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"Winter Wonderland" at the Santa Ana Zoo featuring "Holidays with the Critters"

Come one, come all to our annual holiday family festival, "Winter Wonderland" and celebrate the most festive time of the year during Holidays at the Santa Ana Zoo from Dec. 1-31 at the Santa Ana Zoo, located at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.

Each one of us has holiday memories we cherish as parents, grandparents or friends, we honor our traditions and celebrations for one very special reason--to bring together the people we love and to create happy memories with them. Now is the time to get into the holiday spirit and plan a visit to the Santa Ana Zoo during this special time. See the beautiful decorations and enjoy the animals. Behold the magical decorations, faerie lights, and falling snow as you enter the park! You will relive the magic at Santa's Workshop, Sweet Shop and Post Office, as you notice the hand-made and designed decorations made out of 3-dimensional wood and individually painted. Experience the Zoofari Express and Conservation Carrousel lit up in their full holiday regale. After you gaze at the antics of the ever-mischievous monkeys, you can escape into another world at the Tierra de las Pampas Grasslands and rejoice the birth of the newborn anteater!

Join us for a special evening, Holidays with the Critters on Saturday Dec. 15 from 5:30-8 PM. Price is $6 for General Admission and $3 for Members. The Zoo entrance and Farm area will feature live entertainment, exciting animal shows, sparkling lights and holiday decorations, games, holiday storytelling, fun interactive crafts, five "treat" stations with big prizes including an additional "prize" station. Conservation Carrousel and Zoofari Express Train Rides will be available for $3 each, and combo tickets for $5 each. Surprise your loved ones with animal themed gifts in our Treetop Toys Gift Shop and give the gift of a Membership for a full 12 months of family enjoyment at the Santa Ana Zoo! The Zoo is open daily from 10:00am-4:00pm. If you would like to become a Member of the Zoo, please call (714) 953-8555 x13. You can also join us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/SantaAnaZoo and Facebook at www.facebook.com/Santa.Ana.Zoo.


Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park presents ZOOFARI 2012

On Saturday, August 25, 2012, from 5:30 PM-midnight, the Friends of Santa Ana Zoo, a non-profit organization, hosts the 20th annual Zoofari fundraising black-tie gala with a 1920's theme entitled "Cats Meow." Zoofari takes place at one of the most inspiring venues in Orange County, the Santa Ana Zoo.

The evening includes free valet parking underwritten by Villa Ford, a fully hosted bar, delicious hors d'oeuvres, nifty entertainment, a "Roarin' Ricky's" bathtub gin-style signature drink, photo opportunity in a paddy-wagon, 1920's-themed decorations by R.W.B. Party Props, and live and silent auctions. Glen Fladeboe, our prestigious auctioneer, leads the live auction, which is followed by a fully catered sit-down dinner from Parties by Panache, and concludes with dancing to "Soundbytes." Co-chairs and emcees for the evening are OC Register columnist Frank Mickadeit and contributing columnist Barbara Venezia.

This year's Zoofari is the final fundraiser for the brand new ocelot exhibit, "Wild Cats of El Bosque Verde" (Wild Cats of the Green Forest). Ocelots are "exotic" wild cats from South America which are often described as "miniature cheetahs." There are currently only 26 Brazilian ocelots in the United States. Scientists hope to increase that number to 120 in captivity by the year 2025. FOSAZ and Zoofari have played an intricate role in funding the continuing upgrades and improvements for the Santa Ana Zoo.

At 5:45 PM there will be a special "Wild Cats of El Bosque Verde" Ocelot Exhibit Location "Reveal." This will be the first time the public will be able to see the selected location where the ocelots will be housed before it is built. Drawings and designs of the new exhibit will be on display and available for filming and photography.

Reservations are required. Marketing sponsorships and program ads are available. Tickets are $225.00 per person, or tables may be purchased for $2,250.00 for tables of 10. To find out more about this important fundraising event, sponsorship opportunities, or to reserve your seats, call (714) 953-8555 x10.

  • History of Zoo & Zoofari 2012, Patti Mickey
  • Zoofari 2011 Sizzle Reel


    Santa Ana Zoo Celebrates 20th Anniversary of ZOOFARI 2012
    Fundraiser will Help Raise Funds for Brazilian Ocelot Exhibit

    On Saturday, August 25, 2012, from 5:30 PM-midnight, the Friends of Santa Ana Zoo, a non-profit organization, celebrates the 20th annual Zoofari fundraising black-tie gala, with the a 1920's theme "Cat's Meow." The event will be at the Santa Ana Zoo during one of Southern California's hot summer nights.

    Special honorees this year are Mark and Shio Hui Harrison; Lucille and Mike Harrison; David Exline and Amos Bracero. They were instrumental in bringing the Pavement of Progress team together by meeting with designers, contractors and architects. This project resulted in the pathways and service roads at the Santa Ana Zoo to be eco-friendly and also provide improved accessibility for disabled guests and guests requiring mobile assistance.

    Co-chairs and emcees for the evening are OC Register columnist Frank Mickadeit and contributing columnist Barbara Venezia.

    This year Zoofari is continuing to raise money for a pair of Brazilian ocelots. Ocelots are "exotic" wild cats from South America often described as "miniature cheetahs." There are currently only 26 Brazilian ocelots in the United States. Scientists hope to increase that number to 120 in captivity by the year 2025.

    At 5:45pm, a special "reveal" of the Ocelot location where the exhibit "Wild Cats of El Bosque Verde" (Wild Cats of the Green Forest) will be housed. This will be the first time the public will be able to see the exhibit location before it is built. Photo, Video and interview opportunities will be available (see below for visuals list).

    The evening includes valet parking underwritten by Villa Ford, a fully hosted bar, hors d'oeuvres, entertainment, a "Bathtub Gin" style signature drink, photo opportunity in a paddy-wagon, 1920s-themed decorations by R.W.B. Party Props, and live and silent auctions. Glen Fladeboe, is the honored host for the live auction, followed by a fully catered sit-down dinner by Parties by Panache and dancing to "Soundbytes."

    Reservations are required. Marketing sponsorships and program ads are available. For reservations and information, contact The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo at (714) 953-8555 x-10.

    Video and Photo Opportunity for Press for Ocelot* Location "Reveal" - Along with the location of where the exhibit will be housed, footage and stills will be able to capture the drawings and designs of the new "Wild Cats of El Bosque Verde".

    They will show:
    • Amazon basin type atmosphere with canopy of rain forest foliage
    • Waterfalls and Water Views behind glass for a sensory experience
    • "Peek a View" activity area for children (enclosure within exhibit where kids can get up close and personal yet be protected)
    • Interactive Sand Table which will let children interact with the cats
    Interviews available:
    • Kent Yamaguchi - Director of Santa Ana Zoo
    • Cathi Decker - Executive Director of FOSAZ (Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo)
    Gala Event Information:
    ZOOFARI 2012 -"CATS MEOW"
    August 25, 2012
    5:30 PM to 12:00 AM (midnight)
    Dining, dancing, and hosted bar
    Tickets are $225.00 per person, or tables may be purchased for $2,250.00 for tables of 10.
    (714) 953-8555 x10.

    *Ocelots may or may not be available day of reveal, subject to change.


    Sunsets at the Zoo: Santa Ana Zoo's Summer Concert Series

    On Sunday June 10th, Sunday June 24th, and Sunday July 15th 2012, the Santa Ana Zoo, located at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave, will host live music performances during the beautiful California sunset. Performing June 10th, we have The Crazy Boots Band. On June 24th the performance will be by The Mighty Mojo Prophets. The third Sunset, on July 15th will be by Peggie Perkins! Bring a picnic dinner, blanket, and your family and friends to enjoy an evening of animals, music, carrousel and train rides, and art from 5:30pm-7:30pm each night. Admission is $10 per person ages 3 & up, and half-price of just $5 for Zoo Members. Children under 3 are free.

    Santa Ana Zoo will also be offering "Specialty Tasting" during the Sunsets. June 10th will be Beer Tasting; June 24th will be Tequila Tasting. The Last Sunset will be Vodka Tasting. Each tasting will be $10 donation towards the Santa Ana Zoo.

    Come early and join us for Blues at the Zoo, a live blues concert on the front lawn of the Zoo. Blues at the Zoo concerts starts at 2:00pm and ends at 4:00pm. The June 10th performance will be by Bernie Pearl, June 24th by Babylon Blues and July 15th by MoneyMaker$. The Blues concerts are the only shows included with the price of regular Zoo admission: $8 for adults, $5 for children under 3 years, and Zoo Members are free.


    Party for the Planet!

    On Saturday, April 14th, the Santa Ana Zoo, located at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave, is excited to celebrate Party for the Planet! This all-Zoo event promotes conservation and the environment and is open to the general public. Activities will take place from 11:00am-2:00pm, and is FREE with the price of admission for general public and FREE for Members.

    There will be education stations including Sea & Sage Audubon Society, Beekeepers Association, City of Santa Ana Water Department, conservation-friendly crafts, bird bingo, hands-on demonstrations and tips on recycling! 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.


    Santa Ana ZOO Celebrates 60 Years!

    On Saturday, March 10th & Sunday, March 11th 2012, the Santa Ana Zoo, home of the 50 monkeys, located at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave, is excited to celebrate its 60th birthday. The activities will take place from 11:00am-2:00pm on both days rain or shine, and the event is FREE with the price of admission for general public and FREE for Members.

    There will be spectacular train displays by Del Oro Pacific Railroad Club, birthday themed crafts, animal presentations, and entertaining puppet shows. Live entertainment will be supplied by Images Dance Company, the Guardettes, Sunshine Generation, and DJ Steve McGuigan. SAZOO will even get his 60th birthday cake, donated by the Zoo's very own Cafe in the Park, Knowlwoods!

    It's going to be the wildest birthday bash of the year and it's practically in your back yard. $3 Wristbands will be available to ride unlimited rides on the Conservation Carrousel and Zoofari Express Train from 11am-4pm.


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