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Situated on 20 acres in the center of Santa Ana, the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park provides an unexpectedly rich wildlife experience that contradicts its modest dimensions. Established in 1952 through a distinctive agreement mandating the city to “maintain at least 50 monkeys at all times,” this delightful zoological park has transformed into one of Southern California’s most cherished family destinations while preserving its unique focus on primates. Featuring over 250 animals across more than 80 species, beautifully designed habitats, and pioneering conservation initiatives, the zoo demonstrates that remarkable experiences can indeed come in compact forms.

This comprehensive guide delves into every aspect of the Santa Ana Zoo—from its quirky history to its rare monkey species, cherished attractions to behind-the-scenes conservation efforts—unveiling the reasons it continues to be one of Orange County’s most enjoyable and budget-friendly wildlife experiences.

Historical Roots | From Monkey Mandate to Modern Zoo

The Prentice Legacy

In 1950, Joseph Prentice contributed land with the condition of establishing a monkey exhibit.
In 1952, the zoo was inaugurated featuring 12 monkeys along with local deer species.
In 1960, the first significant expansion introduced an aviary and a petting zoo.

Modern Era Milestones

1983: A focus on New World monkeys was established.
2008: The Tierra de las Pampas, a habitat in South America, was inaugurated.
2019: Accreditation from the AZA was successfully obtained.
2023: The completion of a new conservation center was achieved.

By the Numbers

Metric	Statistic
Annual Visitors	250,000+
Monkey Species	18 types
Oldest Resident	Toby the capuchin (age 42)

Main Attractions & Animal Habitats at Santa Ana Zoo

Monkey Row (Primate Promenade)

Rare Species Highlights:

Emperor tamarins: Miniature monkeys adorned with mustaches
Black-handed spider monkeys: Exceptional acrobats
Bolivian gray titi monkeys: Pairs that entwine their tails romantically

Keeper Talks: Scheduled daily at 11AM and 2PM

Conservation Story: Involvement in the AZA Species Survival Plan

Crean Family Farm

Domestic Animals:

Nigerian dwarf goats (designated petting area)
Kunekune pigs originating from New Zealand
Heritage breeds of chickens

Educational Programs:

Demonstrations of milking techniques
Workshops on wool spinning
Exhibits on beekeeping practices

Amazon’s Edge

Immersive Habitat showcasing:

Giant anteater (the zoo’s mascot, “Annie”)
Capybaras (the largest rodents in the world)
Blue-and-yellow macaws

Waterfall Viewing Cave: An excellent location for observation

Tierra de las Pampas

South American Grasslands featuring:

Greater rheas (non-flying birds)
Patagonian maras (large rabbits)
Chacoan peccaries (uncommon “pigs”)

Colors of the Amazon Aviary

Guided Experience with:

Sun conures
Amazon parrots
Scarlet ibis

Special Feature: Interactive mimicry stations

Rides & Interactive Experiences

Zoofari Express Train

A 20-minute guided tour
Route: Encircles the monkey exhibits
Interesting Fact: The original tracks from 1965 are still operational.

Conservation Carousel

Fifty hand-carved animals (all of which are endangered species)
Operated by solar power
Special Ride: Golden monkey (in honor of the donor)

Explorer’s Treehouse

A 50-foot climbing structure
Featuring rope bridges and slides
Offering a scenic overlook of the entire zoo

Endangered Species Maze

A living bamboo maze
Informative panels located at dead ends
Reward for finishing the quiz

Conservation & Education

Field Programs

Conservation of the Andean titi monkey’s habitat
Rescue efforts for the Ecuadorian woolly monkey
Research on local urban wildlife

Zoo School

Preschool animal interactions
Home school scientific laboratories
Zookeeper vocational days

Sustainability Features

Rainwater Harvesting System
Solar panel arrays power 30% of operations.
Zero waste events

Special Events & Seasonal Highlights

Monthly Programs

Twilight Tours (summer evenings)
Photography Safaris (early access)
Yoga with Goats (weekend mornings)

Annual Favorites

Boo at the Zoo (Halloween).
Monkey-thon (birthday party).
Wild Lights (winter light festival).

Visitor Information

Best Times to Visit

Weekday Mornings: Active Animals
April-May: Baby animal season.
October: Comfortable temps.

Accessibility

Wheelchair rentals
Sensory-friendly maps
Braille guidebooks

Dining Options

Monkey Business Cafe is kid-friendly.
Picnic places under ancient ficus trees. Food truck weekends.

Why Families Love This Zoo

All exhibitions are visible in 2-3 hours.
Unprecedented monkey diversity
Admission is affordable (adults $12, children $9).
Charming old-school zoo atmosphere

“Where every visit supports wildlife conservation and creates monkey memories!”

Location: 1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Hours: 10AM-5PM daily (closed Thanksgiving/Christmas)

The Santa Ana Zoo provides a unique blend of intimacy and conservation effect, allowing visitors to interact with critically endangered golden lion tamarins and ride a solar-powered carousel past capybaras. The zoo’s unique monkey mandate, farm experiences, and dedication to species survival distinguish it as an important contributor in worldwide animal conservation.

Cost: From $10
Phone: (714) 647-6575
Website: www.santaanazoo.org
Address: Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 East Chestnut Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92701
Location Map: