Play "The Nut Job" movie Game at the Santa Ana Zoo!

Play "The Nut Job" movie Game at the Santa Ana Zoo!

Come play "The Nut Job" Scavenger Hunt at the Zoo!

The new "The Nut Job" movie is out, and and we love movies that feature animals...  All kinds of animals.

It's been a while since we did a game here, so come to the Zoo and play the new "The Nut Job" scavenger hunt game!

Surly, a curmudgeon, independent squirrel is banished from his park and forced to survive in the city. Lucky for him, he stumbles on the one thing that may be able to save his life, and the rest of park community, as they gear up for winter - Maury's Nut Store.
 

Our animals may not all be nut lovers, but we do have some really unique and special animals right here at the Santa Ana Zoo and, if you come visit them and play "The Nut Job" scavenger hunt game, you'll get some cool stuff from our partners, the folks at "The Nut Job" movie!

Here's how it works:

1- Come to the Zoo during regular hours and ask the ticket booth or the membership kiosk for your "The Nut Job" game card.

2- As you adventure around the Zoo, look for the answers to the 4 animal questions on your game card. 
3- Answer the questions on your game card by correctly identifying the animals in the pictures, and write in your answers.

4- Take your completed card to the Treetop Toys gift store and if it's correct, you'll get a prize.  It's that easy!

(Be sure to tell them where you heard about it: Facebook or Twitter)

 

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

Visit the Santa Ana Zoo and play "The Nut Job" game, and go see "The Nut Job" in theaters now!

Follow the Santa Ana Zoo on Facebook and Twitter!

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

www.santaanazoo.org

Play the Madagascar 3 Game at the Santa Ana Zoo!

Come play the Madagascar 3 Scavenger Hunt at the Zoo!

The new Madagascar 3D movie is out, and and we love movies that feature animals...  All kinds of animals.

It's been a while since we did a game here, so come to the Zoo and play the new Madagascar 3 scavenger hunt game!

Alex, Marty, Gloria, and Melman are still trying to get back to the Big Apple and their beloved Central Park zoo, but first they need to find the penguins. They travel to Monte Carlo where they attract the attention of Animal Control after gate crashing a party and are joined by the penguins, King Julian and Co., the monkeys and a new arrival: a performing llama. How do a lion, zebra, hippo, giraffe, four penguins, two monkeys, three lemurs and a llama travel through Europe without attracting attention? They find the perfect cover: a traveling circus, which they reinvent - Madagascar style.

Our animals may not all be from Madagascar, but we do have some really unique and special animals right here at the Santa Ana Zoo and, if you come visit them and play the Madagascar 3 scavenger hunt game, you'll get some cool stuff from our partners, the folks at Dreamworks Studios and the  Madagascar 3 movie!

Here's how it works:

1- Come to the Zoo during regular hours and ask the ticket booth or the membership kiosk for your Madagascar 3 game card.

2- As you adventure around the Zoo, look for the answers to the 4 animal 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 your game card by correctly identifying the animals in the pictures, and write in your answers.

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 Dreamworks Studio.  It's that easy!

(Be sure to tell them where you heard about it: Facebook or Twitter)

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

Visit the Santa Ana Zoo and play the Madagascar 3 game, and go see Madagascar 3 in theaters beginning June 8!

Follow the Santa Ana Zoo on Facebook and Twitter!

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

www.santaanazoo.org

Endangered Monkey Born at Santa Ana Zoo!

Crested Capuchin monkey born at the Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park!

The Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park is pleased to announce the birth of a rare Crested Capuchin monkey (Cebus robustus) on the 7th of May, 2012. 
The Crested Capuchin is considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and this birth is an important contribution to the conservation program established in North America. 

 

Photo by Ethan Fisher

The new infant is the third birth of this species at the Santa Ana Zoo.
Crested Capuchin monkeys are a medium sized primate native to rapidly disappearing forests along the Atlantic coast of Brazil. In the wild, Capuchins feed on a wide variety of fruits, insects, seeds, leaves, and even small mammals. 

Zookeeper Dina Orbison says “it is immensely gratifying to participate in this international effort and to educate our visitors about such unique and inquisitive animals”.  In 2001 members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums worked with the Primate Center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the Brazilian government to bring seven crested capuchins to the United States to form the nucleus of a captive breeding program. The North American population remains on a special loan from the Brazilian Institute of Environment.

 

Photo by Ethan Fisher

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.

Get Ready for Summer Concerts at the Santa Ana Zoo!

The 2012 Summer concert series at the Santa Ana Zoo is coming!

The Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo are proud to present the 2012 "Blues at the Zoo" and "Sunset at the Zoo" summer concerts!

"Blues at the Zoo"

The "Blues at the Zoo" series will return to the Zoo 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 10 - Bernie Pearl 
  The Blues is life itself to Bernie Pearl. A guitarist with an upbeat, finger-poppin' picking style he learned at the elbows of bluesmasters Sam 'Lightnin' Hopkins, Mance Lipscomb, Mississippi Fred MacDowell, as well as with Freddie King, Albert Collins, and Big Mama Thornton. Bernie played duets with John Lee Hooker at Gerde's Folk City in Greenwich Village.
  Bernie will be doing an acoustic set of classic Blues, and  bassist Mike Barry will be joining him for this show.

June 24 - Babylon Blues
   Babylon Blues performs Vintage, Chicago, and Delta Blues.
  The band features Willie "RoughHouse" Hernandez on Vocals & Harp, Phil "T-Bird" Terrones on Guitars, Paul "the Painter" Dominguez on Bass, Brent Barnum on Drums, and Johnny Bjorge at the Keyboards.
July 15 - The Moneymaker$

  The Moneymaker$ combine old school blues and a little electric guitar for something a little fresh.  The band is Jason Stanphill - Lead Guitar/ Lead Vocals, Kirk Bailey - Bass Guitar/ Vocals, and Santino Ramos on Drums and Vocals.

The "Blues at the Zoo" concerts are included with your regular Zoo admission, and are sponsored by Knowlwoods Cafe at the Zoo.

"Sunset at the Zoo"
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.

 

June 10 - The Crazy Boots Band with special guest Chris Luna.

Kick up your heels on a Sunday afternoon at the Zoo and two step to the beat of the Crazy Boots Band.  They're a little bit country, and a little bit rock and roll, and there's a special surprise in store as Chris Luna joins them onstage for one of the coolest shows ever.

The June 10 show will also have a special "Brew at the Zoo" tasting event with Old Orange Brewing Company.   For a small donation to the Zoo, sample local handmade craft beers.

June 24 - The Mighty Mojo Prophets 
Rip Cat Records recording artists The Mighty Mojo Prophets have just released their first label CD, and they're heading to Memphis for the Blues Music Awards where they were nominated for the "Best New Album Debut".  The Mojo Prophets will be coming back to the Zoo to show Orange County what the Blues and Jump Swing are all about.

The June 24 show will also have a special "South of the Border" tasting event with Alquimia Tequila .   For a small donation to the Zoo, sample award winning USDA Certified Organic Tequila.

 

July 15 - The Fabulous Peggie Perkins
A perennial favorite here at the Zoo, Peggie Perkins brings a mix of standards, jazz,  and classics.  Every one of Peggie's concerts is fronted with an an a-list band  and is an interactive experience that'll have you tapping your toes, singing along, or dancing in the aisles.
 For this show the band features Grammy nominated Keyboardist Llew Matthews, Mark Visher on the Saxophone, and Jimmy Ford on the Drums.

 

Check out a Vodka tasting at this show.  For a small donation to the Zoo, sample award winning, handmade in the USA Vodka from Tito's Vodka.

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.  

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. 
All proceeds from these shows go to the Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo (a 501c3 nonprofit) and stay right here in the Zoo for new animals and exhibits, animal enrichment, Zoo programs, and other Zoo improvements.  

"Sunset at the Zoo" is Sponsored by:

               

The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is located at 1801 East Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA, 92701  (conveniently located just off the 5 fwy)

    

Save the dates now for these "Blues at the Zoo" and "Sunset at the Zoo" shows:

Sunday, June 10 

"Blues at the Zoo"      2-4 pm, featuring   Bernie Pearl

"Sunset at the Zoo"   5:30-7:30 pm featuring 

The Crazy Boots Band with special guest Chris Luna
  

Sunday, June 24 

"Blues at the Zoo" 2-4 pm, featuring  Babylon Blues 

"Sunset at the Zoo"   5:30-7:30 pm featuring 
The Mighty Mojo Prophets

Sunday, July 15

"Blues at the Zoo" 2-4 pm, featuring  The Moneymaker$

"Sunset at the Zoo"   5:30-7:30 pm featuring 
Peggie Perkins and her All Star Band

For info on other shows, see our Facebook Page or our Myspace event page at 

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 

IMPORTANT ZOO CONSTRUCTION NOTICE!

***Partial Zoo Closure during Construction of new Walkways - Monday April 16 through Sunday April 29***

The Santa Ana Zoo is getting new walkways as part of a construction project beginning Monday, April 16, to replace all of the zoo’s old asphalt paths.  As a result, a large portion of the zoo will be closed from Monday, April 16, through Sunday, April 29.   Because all of the exhibits in the main zoo will have brand new walkways, the back area will need to be closed during construction for public safety.

The front areas of the zoo not affected by the construction (the Crean Family Farm, the Exploration Outpost activity center, playground, gift shop, Knowlwood Café, maze, Zoofari Express train ride and the Conservation Carrousel) will remain open to the public during the construction project.

The existing asphalt walkways in the zoo are many years old and in poor condition.   There are large cracks from tree roots and uneven surfaces throughout the walkways. The uneven walkway conditions have been noted in the last two Association of Zoos & Aquariums accreditation inspection reports as being inadequate.  The new paths will be smoother and easier for strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers, making sure all pathways are ADA compliant and a good, smooth walk for seniors.

During the two weeks of construction, the existing walkways will be pulverized to provide a base for the new layer.  Reusing the old asphalt significantly reduces the amount of material that would normally go to a landfill.  This "green" process is important to us as part of the Zoo's overall messaging on recycling and conservation of resources.

Deferred maintenance is an issue for many cities during these trying economic times and in Santa Ana, it's no different.  The city has not been able to do this project for several years, and the process of patching and repairing the walkways was no longer satisfactory.  The city turned to the Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo, who were happy to take on this challenge, and secured a grant for $75,000 to cover all of the costs of the project.  The city's Public Works department will do the project management.

We apologize for any inconvenience to our guests during this time.

During the closure of the main zoo exhibits, the front of the zoo will remain open so visitors that do come can see the Family Farm animals, ride the carrousel and train, and visit the gift shop and Knowlwood Café. 

During the construction process, the zoo will charge only $1 admission for everyone 3 years and older.

Here is an approximate map of the construction:  You can see that the Crean Family Farm, Jaguar Maze, Exploration Outpost, Conservation Carousel, Zoofari Express Train, Knowlwoods Cafe, Treetop Toys Gift Store, Playground, and the amphitheater are expected to be open.

Admission will be only $1 for the duration of the construction.

Thank you for pardoning our dust and bearing with us through this very necessary construction, and we'll be reopening the full Zoo at the end of the month with some new and exciting things.

Look for general Zoo information and other important notices, schedules, etc. on our website at:

www.santaanazoo.org

  
and follow the Santa Ana Zoo on Facebook and Twitter!

 

Santa Ana Zoo's 60th Birthday!

The Santa Ana Zoo is having a birthday party, and you're all invited!

 

Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, March 11, 11am-2pm, will be two big days of fun at the Santa Ana Zoo as we celebrate the Zoo's 60th birthday.  There will be lots of games, music, dancing, and lots of other fun stuff.

 - Del Oro Pacific modular train club will have a giant model train display

 

 - Games and Crafts for the kids

 - The OC Guardettes and Images Dance Studio will perform

 - SAZOO, our monkey mascot, will be there to see all his friends

 - 50's themed music

 - Birthday cake sponsored by Knowlwoods Cafe (while it lasts!)

 - Lots of fun for all ages!

Come see just how far this little Zoo has come in the past 60 years!

Saturday and Sunday, March 10 and 11, 11am-2pm each day.  

Birthday Cake celebration at 12:30.

 

In 1949, J.E. Prentice donated 12 acres of his citrus ranch to Santa Ana for a park. With this donation, he stipulated that the city must keep at least 50 monkeys at all times.

In the meantime, the city had realized the need for a park in that area, and had formed the Santa Ana City Memorial Park Committee. They gladly accepted Mr. Prentice's generous gift and began preparations for the new park.

At the same time, a young man named Jack Lynch was growing up in Orange County.  Jack spent most of his teen years collecting animals and learning about trapping and training birds and other animals of prey, and studied drafting to learn to design and build different kinds of cages.  When he heard of plans for Prentice Park, he immediately went to City Hall to ask for a job designing and building the cages for the animals.  He was given a job that turn into his life's work.

On March 8 1952, The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park was born and the Zoo opened to the public.

The Zoo now receives over 270,000 visitors annually, and its staff and volunteers are committed to providing education and entertainment that makes this Zoo something that J.E. Prentice would have been proud to see.

  

 
The Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park is located at:
1801 Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701.  (conveniently located just off the 5 fwy.)
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. 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and become a fan of the Santa Ana Zoo.

Baby Boom at the Santa Ana Zoo has Visitors ‘oohing’ and ‘aahing’!

Another new baby monkey is born at the Santa Ana Zoo!

No, you’re not seeing double, the Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park is pleased to announce the birth of the second Silvery Langur (Trachypithecus cristatus) this year. Born on the 22nd of February, 2012, the baby and its parents, Ripley and Oliver, are doing fine. 

This bright orange baby monkey joins the Zoo’s other baby langur born on January 31st. Both babies share the same father but have different mothers.  Silvery Langur monkeys are born bright orange and turn silver-gray starting at about three to five months old.  Mature Silvery Langurs weigh around 15 pounds when fully grown.  In the wild, this monkey lives in the tropical forests of Indonesia and Malaysia where they are threatened by deforestation.

 photo by Ethan Fisher

Zoo attendance has increased due to the crowds of people coming to see the first new baby. “Our visitors have been flabbergasted when they see two orange babies instead of one,” says Kent Yamaguchi, Zoo Director.   The first baby born in January has already started to venture away from its mother and has been seen investigating this new addition to the family.  “Zoos are important places where people can learn about the need to conserve these amazing creatures. The color change of the baby Langur monkeys is just one example of the remarkable animals that share our earth,” says Yamaguchi. 

The new Langurs are a tremendous boost to the Silvery Langur population in North America that currently numbers approximately 50 animals.   This birth at the Santa Ana Zoo was a collaborative effort with 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. 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and become a fan of the Santa Ana Zoo.

STORK VISITS SANTA ANA ZOO!

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

The Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park is pleased to announce the birth of a Silvery Langur (Trachypithecus cristatus) on the 31st of January, 2012. The proud parents are Oliver and Daria. The yet to be named baby is the second offspring of this pair. Mom, dad and baby can be found at home in the primate area at the zoo.

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 birth at the Santa Ana Zoo and was a collaborative effort with 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.

Photo by Ethan Fisher

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.