What are the opening hours?

Monday 10am - 5pm Tuesday 10am - 5pm Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 5pm

Santa Ana Zoo

The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is a 20-acre zoo focusing on the animals and plants of Central and South America.

The zoo opened in 1952 and is owned and operated by the City of Santa Ana. The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is one of the jewels of the city, nestled in the midst of an urban setting, it provides an oasis like no other in Orange County. This Zoo was founded in 1952 by Joseph Prentice. It has since expanded to nearly 20 acres, offering a rain forest exhibit, several rare and endangered species, a

walk-through aviary, a train ride, a Conservation Carrousel, a children’s zoo, an education amphitheater and classrooms, and much more! Roam the rainforest, trek through the aviary, relax by the butterfly garden or on the deck enjoying the waterfall at Amazon's Edge, and meet new animal friends at the Crean Family Farm. The Zoo is an exciting place for kids of all ages, and is an educational institution great for observing primate behavior. Catch an animal program on the weekend, investigate the many botanicals on exhibit, or come out for one of the Zoo's signature special events or simply pack a picnic and watch your young ones enjoy the playground. The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is home to a number of animals that are rescued, or could not survive in the wild including "Spirit", our beautiful bald eagle. With many successful births over the years, the Santa Ana Zoo takes great pride in helping and in a number of cases having the opportunity to re-introduce animals back into a natural habitat. The Santa Ana Zoo features picnic areas, Bean Sprouts Café, and unique gifts can be found at the Treetop Toys gift store. Rental areas are available for a birthday parties and special events. Conveniently located just 10 minutes from Disneyland off the 5 freeway, The Santa Ana Zoo is one of the coolest, most tranquil, family-friendly, wheel-chair accessible places to hang out with friends in Orange County. The Zoo mission statement:
To instill a passion for the natural world through recreation, conservation, and education. www.santaanazoo.org

The Santa Ana Zoo

This page and its contents are privately owned and managed. Follow us on Instagram for our special events and animal collection

02/02/2025

This Week at the Santa Ana Zoo & Santiago Creek ECO Center:

Sun. Feb. 02 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Sun. Feb. 02 - 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. Feb. 03 - Leer Lunes Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Mon. Feb. 03 - 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. Program includes a nature based story and related activity.

Wed. Feb. 05 - 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. Feb. 08 - ARTimals Workshop: Artists of all ages and abilities are welcome to start a new project inspired by nature at the Santiago Creek ECO Center.

Sat. Feb. 05 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

-ups

02/01/2025

Storytime, art, nature journaling and more! Come explore nature at the Santiago Creek ECO Center!

All programs are FREE and open to the public. Meet at the Nature Center building.

Located at 600 E Memory Lane, Santa Ana 92705

Enter from Memory Lane at 2775-2779. Look for the small driveway just South of the Parker St. business park.

The Santiago Creek ECO Center is presented by the Santa Ana Zoo.

01/30/2025

🐍 Meet the Rosy Boa! 🐍 These beautiful snakes are naturally found in desert and chaparral environments, including here in Southern California!
Like all snake species, rosy boas lack eyelids and ear drums. They have a special scale that protects their eyes 👀 and can feel vibrations throughout their bodies. In the wild, these snakes eat small birds, lizards and small mammals including rodents.
Visit the Santa Ana Zoo to see these radical reptiles during an education program!

01/29/2025

In partnership with Haven Neighborhood Services, VITA free tax preparation services will be available at the Santa Ana Zoo to qualifying individuals.

Appointments are required.

When:
Sunday, February 16, 2025 between 10am and 3:30pm
Sunday, March 16, 2025 between 10am and 3:30pm

Qualifications:
Free VITA tax preparation services are available for:
- those who generally make less than $67000 (options available for over with a simple form)
- persons with disabilities
- the elderly
- limited English speakers

Learn more and request an appointment at santaanazoo.org/free-tax-prep-services/

01/26/2025

This Week at the Santa Ana Zoo and Santiago Creek ECO Center:

Sun. Jan. 26 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Sun. Jan. 26 - 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.

Sun. Jan. 26 - Nature Journaling Club 11:00am at Santiago Creek ECO Center (600 E Memory Ln in Santa Ana). Meet at the Nature Center. Free and open to the public. All levels welcome to start or continue your nature journal!

Mon. Jan.27 - Leer Lunes Storytime at 11:30am at the Rip Ribble Education Station in the Family Farm. Included with Admission.

Wed. Jan. 29 - Wild Wednesday Storytime at 11:30am at the Rip Ribble Education Station in the Family Farm. 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. Feb 01 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

-ups

01/25/2025

Time to get outside and enjoy some nice weather!

How about a trip to the Zoo to visit prehensile-tailed porcupine "JP" and his friends?

Prehensile-tailed porcupines are known for being arboreal, or tree-dwelling, and their amazing tails that help them balance and climb through the trees.

01/24/2025

Time is almost up for this Membership Swap!

Reminder: During the month of January, 2025, members of the Santa Ana Zoo, Bowers Museum and Discovery Cube can use their membership for admission at all 3 institutions!

That's right, the Santa Ana Zoo, Discovery Cube and Bowers Museum have teamed up for the ultimate adventures in the New Year!

Simple present your current, active membership card at any of these organizations as well as your ID for FREE general admission of the amount of guests in your home membership.

Membership Swap valid through January 31, 2025. Must present current, valid membership card and ID for named adults at each organization.

01/24/2025

Meet the Dromedary Camel! 🐪

Native to North Africa and the Middle East, these one-himp wonders are built for the desert, carrying up to 900 lbs and surviving days without water.
With their incredible speed (up to 40 mph!) and endurance, they are true desert adventurers.

💪

01/19/2025

This Week at the Santa Ana Zoo & Santiago Creek ECO Center:

Sun. Jan 19 - Santa Ana Resident Day! Santa Ana residents receive FREE admission to the zoo on the third Sunday of every month. Proof of address required for each adult admission.

Sun. Jan. 19 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Sun. Jan. 19 - 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. Jan 20 - Zoo is open and rides are open special holiday hours from 11am - 3pm. Ride tickets available for purchase from the Train Depot.

Mon. Jan. 20 - Leer Lunes Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Mon. Jan. 20 - 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. Program includes a nature based story and related activity.

Wed. Jan. 22 - 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. Jan. 25 - ARTimals Workshop: Artists of all ages and abilities are welcome to start a new project inspired by nature at the Santiago Creek ECO Center.

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

-ups

01/19/2025

Happy Birthday, Bindi!

Bindi the binturong celebrated her 17th birthday with a special cake, decorations and well wishes from her adoring fans!

Bintruongs are perhaps best known for their musk which smells like buttered popcorn! Also known as the Asian bearcat, binturongs are not related to either bears or cats. They are a viverrid related to civets! Binturongs are threatened in their native southeast Asia habitat due to habitat destruction.

Be sure to look for Bindi on your next visit to the Zoo!

01/16/2025

Have you been watching the River's Edge Renovation at the Santa Ana Zoo?

This week marks three years since the ground breaking of this historic project.

From concept, to planning, fundraising, starting construction, completion and occupancy by animals, this project was expected to take a number of years. As with any construction project, delays are expected and this project has been no exception.

While there is no date for completion yet, we know our community is as excited as we are for this new group of habitats!

The completed River's Edge will be home to river otters and primates in reimagined and new habitats.

Keep an eye out for more updates on social media, our youtube and web-site.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for these new additions to the Zoo!

01/12/2025

This Week at the Santa Ana Zoo:

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

Sun. Jan. 12 - Nature Journaling Club 11:00am at Santiago Creek ECO Center (600 E Memory Ln in Santa Ana). Meet at the Nature Center. Free and open to the public. All levels welcome to start or continue your nature journal!

Sun. Jan. 12 - 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. Jan.13 - Leer Lunes Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Wed. Jan. 15 - 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. Jan. 18 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 12:00pm and 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

-ups

01/10/2025

Time for a Membership Swap!

Are you a member of the Santa Ana Zoo, Discovery Cube or Bowers Museum? During the month of January, 2025, you can use your membership for admission at all 3 institutions!

That's right, the Santa Ana Zoo, Discovery Cube and Bowers Museum have teamed up for the ultimate adventures in the New Year!

Simple present your current, active membership card at any of these organizations as well as your ID for FREE general admission of the amount of guests in your home membership.

Membership Swap valid through January 31, 2025. Must present current, valid membership card and ID for named adults at each organization.

01/09/2025

THANK YOU to our landscape and maintenance teams for all of their hard work getting the Zoo cleaned up and safe for Zoo guests after the recent winds.

Our landscape, maintenance and animal care staff all worked through the winds to clean up down branches, repair fencing and signage and provide the best care for our animals.

Thank you for all you do at the Zoo!

The Zoo is open regular hours. 10am-4pm daily.

01/08/2025

Weather Closure Update: Wednesday, January 08, 2025

The Santa Ana Zoo remains CLOSED due to high winds.

01/07/2025

Weather Alert: Tuesday, January 07, 2025

The Santa Ana Zoo is temporarily closed due to high winds.

01/05/2025

This Week at the Santa Ana Zoo:

Sun. Jan. 05 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all about them! At the CET, 2:30pm, weather permitting. Included with admission.

Sun. Jan. 05 - 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. Jan. 06 - 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. Program includes a nature based story and related activity.

Mon. Jan. 06 - Leer Lunes Storytime at 11:30am at the CET. Included with Admission.

Wed. Jan. 08 - 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. Jan. 11 - ARTimals Workshop: Artists of all ages and abilities are welcome to start a new project inspired by nature at the Santiago Creek ECO Center.

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

-ups

01/02/2025

Come explore nature at the Santiago Creek ECO Center!

All programs are FREE and open to the public. Meet at the Nature Center building.

Located at 600 E Memory Lane, Santa Ana 92705

Enter from Memory Lane at 2775-2779. Look for the small driveway just South of the Parker St. business park.

The Santiago Creek ECO Center is presented by the Santa Ana Zoo.

Address

Santa Ana, CA
92701

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 5pm
Tuesday	10am - 5pm
Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm
Sunday	10am - 5pm

Website

https://www.santaanazoo.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Santa Ana Zoo posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Videos

With the construction in Santiago Park, Creekside Storytime has moved! Let's walk to the new storytime spot together. #StoryTime #OCKids #SantiagoCreekECOCenter @SantaAnaParks @CityOfSantaAna

Enjoying the sunshine on the first day of Winter! A laysan teal (laysan duck) enjoys a bath in the top of the waterfall of the Colors of the Amazon Aviary. #wintersunshine #firstdayofwinter #laysanteal #laysanduck #socalwinter

Pumpkin season means special enrichment for our animals! Animal Care staff provide unique items, scents, textures and experiences for our animals every day. This helps keep them mentally and physically healthy. Keep an eye out for pumpkin enrichment throughout the season! Looking for a place for your pumpkins? Smash them into compost at home or at Santa Ana Community Gardens pumpkin smash! @santaanaparks #pumpkinsmash #pumpkinenrichment #enrichment #guineahog #pig

Boo at the Zoo continues this weekend! Join us for a family-friendly Halloween celebration. Saturday, Oct 26 and Sunday, Oct 27 Tickets available at santaanazoo.org or via link in bio. #booatthezoo #booatthesantaanazoo

Join us in wearing orange shirts and for Story Time on September 29, 30, and October 2 to honor the children who did not return home and to support the survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. #everychildmatters #orangeshirtday

Flight! A live butterfly experience is closing Sept 30. The tropical butterflies will return next Spring! #flightatsantaanazoo #flightbutterflyhabitat

Open daily and included in zoo admission. Join the virtual waitlist and enjoy the zoo while you wait! #flightatsantaanazoo #flightbutterflyhabitat

Happy munching on World Porcupine Day! Did you know: - porcupines are rodents with continuously growing teeth - there are 2 groups including 30 different species found around the world - over 30,000 quills cover their bodies and help protect them from predators - porcupines cannot throw their quills - porcupines can be terrestrial (live on the land) and arboreal (live mostly in trees) Learn more and visit "JP" the prehensile-tailed porcupine in the Crean Family Farm area of the Zoo! #worldporcupineday #porcupine #prehensiletailedporcupine #quills

Today is the day.... it's Brew at the Zoo! Saturday, June 08, 2024 from 5:00pm - 8:00pm. This adults-only fundraiser features a curated list of breweries for sampling, food tasting, live music and a commemorative tasting glass. Best of all, all proceeds go towards zoo improvements! Come explore the zoo, enjoy the animals and atmosphere and find your new favorite brew! Tickets are still available! Santa Ana Zoo members and Santa Ana residents can purchase discounted admission, verification required for admittance. This event is for adults only, age 21+, and ID ticket verification will be required at the door. Tickets available at: https://santaanazoo.ticketsauce.com/e/brew-at-the-zoo-2024/tickets (linked in bio) #brewatthezoo #santaanazoo #zoo #recreation #craftbeer #fundraiser #santaanaevents #brewery #orangecounty #travelsantaana #orangecountyevents @santaanaparks @cityofsantaana #theredoesnotexistbrewery #thirdwindowbrewing #farfieldbrewing #stationcraftdp #docentbrewing #honeypotmeadery #pfeifferbrewingcompany #thebruery #radiantbeerco #greencheekbeer #gunwhaleales #santaanariverbrewing #everywherebeerco #cervezacito #rombeercompany #santaanazoobrew2024

Have you heard?!??!? Brew at the Zoo is back! Join us on Saturday, June 08, 2024 for curated brew tastings, food sampling, live music and of course.... animals! Tickets available NOW via link on bio! #brewatthesantaanazoo #brewatthezoo #santaanazoo

What are all those little black worms??? Caterpillars! Mourning cloak caterpillars are making their way up and down Elm trees in search of food and safe places to build their chrysalis. Keep an eye out and watch your step as you explore the zoo! Psst.... Flight! A live butterfly experience is opening soon.... keep an eye out for more details! #caterpillar #butterfly #mourningcloakbutterfly

Santa Ana Zoo

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