July 7, 2021: Santa Ana Zoo Celebrates Ring-Tailed Lemur's Milestone Birthday!
Happy 35th Isaac!
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.
June 24, 2021: See the "Animal Crackers" from Heimlich's Chew Chew Train on the Santa Ana Zoo's Train Ride
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays!
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.
November 24, 2020: Santa Ana ZOO is OPEN! Local Neighborhood Zoo Open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
The Santa Ana Zoo, "Home of the 50 Monkeys," announced that it is open as an outdoor experience from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Parking is free. Zoo Members and children under age 3 are also free. Adults are just $12 each and Children ages (3-12) are just $9 each. You came as a kid, now come back with yours!
"For 68 years The Santa Ana Zoo has remained one of Southern California's most memorable places for families and friends to come together, enjoy wildlife and learn about conservation and the wonders of nature,” says FOSAZ Executive Director Cathi Decker. "We are thrilled to share our outdoor experience and unique animals with the community."
Also a scientific study shows that a zoo visit is good for your health. Walking through a zoo can elicit positive changes in physiological and psychological measures of health and well-being of visitors. The study titled "Changes in human health parameters associated with an immersive exhibit experience at a zoological institution" was published on April 17, 2020 by St. Louis Zoo researchers. The evidence from the study supports the role of zoos and other green spaces in providing health benefits to zoo visitors. "We need the human-animal-nature bond to ensure public health," noted Dr. Deem, senior author of the study. The study shows how blood pressure, tension levels, energy and happiness all improve from a walk through a zoo with natural space and encounters with animals. So the next time you are planning an outing, think about improving your health by visiting the Santa Ana Zoo for a beautiful stroll through lush green walkways and the amazing feeling of looking into one of our majestic animals, like the howler monkey, anteater or guanaco.
The Zoo is taking all the precautions and measures to make sure that your visit will be safe. Social distancing, hand sanitizing stations and facial masks will be in effect to protect each other and the animals.
August 24, 2018: Santa Ana Zoo's Master Plan is Empowering the Community to Help Save Wildlife and Wild Spaces Less than a year into his role, Santa Ana Zoo Director Ethan Fisher and his team are bringing a new energy, look and landscape to the Home of the 50 Monkeys
The Santa Ana Zoo is pleased to announce the next phase of its "master plan," which is supported and funded by the City of Santa Ana, as well as volunteers, donors and Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ), is well underway.
Under the guidance of its new Zoo Director Ethan Fisher, the family-friendly zoo is continuing to enhance and expand its 20-acre, stroller and wheelchair accessible urban forest. Among the new family-fun features for guests to enjoy are the Fifty-Monkey Ferris Wheel and the Dung Beetle Maze. A new series of education curriculum for local Scout Groups, as well as schools and community organizations, has also been developed. Additionally, new and remodeled habitats are in design for many of its existing residence including the endangered golden lion tamarins and the black-and-white Colobus monkeys. In preparation for its 15th Anniversary, the Crean Family Farm is scheduled for some additional TLC early next year.
"With a ton of heart and a tremendous amount of support, focus and fundraising, we've set out to accomplish a lot with our 20-year master plan, and the positive response we continue to receive is incredibly motivating and rewarding," noted Fisher. "With the help of our staff, guests, FOSAZ members, musicians, sponsors and local breweries, we raised more than $20,000 dollars for our growing golden-lion tamarin family during our summer concert series. Our next big fundraiser is our black-tie gala - Zoofari - which takes place tomorrow, August 25th and will be emceed by KTLA 5's Henry DiCarlo. We are in a good groove and for all the right reasons, making it a great time to be involved and stay involved with the Santa Ana Zoo."
Adding to all the positive buzz around Santa Ana, the small and growing local zoo is also gearing up to welcome new animal residents including a number of giant river otters set to arrive in 2019, as well as several domestic farm animals and likely a healthy handful of amphibians and reptiles. Additional builds and enhancements included within the Santa Ana Zoo's $70 million-dollar, 20-year master plan are:
A new veterinary hospital
A series of primate trails soaring over the Zoo for added animal enrichment and an immersive guest experience
The addition of Bean Sprouts, a healthy, organic eatery onsite at the Zoo
A new entry plaza and improved parking
Additional participation in local, national and world-wide conservation projects
"Ethan is an amazing Zoo Director, and his enthusiasm for the good of the animals and the experience of our guests is contagious and shared by his staff, our volunteers, FOSAZ and the City of Santa Ana," said Cathi Decker, director of FOSAZ. "We are thrilled to see the Santa Ana Zoo's master plan come to life and witness the smiles shared and the memories being made across all the generations who are enjoying the Zoo and sharing in our efforts to save and continuously protect the world's wild life and wild places."
Fisher was appointed Zoo Director in January 2018, and has been part of the Santa Ana Zoo's team since 1998 when he first joined as a volunteer.
The Santa Ana Zoo is home to more than 150 animals including more than 60 primates, giant anteaters, a rescued bald eagle, a binturong, more than 20 species of birds, as well as several near threatened and endangered species such as the golden lion tamarin, the ring-tailed lemur, the white-handed gibbon, the golden poison dart frog and the beautiful margay and incredibly agile ocelot cats.
"FIFTY MONKEY FERRIS WHEEL" OPENS AT THE SANTA ANA ZOO
on Saturday May 26! The 64-Foot Ferris Wheel at the Santa Ana Zoo will Soar Up in the Air Carrying a Projected 65,000 Riders Every Year!
Cathi Decker, Executive Director of Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ), announced the Grand Opening of the "Fifty Monkey" Ferris Wheel at the Zoo for Saturday May 26. It is the first Zoo in the United States to put in a permanent thatched-roof style wheel. Nestled between the Zoofari Express Train and the Conservational Carrousel, the Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel is the perfect addition for this local Zoo, providing a total of three child-friendly attractions to be shared and enjoyed by all ages. The ribbon cutting will be at 11 AM.
The 64-foot Wheel soars at the entrance to the Crean Family Farm, placing a signature stamp onto this family favorite area. The Wheel is expected to welcome as many as 65,000 happy riders per year, which, together with the Train and Carrousel, will generate a projected game-changing gross income total of close to one million dollars annually. Executive Director Cathi Decker applied calculations based on the "synergy of three" (incremental ride increases based on a study of when three rides are aligned together) to compute these numbers. Net revenue will be used for Zoo improvements which enhance the Zoo for visitors and its animal residents alike.
Uniquely designed to spotlight the Santa Ana Zoo's Fifty Monkey heritage, each fully-contained gondola features a unique endangered monkey, furthering the Zoo's dedication to the education of environmental conservation through the preservation of endangered species. Educational graphics telling the story of Joseph Prentice and the Zoo's requirement to house fifty monkeys at all times in order to maintain the land are found along the loading queue-line walkway.
"Having been a part of Friends of Santa Ana Zoo for over seventeen years, the Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel at the Santa Ana Zoo is one of the most exciting undertakings I have been part of," said FOSAZ Director of Operations, Kevin Jackson. "This attraction is sure to become a great community icon, serving families from all over Orange County and beyond for many years to come. I consider it a privilege to be part of the team bringing this beautiful Wheel to our community and am enjoying seeing the first riders' smiling faces as they go around!"
Built by best-in-class manufacturer and Ferris wheel innovator, CHANCE Inc., the Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel is engineered for long-term safety and success.
"FOSAZ would like to thank Larry Breitenstein and CHANCE Inc. for designing and manufacturing a thatched-roof, century-style Wheel that blends in seamlessly with the Zoo's thematic elements. FOSAZ would also like to thank Gordon Nelson, Vice President and Joseph Gehley, Vice President of U.S. Bank for helping us to acquire the loan needed to fund the construction and the building of the Wheel to be paid off in seven years," added Executive Director Cathi Decker.
The Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel is open 7 days a week, 365 days per year (except on severe weather days) from 11 AM to 4 PM on the weekends; and 11 AM to 2 PM on the weekdays. Rides last approximately 10 minutes. During special events, the Wheel will stay open for longer hours. The Santa Ana Zoo is home to more than 260 animals, including 60 of the most interesting and engaging monkeys and several endangered species, like the golden lion tamarins. The Zoo is open daily from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. The Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park is located at 1801 Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
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.
The 64-foot Wheel soars at the entrance to the Crean Family Farm, placing a signature stamp onto this family favorite area. The Wheel is expected to welcome as many as 65,000 happy riders per year, which, together with the Train and Carrousel, will generate a projected game-changing gross income total of close to one million dollars annually. Executive Director Cathi Decker applied calculations based on the "synergy of three" (incremental ride increases based on a study of when three rides are aligned together) to compute these numbers. Net revenue will be used for Zoo improvements which enhance the Zoo for visitors and its animal residents alike.
"Having been a part of Friends of Santa Ana Zoo for over seventeen years, the Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel at the Santa Ana Zoo is one of the most exciting undertakings I have been part of," said FOSAZ Director of Operations, Kevin Jackson. "This attraction is sure to become a great community icon, serving families from all over Orange County and beyond for many years to come. I consider it a privilege to be part of the team bringing this beautiful Wheel to our community and am enjoying seeing the first riders' smiling faces as they go around!"
Built by best-in-class manufacturer and Ferris wheel innovator, CHANCE Inc., the Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel is engineered for long-term safety and success.
"FOSAZ would like to thank Larry Breitenstein and CHANCE Inc. for designing and manufacturing a thatched-roof, century-style Wheel that blends in seamlessly with the Zoo's thematic elements. FOSAZ would also like to thank Gordon Nelson, Vice President and Joseph Gehley, Vice President of U.S. Bank for helping us to acquire the loan needed to fund the construction and the building of the Wheel to be paid off in seven years," added Executive Director Cathi Decker.
The Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel is open 7 days a week, 365 days per year (except on severe weather days) from 11 AM to 4 PM on the weekends; and 11 AM to 2 PM on the weekdays. Rides last approximately 10 minutes. During special events, the Wheel will stay open for longer hours. The Santa Ana Zoo is home to more than 260 animals, including 60 of the most interesting and engaging monkeys and several endangered species, like the golden lion tamarins. The Zoo is open daily from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. The Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park is located at 1801 Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701.