The Santa Ana Zoo is a mid-sized zoological park located in Santa Ana, California, United States. Established in 1952, the zoo is notable for its specialized focus on primates, reflecting the unique conditions of its founding. It spans approximately 20 acres (8 hectares) within Prentice Park and is operated by the City of Santa Ana.
History 📜
The zoo traces its origins to a land donation by Joseph Prentice, a local citrus grower and philanthropist. Prentice’s donation came with a unique stipulation: the zoo must always house at least 50 monkeys, or the land would revert to his heirs. This requirement shaped the zoo’s identity as a primate-focused facility.
The zoo officially opened to the public in 1952 and has since expanded its exhibits, attractions, and conservation efforts while retaining its distinctive emphasis on monkeys and other primates.
Exhibits and Attractions 🦁🐆🦜
The Santa Ana Zoo houses over 350 animals representing more than 80 species, with an emphasis on animals from Central and South America.
Notable Exhibits
- Amazon’s Edge 🌿: A lush habitat featuring howler monkeys, giant anteaters, and other South American species.
- Tierra de las Pampas 🐆: Focused on grassland wildlife such as guanacos and giant anteaters.
- Monkey Row 🐒: A collection of primate exhibits honoring the zoo’s founding requirement.
- Conservation Carrousel 🎠: A carousel with hand-carved, endangered animal figures, serving as both entertainment and education.
- Zoofari Express Adventure Train 🚂: A miniature train ride around the park, popular among families.
Conservation and Education 🌍📚
The Santa Ana Zoo participates in conservation and educational initiatives, both locally and globally:
- Member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), ensuring high standards of animal care.
- Supports Species Survival Plans (SSPs) for endangered animals.
- Offers educational programs, camps, and outreach activities to schools and community groups, emphasizing biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
Visitor Information 🎟️
- Location: Prentice Park, Santa Ana, California
- Size: ~20 acres
- Annual Visitors: Around 270,000 per year
- Special Events: Includes family festivals, Earth Day celebrations, and “Boo at the Zoo” during Halloween.
Cultural and Regional Significance 🏙️
The Santa Ana Zoo is a cultural landmark for Orange County, providing an accessible and affordable zoological experience for families. Its unique focus on primates and dedication to conservation distinguishes it from larger Southern California zoos, such as the Los Angeles Zoo and San Diego Zoo.
Last Updated on 2 weeks by pinc