restoration and conservation, conservation education and reintroductions into the wild are all part of the international effort to protect this species. These births are a great boost to the conservation program. This is the first birth of this species at the Santa Ana Zoo. “The zoo keepers are proud to be part of the international conservation efforts for this remarkable endangered species,” says Ray Cosper, Zoo Curator. 
There have been three “first of the species” births at the Zoo this year (2011), the other two being silvery langurs and the giant anteater.

The new baby is on view for the public 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 Kung Fu Panda 2 Game

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 the Santa Ana Zoo and play the Kung Fu Panda game, and go see Kung Fu Panda 2 in theaters beginning May 27!

(All prizes are provided by Dreamworks. Offer valid only while supplies last.)

STORK VISITS SANTA ANA ZOO!

STORK VISITS SANTA ANA ZOO! 

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 2011 Summer concert series at the Santa Ana Zoo is coming!

The Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo are proud to present the 2011 "Sunset at the Zoo" summer concerts!

sponsored by Villa Ford, Parties by Panache, and R.W.B. Party Props
 

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 Prentice Park 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

 

Sunday, June 26 with Babylon Blues 

                           followed by Elnora and Sumpthin' Cookin' 

Sunday, July 17 with The Mighty Mojo Prophets

                           followed by  Ritmo, Sabor, y Estilo 

For info on other shows, see our event page at www.myspace.com/jazzoo

The Santa Ana Zoo...  Home of the 50 Monkeys!

For info on the Santa Ana Zoo, events, membership, and more, see our website at

www.santaanazoo.org  

  

 "Sunset at the Zoo" is Sponsored by:
     
                       
         

Santa Ana ZOO Celebrates 59 Years!

It's a Zoo Birthday!

On Saturday, March 12th & Sunday, March 13th, the Santa Ana Zoo, home of the 50 monkeys, located at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave, is excited to celebrate its 59th birthday. The activities will take place from 11:00am-2:00pm on both days, and the event is included FREE with the price of admission for general public and FREE for Members.  

Here are a few pictures from the birthday celebration.

There will be a spectacular modular train display by Del Oro Pacific Railroad Club, 

As Orange County's AZA accredited animal conservation and education facility celebrates this important milestone, come see how far the Santa Ana Zoo has come in the last 59 years, see what we've added recently, and what's new this year.

You'll enjoy Birthday themed crafts, animal presentations, birthday treats, and much more family style fun!

It’s going to be the wildest birthday bash of the year and it’s practically in your back yard.

 

This is one party you won’t want to miss! Conservation Carrousel and Zoofari Express Train Rides will be available for $3 each, and combo tickets for $5 each. 

All this and the OC Guardettes, entertainment by Kids Are Music, DJ Steve, and lots more!!!


The festivities are at the Santa Ana Zoo Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13, from 11am til 2pm each day.


The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is open daily from 10am-4pm
and is located at 1801 East Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701
(Conveniently located just off the 5 and 55 freeways)
Zoo admission is $8, $5 for kids & seniors, under 3 is free.
Parking is Free!

Rango Game

The new Rango movie is out, and there are some really cool lizards and other critters in this movie...

Rango is a chameleon who always dreamed of becoming a hero like in the movies.  When he wakes up in the position to save a town from the wild west he realizes that he can prove everyone that he is really brave.

We have some really cool reptiles at the  Santa Ana Zoo and, if you come visit them and play the Rango scavenger hunt game, you'll get a really special prize from the ILM Studio folks and the Rango movie!

Here's how it works:

1- Come to the Zoo during regular hours and ask the ticket booth for your Rango game card.

2- As you adventure around the Zoo, look for the answers to the 3 reptile questions on your game card. 
(Hint: the answers are the proper name of the animal found on the green signs at the critter exhibits)

3- Answer the questions on the card.

4- Take your completed card to the Treetop Toys gift store and if it's correct, you'll get a prize from the people at ILM Studio.  It's that easy!
(Be sure to tell them where you heard about it: Facebook or Twitter)

Visit the Santa Ana Zoo and play the Rango game, and go see Rango in theaters beginning March 4!

(All prizes are provided by ILM.  Offer valid only while supplies last.)

New Home for Camels at the Zoo!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 17, 2011

Contact: Cathi Decker

Executive Director

(714) 953-8555 x11

cdecker@fosaz.org

Camel Enclosure at the Zoo

built by Eagle Scout Candidate

SANTA ANA, CA – The camels at the Santa Ana Zoo needed a rain and shade structure for their new camel exhibit. Mariah and Lou Lou are Dromedary (one hump) camels who have been at the Zoo since last summer.  The camels are very popular with Zoo guests, but they needed an appropriate shelter for bad weather.  During the rainy months, they can get very dirty and muddy. 

Hayden Hall, Eagle Scout Candidate, took on the project with gusto!  He grew up near the Zoo and has fond memories of his visits.  When asked he said, “there was no doubt where I would do my Eagle Project” when this opportunity came up.  He recruited, coordinated and organized volunteers to design and construct the 12-foot tall, 450-square-foot rain and shade structure that complies with the AZA and USDA requirements.  Hayden was singularly responsible for all of the fundraising to cover the costs of the materials as well.

Hayden Hall is with Boy Scout Troop 36 and completed the project on Feb. 15, 2011 in hopes to qualify for the coveted Eagle Scout status. 

The camels are currently enjoying their new “oasis,” and can be seen during regular Zoo hours.

The Zoo is open daily from 10:00am-4:00pm. Maps and general admission information are available on the Zoo’s website at www.santaanazoo.org. 
If you would like to become a member of the Zoo, please call (714) 953-8555 x13 or visit our website. 

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Stork Visits the Santa Ana Zoo!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 17, 2011

Contact: Cathi Decker
FOSAZ Executive Director

(714) 953-8555 x11

cdecker@fosaz.org

 

Stork Visits Santa Ana Zoo!

The "Home of the 50 Monkeys" in Orange County now has a brand new monkey baby!

SANTA ANA, CA – The Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park is pleased to announce the birth of a silvery langur (trachypithecus cristatus) on the 10th of February, 2011. The proud parents are Oliver and Daria. The yet to be named baby is the first offspring of this pair. Mom, dad and baby can be found at home in the primate area at the Zoo.

 

Photo by Ethan Fisher

 

Bright orange at birth with pale skin, over the first three to five months of life silvery langurs change to a grayish coat with a darker face and hands, and eventually weighing up to fifteen pounds. Silvery langurs are at home in the dense tropical forests of Indonesia and Malaysia where they are considered near threatened with a decreasing population mostly due to land clearance, often for palm oil plantations. Silvery langurs are specialist leaf eaters with a digestive system adapted to ferment the tough cellulose material in leaves. With a diet high in vegetation, langurs will sit quietly for many hours digesting their food.

The Santa Ana Zoo has housed silvery langurs since 1984, and holds the longevity record for this species with a female reaching over 35 years of age. 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. The mission of the AZA Species Survival Plan Programs is to manage and conserve select threatened or endangered, ex situ populations through the cooperation of AZA-accredited Zoos and Aquariums.

The new baby is on view for the public 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.

 

Photo by Ethan Fisher

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