In 1949, J. E. Prentice donated land to the town of Santa Ana for a park. His one requirement was that the city must keep at least 50 monkeys at all times. Santa Ana Zoo, situated in Prentice Park, opened in 1952 and continues to uphold the promise made to its benefactor.
The primates housed here vary in shape and size, and include rare and endangered species, such as the crested capuchin, the golden-headed lion tamarin and the world’s smallest monkey: the pygmy marmoset.
It’s not just about the monkeys, and a walk through the aviary seems almost magical. Marvel at the brilliant plumage of brightly coloured South American birds. Or head outside to the Tierra de las Pampas (Pampas Grasslands) exhibit, where you can watch anteaters, guanacos and rheas in this highly endangered South American habitat.
Amazon’s Edge takes you to the exotic jungles of Brazil—home to the exotic creatures from deep within the rainforest. Cover your ears when the black howler monkeys start talking to each other! Little ones will love the fenced petting area in the Crean Family Farm, where you can stroke and feed common farm animals.
The zoo is home to more than just animals, and parents and children alike will enjoy the rides on offer, such as the Conservation Carousel ride, with large, brightly coloured replicas of 33 endangered animals. Children can take a seat on a giant panda, giraffe, cheetah, or perhaps a hummingbird or sea otter. There is a small additional fee for this, and for a journey on the Zoofari, a train that takes you around the park. If you get hungry, the on-site café serves food and drinks and there’s a small gift shop selling souvenirs.
This relatively small facility is ideal for young children. You can cover the eight-hectare site in two to three hours.
The Santa Ana Zoo is located about five minutes from central Santa Ana by car. The admission fee is reasonable and parking is free. The zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving (the 4th Thursday in November), Christmas and New Year’s Day.
