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19th ANNUAL BOO AT THE ZOO

The 19th Annual Boo at the Zoo is coming to The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park, located at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave. This 5 night event sponsored by the Santa Ana Elks Lodge #794 will be held Saturday-October 17th, Sunday-October 18th, Saturday-October 24th, Sunday-October 25th, and Friday-October 30th from 5:30pm-8:00pm. Admission is $12 per person ages 2 & up and half price of only $6 per person if you are a Member of the Zoo.

Boo at the Zoo is one of the safest places for young children to trick-or-treat for Halloween. It's a "Merry not Scary" family fun event, and everyone is encouraged to come in costume! See the Zoo all decorated and lit up for this family friendly holiday! You will also be able to meet and learn about some of our interesting nocturnal animal friends with live encounters and enjoyable educational programs. Plus, there is no better place to listen to happy Halloween tales from costumed storytellers, play fun games, sing along with Halloween music and join in creative crafts.

The "Boo"fari Express Train Ride will be making its way around the tracks and the animals of the Conservation Carrousel will be happily carrying riders, both for $3 per ride. Hot dogs, chips and soda will be for sale.

To avoid the lines, tickets will be available online at www.fosaz.org (valid any night of the event, non-refundable - bring receipt to Will Call on the night of the event). You may also purchase tickets at the main gate on the night you attend. For more information about this event, please call (714) 953-8555.

NATIONAL CHEMISTRY WEEK Comes to the Zoo.

It's slimy, it's wacky, it's downright geeky! Kids will love it!

National Chemistry Week comes to the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park. This year's theme: Chemistry - it's Elemental! College students from all over the southland will be at the zoo to assist kids with hands-on science.

Sunday, October 12, 2008
Zoo hours: 10am - 4pm
Science exhibits: 10am - 3pm
Rudy Gonzales' Radical Science Show 12:30PM

Admission to the zoo is free for residents of the Santa Ana Federal Empowerment Zone (proof of residency, such as a utility bill, is required).

For all others, admission to the zoo is $8 for adults and $5 for kids over 3 and seniors. Kids under 3 are free! Admission includes all of the regular zoo exhibits as well as the science spectacular.

AFRICAN SAFARIS

The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo announce two exceptional African safaris. The first safari departs October 30, 2009 for 11 days to see the best of what Kenya has to offer. Long considered to be the ultimate safari experience in East Africa, Kenya features diverse landscapes and amazing wildlife, including the big five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo.

The second safari departs January 29, 2009 for 11 days for the renowned Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert of Botswana. Known for its abundant and diverse wildlife Botswana also offers a chance to see the ever appealing meerkat and the rare, endangered wild dog. This trip includes night game runs, mokoro dugout canoe excursions, and romantic sundowners.

Accommodations on both trips are in small secluded tented camps or thatched cottages that offer the perfect combination of luxury, atmosphere, privacy, and attentive service.

Cost: Kenya Luxury Under Canvas, $5,295; Botswana Adventure, $7,495. Both are priced per person, double occupancy, includes international air and all meals while on safari and guides. The Botswana itinerary is all inclusive including all beverages including alcohol and laundry. Early booking discounts are available for both trips: September 15 for Kenya and October 15 for Botswana.

All arrangements are through Classic Escapes an internationally recognized tour company based in New York that specializes in photographic eco-safaris for zoos and museums. The safari is fully escorted by retired Santa Ana Zoo Director Ron Glazier who has lead 14 African safaris. An optional post-extension to Kenya’s Tsavo West and Amboseli Parks is available at $2,295 with the Kenya safari. An optional post-extension to Victoria Falls is available at $1,895 with the Botswana safari.

For a complete itinerary or more information contact Ron Glazier, 360-933-1737, 360-319-4617 (cell), or e-mail rj_glazier@comcast.net; or Classic Escapes 1-800-627-1244, email info@classicescapes.com.

ZOOFARI 2009 "Funky Monkey"

Enter the mod world of the famous 50 monkeys this summer at the Santa Ana Zoo with "Funky Monkey." On Saturday, August 22, 2009, from 5:30 PM-midnight, the Friends of Santa Ana Zoo, a non-profit organization, will celebrate with their 17th annual Zoofari black-tie/safari-wear fundraising gala. Zoofari has become the Zoo's flagship event and a "must do" in Orange County. This year, Zoofari will raise funds to upgrade the animal commissary to a state-of-the art facility for food preparation. This important site is where all of the essential diets are prepared for each and every animal at the Zoo!

The groovy evening begins with free valet parking, a hosted bar, appetizers, and cocktail entertainment. Guests will have a blast wondering through an enchanting land teeming with unique and magnificent animals and enjoy a visit with the 50 renowned amusing monkeys. The decked-out event continues with a fully catered, sit-down dinner by Parties by Panache followed by a fab live auction. Later the dance floor will come alive to the cool resonance of Soundbytes!

Host Chuck Dreyer, Southern California's pre-eminent fundraising auctioneer will be the MC for this magical evening. The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo Board President Rip Ribble says "Join Zoofari Event Manager Cathi Decker and myself along with Honorary Chairs Sandy Segerstrom Daniels and Ed Arnold for the best-ever Zoofari Fundraising Gala. You can bid for wonderful trips, golf outings, and spectacular gifts in our live and silent auctions, while enjoying an evening under the stars of great food, drink, music, dancing, and companionship."

2009 Honorees include the Del Oro Pacific Railroad Club for their wonderful support bringing miniature trains to the Zoo for the Zoo Birthday, Lana Chandler for her support doing public relations for Zoofari and the Santa Ana Elks Lodge, NO 794 for their support in underwriting Boo at the Zoo each year.

Zoofari plays an intricate role in the continuing upgrades and improvements of the only AZA-accredited zoo in Orange County, providing much needed dollars. Tickets are $200.00 per person or tables may be purchase for $2000.00 for tables of 10. Reservations are required. Marketing sponsorships and program ads are available. For more information or to make reservations, contact the Friends of Santa Ana Zoo at (714) 953-8555 x10 or on-line at www.fosaz.org.

Sunsets at the Zoo: Santa Ana Zoo's Summer Concert Series

On Sunday June 14th, Sunday June 28th and Sunday July 19th, the Santa Ana Zoo, located at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave, will host live music performances during the beautiful California sunsets. Admission is $10 per person ages 3 & up, half-price of just $5 for Zoo Members, and FREE to Director and SAZOO Club Members. Children under 3 are also free. Whether it's the party picnic atmosphere, the animals, the great performances or the displays of art, there is something for everyone at Sunsets at the Zoo. So pack up a picnic dinner and blanket and bring your family and friends on out to enjoy an evening of animal encounters, free train rides, music and art from 5:30pm-7:30pm each evening.

Featuring different headliners, Sunsets will showcase the Ron Kobayashi Trio on June 14, all the best contemporary jazz grooves; the Drew Simpson Trio on June 28; the Fabulous Peggie Perkins Trio on July 19, jazz standards and cool takes on a lot of your favorite tunes. This concert series is a family fun event for people of all ages. In addition to the great jazz concert and art show, there are docents and keepers presenting many interesting Zoo animals, crafts and fun for the kids, FREE rides on the Zoofari Express train, coffee and cookies and a wonderful chance to view and enjoy the animals after hours. Come early at 3:00pm fir a bonus "Blues at the Zoo" concert on the lawn!

Holiday Lights 2008 at the Santa Ana Zoo

On Friday-December 19th, Saturday-December 20th, and Saturday-December 27th the Santa Ana Zoo, located at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave, will be celebrating the holiday season with the Holiday Lights Festival from 5:30pm-8:00pm. The admission is $6 and $3 for members of the Zoo (ages 3 & up).

The Zoo will present beautiful lights and holiday displays, music, crafts, games and animals! December 19th is City of Santa Ana Night (residents and employees of Santa Ana get in free) and Grandparents’ Night (grandparents get in free), and December 27th is Member Appreciation Night (members get in free).

Tickets for this event will be available online starting December 1st.

Zoofari 2008: Carrousel Animalia

Santa Ana, Ca. - - The Zoofari gala lived up to its reputation once again this year as one of Orange County’s most entertaining and exotic galas. It was a fun-filled evening under the stars that never stopped! Zoofari returned for the 16th year with the theme, "Carrousel Animalia!" The evening included Cirque du Soleil-style entertainment by Fleur-de-Lis Improvisational Troupe, specialty drinks from Cruzan Rum, silent and live auctions, gourmet dinner by Parties by Panache, and dancing to the SoundBytes. KOCE's Ed Arnold and business woman and philanthropist Sandy Segerstrom Daniels were the co-chairs. Howard and Karin Hall received the Zoofari Special Recognition Award for their years of dedication to the Zoo. Ron and Joyce Glazier received a Special Recognition Award for their longtime devotion. The infamous Chuck Dreyer returned as auctioneer. Actress and animal lover Tippi Hedren attended once again in support of the Zoo. Over 300 guests dressed in black tie and/or festive jungle attire attended "Carrousel Animalia!" and raised $70,000 to help with the cost of the Conservation Carrousel currently at the Zoo. This 36' endangered species carrousel features all sorts of wildlife, including one animal specially designed for the Zoo, a giant anteater!

Villa Park hybrid cars circled the gala entrance and guests walked through a large arch of brightly painted carrousel horses. The Zoo had been turned into a fantasy "Animalia" with animated and playful members of the Fleur-de-Lis Improvisational Troupe weaving around carrousel figures and interacting with the guests. The entertainers narrated a fanciful fairytale of the town of "Animalia" that kept the guests mesmerized. Guests also had the opportunity to participate in face painting and tattooing, sample signature Carrousel Colada drinks and tray passed hors d' oeuvres, bid on hundreds of silent auction items, have their photos taken at the carrousel with the carrousel animals, and interact with "Bindi," a rare binturong or "Bear Cat." A very unusual animal indeed! Jazz tunes by pianist Ron Kobayashi were playing in the background. Opportunity tickets were also available for purchase to win a Shop Til You Drop South Coast Plaza $500 Gift Certificate, a $600 Tiffany & Co. Sevillana pendant in eighteen karat gold by Elsa Peretti with 16" black silk cord, or a night at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel with two complimentary 1-day tickets for entrance to either Disneyland Park or Disney's California Adventure Park.

Rip Ribble, FOSAZ Board President, welcomed the guests at dinner and introduced the event chairs Ed Arnold and Sandy Segerstrom Daniels who thanked everyone for their support of the Zoo. Dinner was served next and the menu cleverly followed the event theme: a Carrousel Salad of romaine lettuce topped with mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, and candied walnuts, served with raspberry balsamic vinaigrette; Calliope Chicken with sundried tomatoes and artichoke hearts; Rice Pilaf Mystique with dried fruit, almonds and raisins, and garnished with a rosemary skewer; Whirligig Vegetables of zucchini, yellow squash, jicama and carrots with lemon butter; and dessert was a Scrumptious Roundabout of Desserts featuring a flourless chocolate cake with a dollop of whipped cream and raspberry sauce, mini key lime tart and grilled lime segments, sliced strawberries, blueberries or blackberries and raspberries garnished with a Chocolate Animal!

Chuck Dreyer began the live auction with the chance for guests to own a part of the carrousel. The opportunities were a $250,000 donation to name the carrousel, $20,000 for a specialty animal, $10,000 for an outside row animal, $7,500 for a middle row animal, $5,000 for an inside row animal, $1,000 for a membership in the Carrousel Club at Diamond Level, $500 for a membership in the Carrousel Ruby Level, $250 for a Carrousel Emerald Level, and $100 for a Carrousel Club Sapphire Level.

There were two other unique and outstanding live auction items. First up for bid was a nine-day tour of the Natural Wonders of Costa Rica to experience the wildlife, scenic beauty, and colorful culture of this amazing country. Exotic birds and wildlife of the rainforests, hot springs and volcanoes, and sea turtles arriving on Caribbean beaches combined with luxury accommodations, sightseeing of historical and cultural sites, and shopping for local crafts provided a perfect adventure. This tour for two included a land package only and was valued at $3,500. The next item was the "Best of Kenya," a tour from the thorn bush of Samburu National Park, to the flamingo packed Lake Nakuru, to the plains of the fabled Maasai Mara. This safari showcased the best of what East Africa is famous for: amazing wildlife, spectacular scenery and sunsets, and colorful culture. The fully escorted tour for two included roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles, luxury accommodations, most meals, and a donation to the Santa Ana Zoo conservation fund. The value was $14,000. When the auction finished, the guests danced until midnight to the SoundBytes.

Event underwriters were:
John and Sandy Daniels
C.J. Segerstrom & Sons
Tom & Debbie Newmeyer
David Dostal and Barbara Reily-Dostal the James M. Ragen Memorial Fund
The Peter & Mary Muth Foundation
Stuart Anderson & Anne Rubio
Villa Ford /Peggy Baldwin-Butler, Karen Baldwin and Wanda Baldwin
Del & Carole Stagg
Santa Ana Firemen's Benevolent Association
Janet R. Ford
The Hexberg Family Foundation
Barry & Cathi Hofstetter
Michael Darany

VIP's in attendance:
Tippi Hedren - actress and animal activist, Shambala
Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez
Councilmember David Benavides
Councilmember Vince Sarmiento
Councilmember Carlos Bustamange
Councilmember Sal Tinajero
City Manager Dave Ream
Former Councilmember Pat McGuigan
Former Councilmember Lisa Bist
Assemblymember Jose Solorio
Supervisor Janet Nguyen
Ron Glazier - Director, Santa Ana Zoo
Cathi Decker - Executive Director FOSAZ
Rip Ribble - FOSAZ Board President
Howard and Karin Hall -- Honorees
Ron and Joyce Glazier - Honorees
Ed Arnold, KOCE's Real Orange

In the past 15 years, Zoofari has contributed over $1 million dollars to the Santa Ana Zoo. The Zoofari fundraiser is sponsored by Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ), a non-profit organization, which has helped support and improve the Zoo for over 29 years. The Santa Ana Zoo is Orange County's only AZA accredited Zoo and is recognized as signifying excellence and commitment to animal care and conservation. The Santa Ana Zoo provides a place to have fun, to learn, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

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