Santa Ana Zoo

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

World Parrot Day celebrates these amazing feathered friends and raises awareness for species and habitats. Did you know ...
05/31/2026

World Parrot Day celebrates these amazing feathered friends and raises awareness for species and habitats.

Did you know there are about 400 species world wide? Parrots belong to the scientific order Psittaciformes, classified by their curved beaks, upright stance and zygodactyl feet.

While many people know parrots for their bright colors, and loud calls, they are also highly intelligent and live in complex flocks.

Unfortunately, hundreds of parrot species are endangered due to habitat loss and the pet trade.
You can help protect parrots around the world by learning about them, observing species in their nautral environments without interference (no feeding or chasing) and supporting conservation organizations. If you are thinking of a parrot as a pet, please do your homework and adopt from a rescue!

The Santa Ana Zoo is home to a number of parrots including blue and gold macaws, Amazon parrots, and black-legged parrots. Guests may even spot a macaw in tilework!

This Week at the Santa Ana Zoo & Santiago Creek ECO Center:Sun. May 31 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all abou...
05/30/2026

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

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

Sun. June 01 - 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 01 - Creekside Storytime at 10:30am at the ECO Center. Free & open to the public, meet at the ECO Center for a nature-based story and related activities.

Mon. June 01 - Flight! A live butterfly experience opens. Open daily 10:30am - 4:00pm. Virtual waitlist required. Included with admission.

Wed. June 03 - Wild Wednesday Storytime at 11:30am at the Childrens Zoo Stage. Included with Admission.

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

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

Santa Ana Zoo: 1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana
Santiago Creek ECO Center: 600 E Memory Ln, Santa Ana

naturejournaling naturestorytime natureart artworkshop nature
communityconnectionsthezooandyou santaana

🐦 Fly to the ECO Center for an evening of community art! Join us for the opening reception of "A Beautiful Day in the Ne...
05/29/2026

🐦 Fly to the ECO Center for an evening of community art! Join us for the opening reception of "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" on Sunday, June 7, 3:30-5:30pm.



Alt text: A black phoebe perches on a branch, with a cityscape in the background.

It's Almost Time! 🦋Flight! A Live Butterfly Experience returns this weekend! Mark your calendars and we'll see you June ...
05/29/2026

It's Almost Time! 🦋

Flight! A Live Butterfly Experience returns this weekend! Mark your calendars and we'll see you June 1st 🌿

📍 Santa Ana Zoo | Tickets at the link in bio

This Week at the Santa Ana Zoo & Santiago Creek ECO Center:Sun. May 24 - Meet some new animal friends and learn all abou...
05/24/2026

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

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

Sun. May 24 - Nature Journaling Club at 11am at Santiago Creek ECO Center. FREE & open to the public. Start or continue your nature journal, all ages and levels welcome.

Sun. May 24 - 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. May 25 - Zoo Open on Memorial Day Holiday. Regular hours, 10am - 4pm. Special ride hours 11am - 4pm.

Wed. May 27 - Wild Wednesday Storytime at 11:30am at the Childrens Zoo Stage. Included with Admission.

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

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

Santa Ana Zoo: 1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana
Santiago Creek ECO Center: 600 E Memory Ln, Santa Ana

naturejournaling naturestorytime natureart artworkshop nature
communityconnectionsthezooandyou santaana

🐝 Our first art gallery has us buzzing with excitement! Join us for the opening reception of "A Beautiful Day in the Nei...
05/22/2026

🐝 Our first art gallery has us buzzing with excitement! Join us for the opening reception of "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" on Sunday, June 7, 3:30-5:30pm.



Alt text: A bee perches on a flower, with a cityscape in the background.

This Week at the Santa Ana Zoo & Santiago Creek ECO Center:Sun. May 17 - Party for the Planet 11am-3pm. Join us in celeb...
05/16/2026

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

Sun. May 17 - Party for the Planet 11am-3pm. Join us in celebrating and learning how to go green all year long! Special guests and activities, included in zoo admission.

Sun. May 17 - Santa Ana Resident Day at the Zoo! Residents of Santa Ana receive FREE general admission to the Zoo. ID with proof of address is required for all adults.

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

Sun. May 17 - Art Workshops at the ECO Center! Explore nature artwork and create your own. Supplies are provided, and beginners are always welcome. First and third Sundays, 1:30-2:30pm.

Mon. May 18 - Creekside Storytime at 10:30am at the ECO Center. Free & open to the public, meet at the ECO Center for a nature-based story and related activities.

Wed. May 20 - Wild Wednesday Storytime at 11:30am at the Childrens Zoo Stage. Included with Admission.

Fri, May 22 - Park Pop-Up @ Carl Thornton Park 2 - 3:30pm Explore nature in your local park with Zoo staff! Free, all ages welcome.

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

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

Santa Ana Zoo: 1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana
Santiago Creek ECO Center: 600 E Memory Ln, Santa Ana

naturejournaling naturestorytime natureart artworkshop nature
communityconnectionsthezooandyou santaana

Got your Brew at the Santa Ana Zoo tickets? Here are your tips for a great event!- ID is required: Don't forget your ID ...
05/16/2026

Got your Brew at the Santa Ana Zoo tickets? Here are your tips for a great event!

- ID is required: Don't forget your ID for this 21 and over only event.
- Carpool or rideshare: Parking is limited and safe driving decisions protect everyone.
- Bring water: bottle refill stations are available around the event, be sure to hydrate.
- No ticket? See you next year! This event is completely SOLD OUT and tickets will NOT be available at the door.

See you at Brew!

This 21-and-up only annual fundraiser includes:
- zoo glass and unlimited tastings from craft brewery stations throughout the zoo
- complementary food tastings (additional food available for purchase)
- special animal encounters

Saturday, May 16, 2026 5:00pm - 8:00pm
(Last admission 7:00pm, last pour 7:30pm)

Special thanks to participating breweries:
Ambitious Ales, Apogee Brewing, Bottle Logic, Cerveza Cito, Docent Brewing, Everywhere, Far Field, Green Cheek, Honey Pot Meadery, Horus Aged Ales, Pfeiffer, Pure Project, Radiant Beer Co, ROM Beer Co, Santa Ana River, Seek Beer Co, Societe Brewing, Station Craft Brewery, Ten Mile Brewing, The Bruery, Third Window, and Tripping Animals.

This Sunday, May 17 is Santa Ana Resident Day and Party for the Planet!Santa Ana residents receive FREE zoo admission , ...
05/15/2026

This Sunday, May 17 is Santa Ana Resident Day and Party for the Planet!

Santa Ana residents receive FREE zoo admission , proof of address required for all adults.

All guests are welcome to enjoy Party for the Planet from 11am-3pm! Special guests from the community will present information and activity stations celebrating Earth Day and Endangered Species Day.

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

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