City of Santa Ana Zoo earns Association of Zoos & Aquariums accreditation

The City of Santa Ana is proud to announce that the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park has been granted accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Santa Ana Zoo is one of 31 applicants granted accreditation by the AZA's independent Accreditation Commission during its Annual Conference held in Tampa, Florida.

The AZA accreditation is the global gold standard for modern aquariums and zoos and reflects decades of progress through science, experience, and a persistent commitment to fostering environments where animals thrive, visitors benefit, and wildlife and wild spaces are conserved.

The Santa Ana Zoo has a 75-year history, originating when a parcel of land was donated to the City with the stipulation that it be used to create a park featuring "fifty monkeys." The Santa Ana Zoo has since evolved well beyond its original concept into a comprehensive zoological park and arboretum. Today, it is home to a diverse collection of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and an impressive array of plants.

"The Santa Ana Zoo is a cherished part of our City's recreational programs and facilities. This accreditation affirms our Zoo team's commitment to animal care, education and community enrichment." said Mayor Valerie Amezcua. "Thanks to our devoted and collaborative team, the Zoo fosters an environment where animals, including some that are endangered, can thrive. We are excited to celebrate the Zoo's recent renovations and incoming new habitats alongside this prestigious recognition."

The Zoo continually invests in improving existing attractions and grounds for both the animals and visitors to enjoy. Among recent and pending upgrades, the Zoo launched "Flight! A Live Butterfly Experience," the goat trail and animal contact yard was updated in 2023, several monkey habitats were renovated and new tortoise and reptile habitats have been added to the Children's Zoo with an alligator exhibit coming soon.

Guests can also look forward to the official opening of River's Edge before the end of the year. The complete exhibit will feature three primate habitats (spider monkeys, howler monkeys and golden lion tamarins), as well as a habitat for an endangered species of South American giant river otters.

"It is our goal to provide an excellent quality of life for the animals we care for while offering educational programming and conservation messaging for our community." said Zoo Director and Deputy Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Ethan Fisher. "Animal wellbeing, wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship are essential to our zoo's culture and we are happy to share that mission with the public through our facilities, programs and attractions."

Through fun, adventure and learning, the Santa Ana Zoo empowers the community to save wildlife and wild spaces. The Zoo is owned and operated by the City of Santa Ana and receives additional support from the nonprofit organization Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park (1801 East Chestnut Ave.) to discover the fun and support wildlife conservation. Learn more at santaanazoo.org.

About AZA
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is setting the global gold standard, accrediting 254 of the top zoos, aquariums, and related facilities in 13 countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit https://www.aza.org.