Santa Ana Zoo

This Week at the Santa Ana Zoo:

Sun. Aug 25 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Sun. Aug 25 - Super Sunday Storytime takes place at the CET at 11:30am every Sunday! Start your week with a story and an animal friend. Included with admission.

Mon. Aug 26 - Leer Lunes Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Wed. Aug 28 - Wild Wednesday Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Fri. Aug. 30 - Zoo ECO Park Pop-up Program at Fisher Park (2501 N. Flower St). Come explore nature with zoo staff!

Zoo Rides- Ride Hours: Fri 11-2, Sat 11-4, Sun 11-4 Ride tickets are not included in general admission and can be purchased from the Train Depot daily.

Sat. Aug 31 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Flight! A live butterfly exhibit has fully opened. Explore daily 10:30am - 4pm, included in zoo admission. Hours are weather dependent.


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Zoofari 2024: "Port of Call" was a huge success!

Thank you to all of the attendees, underwriters, donors, staff and volunteers who helped make this event amazing!

Attendees were welcomed by our animals acting as ambassadors, to an evening of zoo access, silent and live auctions, catered food and beverages and live music for dancing the night away. All funds raised during this gala fundraiser contribute to zoo improvements including the upcoming Primate Forest rennovation.

Thank you for your continued support of the Santa Ana Zoo!

Haaaaaaaappy World Goat Day! ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

World Goat Day celebrates the intimate relationship between goats and humans which have existed for tens of thousands of years. Today, there are over 200 identified breeds (or species) of domesticated goats.

The Zoo is happy to have a herd of 7 does (female goats) representing Nubian, Nubian Saanen and La Mancha breeds. Be sure to stop by the Goat Interaction Yard in the Family Farm to say "hello"!

This Week at the Santa Ana Zoo:

Sun. Aug 18 - Santa Ana Resident Day! FREE admission for residents of Santa Ana. ID or other proof of residency is required for all adults.

Sun. Aug 18 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Sun. Aug 18 - Super Sunday Storytime takes place at the CET at 11:30am every Sunday! Start your week with a story and an animal friend. Included with admission.

Mon. Aug 19 - Creekside Storytime 10:30am at Santiago Creek ECO Center (600 E Memory Ln in Santa Ana). Meet at the Nature Center. Free and open to the public, no registration required. Program includes a nature based story and related activity (such as a mini hike, craft, or animal meet and greet).

Mon. Aug 19 - Leer Lunes Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Wed. Aug 21 - Wild Wednesday Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Zoo Rides- Ride Hours: Fri 11-2, Sat 11-4, Sun 11-4 Ride tickets are not included in general admission and can be purchased from the Train Depot daily.

Sat. Aug 24 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Flight! A live butterfly exhibit has fully opened. Explore daily 10:30am - 4pm, included in zoo admission. Hours are weather dependent.


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This Wednesday got a little wilder.... it's World Lizard Day!

World Lizard Day celebrates the diversity and importance of lizards in the world's habitats. Lizards are identified by their dry scales and presence of eyelids. Diets vary across species including leaves, fruits and insects.

Over 5000 species are identified around the world. While many lizards are kept as pets, it is vital to their survival to have proper habitat and care and fight against illegal importing.

The Santa Ana Zoo is proud to be part of helping prehelsile-tailed skinks and other lizards through our conservation and education programs.

Today is International Armadillo Day!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Did you know that there are over 20 species of armadillo around the world? Most are native to Central and South America and all are omnivores eating a combination of plants and insects.

Three-banded armadillos, like Bollito, are one of the smaller species and one of the only species that can completely roll into a ball. Their tough shell is a protective armor that helps keep armadillos safe from predators.

This Week at the Santa Ana Zoo:

Sun. Aug 11 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Sun. Aug 11 - Super Sunday Storytime takes place at the CET at 11:30am every Sunday! Start your week with a story and an animal friend. Included with admission.

Mon. Aug 12 - Leer Lunes Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Wed. Aug 14 - Wild Wednesday Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Zoo Ride Hours: Fri 11-2, Sat 11-4, Sun 11-4 Ride tickets are not included in general admission and can be purchased from the Train Depot daily.

Sat. Aug 17 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Flight! A live butterfly exhibit has fully opened. Explore daily 10:30am - 4pm, included in zoo admission. Hours are weather dependent.

Sun. Aug 18 - Santa Ana Resident Day! FREE admission for residents of Santa Ana. ID or other proof of residency required for all adults.


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Extreme makover... habitat edition!

The ring-tailed lemurs will be off exhibit while their home gets new perching and other habitat rennovations. The group will be living behind-the-scenes during the rennovations.

Habitat improvements like changing perching and planting helps us mimic the natural habitat of species and provide opportunities for animals to explore and move as they would in the wild.

Who celebrates International Cat Day every day???

Thiago the ocelot spends the day enjoying enrichment throughout his habitat.... and sleeping the day away!

Construction Alert!

Work at the groundwater treatment facility in the Zoo Overflow parking lot will affect the number of spaces available for Zoo guests.

We appreciate your patience.

This Week at the Santa Ana Zoo:

Sun. Aug 04 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Sun. Aug 04 - Super Sunday Storytime takes place at the CET at 11:30am every Sunday! Start your week with a story and an animal friend. Included with admission.

Mon. Aug 05 - Creekside Storytime 10:30am at Santiago Creek ECO Center (600 E Memory Ln in Santa Ana). Free and open to the public, no registration required. Program includes a nature based story and related activity (such as a mini hike, craft, or animal meet and greet).

Mon. Aug 05 - Leer Lunes Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Wed. Aug 07 - Wild Wednesday Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Zoo Rides- Summer Ride Hours: Wed- Fri 11-2, Sat 11-4, Sun 11-4 Ride tickets are not included in general admission and can be purchased from the Train Depot daily.

Sat. Aug 10 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Flight! A live butterfly exhibit has fully opened. Explore daily 10:30am - 4pm, included in zoo admission. Hours are weather dependent.


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Update!

In response to questions about Museums for All (SNAP/EBT) tickets:

SNAP/EBT cardholders may purchase up to four (4) reduced cost tickets per day, per visit, for $3 each.

SNAP/EBT cardholder must present a valid SNAP/EBT card and valid photo ID, and must be one of the ticketed guests.

P-EBT card, SUN Bucks cards, and WIC are not accepted for the Museums for All tickets.

Did you know?
During the month of July over 500 families enjoyed the zoo with their SNAP/EBT card!

This Week at the Santa Ana Zoo:

Sun. July 28 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Sun. July 28 - Super Sunday Storytime takes place at the CET at 11:30am every Sunday! Start your week with a story and an animal friend. Included with admission.

Mon. July 29 - Leer Lunes Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Wed. July 31 - Wild Wednesday Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Zoo Rides- Regular hours Fri 11-2, Sat 11-4, Sun 11-4 Ride tickets are not included in general admission and can be purchased from the Train Depot daily.

Sat. August 03 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Flight! A live butterfly exhibit is open! Explore daily 11am - 4pm, included in zoo admission. Hours are weather and staff dependent.


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Santa Ana, you'll always be in our hearts! 🤎

Join us for the final movie in the ’s 2024 Summer Movies in the Park series! Swing on over to the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park (1801 E. Chestnut Ave.) and don't forget to invite your friends and family and bring your lawn chairs, and blankets!☀️🌳🎞️

This Friday, July 26, enjoy a FREE screening of "Tarzan" (G). Event begins at 6 p.m. with movie beginning at dusk. FREE complimentary popcorn will be available while supplies last. 🍿

Visit www.santa-ana.org/summer-movies-series/ to learn more about summer movies and locations.

National Zookeeper Week is all about saying "thanks" and learning more about what zookeepers do for animals.

How do Animal Care staff know their animals are doing well? They ask them!

Animals at the zoo are trained to participate in their own health monitoring, including stepping on a scale. Weights are logged in addition to other observations: activity level, food consumption, waste output, and condition of coat/feathers/scales/skin. When a keeper sees something unusual, they can make adjustments to the animals' habitat or diet to make sure everything is just right.

Be sure to keep an eye out for our amazing Animal Care staff next time you visit the zoo!

It's National Zoo Keeper Week!

Shout it from the tallest trees.... THANK YOU ZOO KEEPERS!

National Zoo Keeper Week is a week set aside to promote the role that animal care professionals have on our wildlife and habitats. This year, NZKW is highlighting how great animal care and conservation efforts require great teamwork.

From daily care to contributing to world-wide conservation programs, Zoo keepers are dedicated voices for wildlife.

Join us in saying Thank You to our Animal Care staff throughout the week (and beyond)!

This Week at the Santa Ana Zoo:

Sun. July 21 - Santa Ana Resident Day! FREE admission for residents of Santa Ana. ID or other proof of residency required for all adults.

Sun. July 21 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Sun. July 21 - Super Sunday Storytime takes place at the CET at 11:30am every Sunday! Start your week with a story and an animal friend. Included with admission.

Mon. July 22 - Leer Lunes Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Wed. July 24 - Wild Wednesday Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Zoo Rides- Regular hours Fri 11-2, Sat 11-4, Sun 11-4 Ride tickets are not included in general admission and can be purchased from the Train Depot daily.

Sat. July 27 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Flight! A live butterfly exhibit is open! Explore daily 11am - 4pm, included in zoo admission. Hours are weather and staff dependent.


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There's a new face at the zoo! 🐪

Join us in welcoming "Amina" the Dromedary camel.

Amina will join Amir (aka Humphrey) in the camel habitat. Guests may see her in the side yard as Amina and Amir get used to each other's company.

At five years old, Amina is a full grown female camel. She is curious about her new home.... and Amir is equally curious about her!

Be sure to stop by to see both camels at the Zoo!
🐪🐪

Did you know.... the Santa Ana Zoo is part of MUSEUMS for ALL!

Museums for All is a national access program that encourages individuals of all backgrounds to visit museums (including zoos!) regularly and build lifelong habits for exploring. To date there are over 1300 museums participating!
The cost of admission can be a barrier for many low-income families and participating institutions provide reduced admission to visitors presenting their EBT card.

Ready to visit? Present your SNAP EBT card and photo ID at the ticket booth for regular zoo admission for $3 per person for up to 4 people.

See you at the zoo!

Sssssssssssnake day!

World Snake day is a day to celebrate snakes, learn about their amazing adaptations and raise awareness for their protection and preservation.

Snakes are found around the world in a variety of habitats. With over 3000 unique identified species, these amazing reptiles are a vital part of their ecosystems. Snakes are carnivores, feeding on small rodents and other pests. In turn, snakes are also prey for many species of birds making them an importance piece in maintaining the balance of nature.

Many cultures have different views of snakes, both positive and negative. It is important that we respect each other's point of view while also respecting the importance of snakes in nature.

Learn more about snakes in the Exploration Outpost and during an Animal Presentation next time you are at the Zoo!

Join us at the Santiago Creek ECO Center for Creekside Storytime!

Mon. July 15 - 10:30am

Santiago Creek ECO Center is located at 600 E Memory Ln in Santa Ana. (Enter at the driveway immediately after the Santiago Creek Nature Center sign.)

This program is Free and open to the public, no registration required.
Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month.

Program includes a nature based story and related activity (such as a mini hike, craft, or animal meet and greet).

This Week at the Santa Ana Zoo:

Sun. July 14 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Sun. July 14 - Super Sunday Storytime takes place at the CET at 11:30am every Sunday! Start your week with a story and an animal friend. Included with admission.

Mon. July 15 - Creekside Storytime 10:30am at Santiago Creek ECO Center (600 E Memory Ln in Santa Ana). Free and open to the public, no registration required. Program includes a nature based story and related activity (such as a mini hike, craft, or animal meet and greet).

Mon. July 15 - Leer Lunes Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Wed. July 17 - Wild Wednesday Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Zoo Rides- Regular hours Fri 11-2, Sat 11-4, Sun 11-4 Ride tickets are not included in general admission and can be purchased from the Train Depot daily.

Sat. July 20 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Flight! A live butterfly exhibit has fully opened. Explore daily 11am - 4pm, included in zoo admission. Hours are weather and staff dependent.


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Rides OPEN extended hours for the Summer!

Go for a spin on the Conservation Carrousel, explore the farm and grasslands on the Zoofari Express Train or catch the best view in the zoo from the 50 Monkeys Ferris Wheel!

Extended Hours:

Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 11am -2pm
Saturdays and Sundays 11am - 4pm

Ride Tickets:

$1.50 each ticket
Carrousel 2 tickets to ride
Train and Ferria Wheel 4 tickets to ride

Discounted ticket books available for Zoo members.

Have you heard of Plastic Free July???

This global movement encourages people to give up single-use plastics. Why? Plastic pollution affects everyone from individuals to ecosystems and we can all be part of the solution!

How? Refuse to use single-use plastics!

Need inspiration? Peek behind the scenes in our Zoo Commissary: Make and eat meals from reusable containers and store dry goods in more reusable containers!

Learn more from and take the pledge!

This Week at the Santa Ana Zoo:

Sun. July 07 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Sun. July 07 - Super Sunday Storytime takes place at the CET at 11:30am every Sunday! Start your week with a story and an animal friend. Included with admission.

Mon. July 08 - Leer Lunes Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Wed. July 10 - Wild Wednesday Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Zoo Rides- Regular hours Fri 11-2, Sat 11-4, Sun 11-4 Ride tickets are not included in general admission and can be purchased from the Train Depot daily.

Sat. July 13 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Flight! A live butterfly exhibit has fully opened. Explore daily 11am - 4pm, included in zoo admission. Hours are weather and staff dependent.


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Keep the celebration going with a new Scavenger Hunt at the Zoo!

Help "Spirit" the Bald Eagle find patriotic starts throughout the Zoo.

Fly by Treetop Toys Gift Shop to purchase a Scavenger Hunt: $2 Zoo Members, $5 non-members. All proceeds go towards Zoo improvements.
Search continues through July 15 or while supplies last.

This Week at the Santa Ana Zoo:

Sun. June 30 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Sun. June 30 - Super Sunday Storytime takes place at the CET at 11:30am every Sunday! Start your week with a story and an animal friend. Included with admission.

Mon. July 01 - Creekside Storytime 10:30am at Santiago Creek ECO Center (600 E. Memory Ln)

Mon. July 01 - Leer Lunes Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Wed. July 03 - Wild Wednesday Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Zoo Rides- Regular hours Fri 11-2, Sat 11-4, Sun 11-4 Ride tickets are not included in general admission and can be purchased from the Train Depot daily.

Sat. July 06 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Flight! A live butterfly exhibit has fully opened. Explore daily 11am - 4pm, included in zoo admission. Hours are weather and staff dependent.


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This Week at the Santa Ana Zoo:

Sun. June 23 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Sun. June 23 - Super Sunday Storytime takes place at the CET at 11:30am every Sunday! Start your week with a story and an animal friend. Included with admission.

Mon. June 24 - Leer Lunes Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Wed. June 26 - Wild Wednesday Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Zoo Rides- Regular hours Fri 11-2, Sat 11-4, Sun 11-4 Ride tickets are not included in general admission and can be purchased from the Train Depot daily.

Sat. June 29 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Flight! A live butterfly exhibit has fully opened. Explore daily 11am - 4pm, included in zoo admission. Hours are weather and staff dependent.


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This Week at the Santa Ana Zoo:

Sun. June 16 - Santa Ana Resident Day. FREE admission for residents of Santa Ana. ID or other proof of residency required for all adults.

Flight! A live butterfly exhibit has fully opened. Explore daily 11am - 4pm, included in zoo admission. Hours are weather and staff dependent.

Sun. June 16 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Sun. June 16 - Super Sunday Storytime takes place at the CET at 11:30am every Sunday! Start your week with a story and an animal friend. Included with admission.

Mon. June 17 - Leer Lunes Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Wed. June 19 - Wild Wednesday Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Zoo Rides- Regular hours Fri 11-2, Sat 11-4, Sun 11-4 Ride tickets are not included in general admission and can be purchased from the Train Depot daily.

Sat. June 22 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.


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Butterflies!

Butterfly Habitat "Flight" at the Santa Ana Zoo! A stroll through the seasonal Butterfly Habitat "Flight" at the Santa Ana Zoo. ...