Santa Ana Zoo Tours

Santa Ana Zoo showing landscape views, a pond and a garden
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Count the monkeys at this charming little zoo that promises at least 50 primates are always present.

Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park has been a part of the cityscape since 1952 and continues to uphold the promise made to its benefactor. In 1949, J.E. Prentice donated some of his land for a park, with the proviso that the city keeps at least 50 monkeys at all times.

Today the zoo has more than 80 species of animals, with a focus on the wildlife of Central and South America. Among the obligatory primates are rare and endangered species, including the crested capuchin and golden-headed lion tamarin, and the world’s smallest monkey, the pygmy marmoset.

This relatively small facility is ideal for young children. You can cover the 20-acre (eight-hectare) site in two to three hours.

A walk through the 9,000-square-foot (840-square-meter) aviary seems almost magical. You’ll be in awe of the brilliant plumage of South American birds like the emerald toucanet and scarlet ibis. Watch anteaters, guanacos and rheas in the Tierra de las Pampas (Pampas Grasslands) exhibit, which simulates this highly endangered South American habitat.

Amazon’s Edge replicates the exotic jungles of Brazil. It’s home to creatures like the black-necked swan, centipede, goliath bird-eating tarantula and black howler monkey.

Little ones will love the fenced petting area in the Crean Family Farm. Here you can touch and feed common barnyard animals.

Another magical feature of the zoo is 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. The ride has a small fee, as does a journey on the Zoofari, a six-car train that takes you around the park. An on-site café serves food and drinks and there’s a small gift shop selling souvenirs.

The Santa Ana Zoo is located about five minutes by car from central Santa Ana. The admission fee is reasonable and there’s free parking. The zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.

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Best Lodging Options Near Santa Ana Zoo

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Santa Ana - Orange County, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express And Suites Santa Ana - Orange County, an IHG Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1600 E 1st St, Santa Ana, CA
Holiday Inn Express And Suites Santa Ana - Orange County, an IHG Hotel
Motel 6 Santa Ana, CA
Motel 6 Santa Ana, CA
2 out of 5
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Motel 6 Tustin, CA – Orange County
Motel 6 Tustin, CA – Orange County
2 out of 5
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Motel 6 Tustin, CA – Orange County
Fairfield Inn & Suites Tustin Orange County
Fairfield Inn & Suites Tustin Orange County
3.5 out of 5
15011 Newport Ave, Tustin, CA
Fairfield Inn & Suites Tustin Orange County
Residence Inn Tustin Orange County
Residence Inn Tustin Orange County
3 out of 5
15181 Newport Ave, Tustin, CA
Residence Inn Tustin Orange County
Orange Grove Inn
Orange Grove Inn
2.5 out of 5
1671 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA
Orange Grove Inn
Key Inn & Suites
Key Inn & Suites
2 out of 5
1611 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA
Key Inn & Suites
Comfort Inn & Suites Orange County John Wayne Airport
Comfort Inn & Suites Orange County John Wayne Airport
2.5 out of 5
2620 Hotel Terrace Dr., Santa Ana, CA
Comfort Inn & Suites Orange County John Wayne Airport
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Orange County Airport
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Orange County Airport
2.5 out of 5
2721 Hotel Ter, Santa Ana, CA
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Orange County Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.