Diving into the future of the Santa Ana Zoo: new habitat river’s edge now open!

If you've visited the Santa Ana Zoo within the last five years, you may have heard that "otters are coming soon." The time has finally arrived! The newest Santa Ana Zoo exhibit, River's Edge, is now open and home to a series of habitats featuring otters and a variety of primates.

Envisioned over a decade ago, the project set out to reimagine the Amazon's Edge habitat, originally built in 1990, and unlock its full potential. An upgrade to the existing water filtration system-previously supporting the moat and waterfall-presented an opportunity for renewal. At the same time, the habitat, then home to four howler monkeys and several water birds, offered exciting possibilities for expanded use. The initial concept of introducing giant river otters promised to energize the space, enrich the visitor experience, and advance the zoo's commitment to conserving an endangered species. To realize this vision, the zoo partnered with CLR Design to create a dynamic habitat focused on animal wellbeing, enrichment, and long-term sustainability.

The project timeline was shaped by the global COVID-19 pandemic, with work paused during the zoo's temporary closure from 2020 to 2021. Momentum resumed in 2022, marked by a January 14 groundbreaking that launched demolition, utility upgrades, and essential underground infrastructure to support future improvements.

Since then, the renovation has come vividly to life. Towering support posts were installed by crane to anchor the elevated primate structure, followed by a custom mesh enclosure, a fabricated climbing tree with live plantings, and an elevated primate trail that spans the water and otter habitat before connecting to the climate-controlled night building. This building includes indoor pools and a sophisticated, chlorine-free water filtration system, ensuring year-round access to clean water. This innovative design allows animals to move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces, prioritizing comfort, choice, and enrichment.

Beyond the large-scale construction, the experience is further enhanced by new interpretive graphics that spotlight the conservation stories behind each species living at River's Edge-including spider monkeys, howler monkeys, golden lion tamarins, and Asian small-clawed otters.

Before welcoming its first residents, every element of the exhibit and animal care facilities was rigorously tested and refined, ensuring the highest standards of safety, wellbeing, and long-term success for the animals who now call River's Edge home.

Earning a recent accreditation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) has opened new doors for the Santa Ana Zoo, expanding collaboration with conservation programs, partner zoos, and aquariums to support animal transfers and species survival plans.

In partnership with Wildlife Confiscation Network, eight playful baby spider monkeys recently arrived at the Santa Ana Zoo and have joyfully settled into the front primate habitat. Rescued from the illegal pet trade, these young monkeys were given a second chance at life and the opportunity to thrive in a safe, enriching environment. Because primates have complex nutritional, social, and enrichment needs, rescued animals often require specialized care-and our dedicated animal care team is proud to provide exactly that.

With a spacious new habitat available, Zoo leadership made the decision to introduce the young spider monkeys to our single adult spider monkey in the River's Edge habitat, creating new opportunities for social bonding and enrichment. Now safe in their permanent home at the Santa Ana Zoo, these monkeys will receive exceptional care while delighting and inspiring visitors. We hope their journey encourages guests to take action for wildlife conservation, protect animals in the wild, and proudly make the Not A Pet pledge.

As the project moved toward completion, the availability of giant river otters-the species that originally inspired the River's Edge campaign-evolved from what it had been at the project's outset. Giant river otters currently housed in European zoos have since been recommended for transfer, and zoo staff are actively navigating the comprehensive federal import permit process to welcome them in the future.

In the meantime, the Zoo is excited to host Asian small-clawed otters. While smaller in size, these charismatic critters will thrive in the same expansive, thoughtfully designed habitat, enjoying rich opportunities for play, exploration, and social interaction. This flexible approach ensures the habitat is brought to life while continuing to prioritize animal wellbeing and long-term conservation goals.

The River's Edge otter habitat features underwater viewing, enrichment launchers, a waterfall, and a dynamic stream system designed for natural swimming and play. Thoughtful exterior elements-including sculptural metal art, accessible pathways, an elevated viewing deck, and even aerial views from the Ferris wheel-round out a fully immersive visitor experience.

Join us at the Santa Ana Zoo to celebrate the opening of this new habitat and see how the monkeys interact with the otters along the trail system!