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November 5, 2015
The Santa Ana Zoo Announces "International Day with the Critters"

The Santa Ana Zoo's "International Day with the Critters" will be held on Saturday, December 5th from 11 am - 2 pm, rain or shine. The annual event is included with the price of admission and FREE for Zoo members. Guests will take a "trip around the world" exploring and discovering international stations throughout the Zoo and getting their "passports" stamped. Each station will feature an animal from a different country around the world. Live entertainment, games, storytelling, special children's crafts and educational activities will take place throughout the day.

"International Day with the Critters is an engaging, high-energy event for family and friends who want to get together and learn about animals from all over the world," says David Exline, FOSAZ Board President. "Add to the mix our trains, the carrousel and dueling playgrounds conveniently located next to The Knowlwood Cafe and our picnic tables and you've got the makings for a great day!"

The Santa Ana Zoo is home to more than 150 animals, including 50 of the most interesting and engaging monkeys and several endangered species, like the Golden Lion Tamarins. New Zoo residents include two beautiful ocelots, a handful of adorable baby animals including a baby sloth and baby anteater!

Guests of International Day with the Critters will be among the first to experience the Zoo's "Winter Zoobilation" decorations including a frosty theme, fairy lights and falling snow. Additional decorations including beautiful, original hand-crafted adornments that are perfect for pictures and depict many holiday favorites including Santa's Workshop, Sweet Shop and Post Office cut outs of 3-dimensional wood and individually designed and painted by Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ) Board Member Rip Ribble, will be on display Dec. 1-31, 2015.

September 8, 2015
It's Boo Time at the Santa Ana Zoo!
OC's Premier Halloween Event for Kids

Mark your calendars, grab your costumes, and join us for our annual "merry not scary" Boo at the Zoo! The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo and B.P.O. Elks Santa Ana Lodge #794 present the 25th Annual Boo at the Zoo located at the Santa Ana Zoo, "Home of the 50 Monkeys." The event will take place from 5:30 PM to 8 PM on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18; Saturday, October 24; Sunday, October 25; and Friday, October 30, rain or shine.

Boo at the Zoo is one of Orange County's longest-running Halloween events, providing a fun, safe, and family-friendly event for trick-or-treaters and children of all ages who love to wear costumes and embrace the Halloween spirit!

Guests will have the opportunity to explore 10 prize stations on our Trick-or-Treat Trail, enjoy a variety of Halloween-themed games and activities - including storytelling and sing-alongs, and visit with our nocturnal animals. Guests will also be able to participate in our nightly costume parade, led by SAZOO (our monkey mascot).

Our exciting "Boofari' Express Train and Conservation Carrousel rides will be entertaining little ghouls and goblins all night long. Parents, don't forget your cameras! Boo at the Zoo provides great photo opportunities that will last a lifetime.

General Admission is $16.95 per non-member ages 2 and up, and only $8.95 per Zoo Member ages 2 and up. Bonus: Children under the age of 2 are free. Join as a Member to receive your half price tickets! Tickets for the "Boo"fari Express and Carrousel will be available for $3 per ride or a $5 combo ticket for both rides. Hot dogs, chips and soda will also be available for purchase nightly provided by the Tustin-Santa Ana Rotary Club, Zoo Docents, and Knowlwood Restaurant.

For those who are a little older and more adventurous, Boo at the Zoo will once again have a separate area for our "Teen Scream" haunted house (included in the regular price of admission). This is sure to provide chills and thrills for those who dare to enter.

To avoid the lines, admissions are now available online at www.fosaz.org (valid any night of the event, nonrefundable - bring your receipt to Will Call on the night of the event). You may also purchase admissions at the main gate on the night of the event. For more information, please call (714) 953-8555 x12. So grab your costume and we'll see YOU at the BOO at the Santa Ana ZOO!

July 15, 2015
Santa Ana Zoo's 2015 "Rockin' Round The Zoo" at Zoofari High Black-Tie Fundraiser Tickets Now on Sale

The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ), a non-profit organization, are pleased to announce tickets sales, media and sponsorship opportunities for its 23rd annual "Rockin' Round the Zoo" at Zoofari High fundraising event are now generally available for purchase online or by calling (714) 953-8555 x10.

Tickets to this year's exclusive black-tie gala under the stars are $250 each or $2,500 for a private table of 10. All tickets must be purchased in advance of the event, which will take place Saturday, August 29 from 5:30 pm to midnight at the Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park located at 1801 Chestnut Avenue in Santa Ana. Space is limited and tickets will not be sold at the door.

With an expected attendance of more than 400 guests, the glamorous Zoofari fundraising event includes valet parking service underwritten by Tudor House Productions, a first-class dining experience catered by Parties by Panache and a hosted bar including a special "Love Potion #9" signature drink made with Tito's Handmade vanilla vodka, root beer and vanilla ice cream. Partygoers will enjoy photos with Elvis, 50's themed decor by R.W.B. Party Props, dancing to the sounds of Groove Factory and an opportunity to bid on wonderful trips, beautiful baskets, and one-of-a-kind gifts during the event's live and silent auctions hosted by renowned auctioneer Kimberly Fladeboe Anderson.

Honorees this year include FOSAZ Board Members Patti Mickey, Patty McClendon and Steve McGuigan.

"For more than 20 years, Zoofari has played an integral role in raising the funds needed for all the special projects and improvements going on here at our favorite community zoo including educational programs, breaking ground on new animal habitats, tackling important conservation initiatives, introducing new rides and upgrading service facilities for our guests to use and enjoy," says Cathi Decker, event host and Executive Director of FOSAZ.

"Zoofari is a first-class fundraising event that demonstrates the love and investment the local community, surrounding businesses and FOSAZ have for the Zoo," says David Exline, President of the FOSAZ Board. "This year's Rockin' Round the Zoo at Zoofari High promises to be another endearing and festive evening our guests will cherish and a night of giving that will have a lasting and positive impact on the Santa Ana Zoo for years to come."

To find out more about the 2015 Rockin' Round the Zoo at Zoofari High, discuss potential sponsorship opportunities or to reserve seats and purchase tickets, call (714) 953-8555 x10 or visit www.santanazoo.org.

May 28, 2015
Santa Ana Zoo Announces 2015 Summer Concert Series & Beer Tasting Event Dates
OC Residents Get Ready to Swing into Summer with Cool Line Up of Musical Talent and Local Craft Breweries; First Concert is Sunday, June 14th at 5:30 pm

The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ) today announced its "Sunsets at the Zoo" summer concert series and "Brew at the Zoo" beer tasting events are back by popular demand sponsored by Guaranty Chevrolet. The first summer concert and brew-tasting event will take place Sunday, June 14th at 5:30 pm. Tickets can be purchased online at www.fosaz.org or at the gate on the night of the event.

"The combination of Sunsets at the Zoo and Brew at the Zoo makes for an event every generation can enjoy," says FOSAZ Board Member Kristeen Stolo, "It's a casual, cool event for families, friends and even first dates."

FOSAZ's after-hours Sunday Summer concert series and tasting events feature live music, Zoo animals, a silent auction, and train and carrousel rides. Zoo members and guests are welcome to grab their cameras, bring a blanket, pack a picnic or purchase BBQ items provided by the Elks, and enjoy a relaxing, fun-filled musical evening outside under the California sky.

Zoo members and guests 21 and older with a valid ID are welcome to enjoy a unique craft brew-tasting experience from a handful of Orange County's finest craft beer brewers. All proceeds raised will benefit The Santa Ana Zoo. Event dates and artists include:

  • Sunday, June 14, 5:30-7:30 PM:
    • Featuring: Tommy Van and the Bounty Hunters
    • Tasting: Tustin Brewing Co. & Stone Brewing Co.
  • Sunday, June 28, 5:30-7:30 PM:
    • Featuring: The Fabulous Peggie Perkins
    • Tasting: Valiant Brewing & Ambitious Ales
  • Sunday, July 12, 5:30-7:30 PM:
    • Featuring: Full Spectrum
    • Tasting: The Bruery & Bootlegger's Brewing Co.
  • Sunday, July 26, 5:30-7:30 PM:
    • Featuring: High in the 80's
    • Tasting: Native Sons Ales & Left Coast Brewing Co.
Admission to Sunsets at the Zoo is $12.95 per person ages 3 & up, and just $6.95 for FOSAZ Members. Children under 3 are free. The cost to enjoy the Brew at the Zoo tasting experience is an additional $10 donation per person and is reserved for adults 21 and over with valid IDs.

"Sunsets at the Zoo and Brew at the Zoo deliver a cool Sunday summertime activity for friends, families, and couples who enjoy listening to live music, picnicking on the lawn, and tasting great brews," says Steve McGuigan, event organizer and Communications Chair for the Santa Ana Zoo Board of Directors. "We're thrilled to once again welcome local artists and showcase the craftsmanship of Orange County's finest breweries at Sunsets and Brew at the Zoo."

For Zoo members and guests looking for fun on an early Sunday afternoon, Knowlwood Cafe at the Zoo is pleased to announce the return of its "Blues at the Zoo" concert series. This soulful summertime series take place Sunday June 14, June 28, July 12, and July 26 from 2 pm - 4 pm and feature some of the finest Blues performers and bands in Orange County. "Blues at the Zoo" is included in the regular price of Zoo admission on the day of the event.

April 21, 2015
The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo Honors Earth Day with "Party for the Planet" Celebration on May 17

The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ) today announced its annual Party for the Planet event will take place Sunday May 17th, 2015, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on the beautiful Santa Ana Zoo grounds, "Home of the 50 Monkeys." Exclusive to AZA-(Association of Zoos & Aquariums) accredited establishments, Party for the Planet represents the largest shared Earth Day celebration in North America.

Open to the public, Party for the Planet is a fun-filled day that celebrates wildlife while promoting conservation and educating Zoo-goers about the different ways they can help protect the environment and "go green." The event is FREE for FOSAZ Members and included in the price of general admission.

Throughout the event, Zoo guests are welcome to participate in conservation-friendly crafts and fun games, as well as learn from hands-on demonstrations and education stations featuring animals, recycling and sustainable living. The Zoofari Express Train rides will be available for $4 each, Conservation Carrousel rides for $3 each and combo tickets for just $6 each. Children under 2 are free to ride with paid adult on the Train and adults standing with children on the Carrousel are free. And don't forget the Zoo's conservation friendly playground and multiple picnic areas.

"The Santa Ana Zoo strives to lead by example when it comes to conservation, sustainability and going green," says David Exline, FOSAZ President. "Party for the Planet allows us to share environmentally-friendly best practices with the community and show our guests the benefits of living green first-hand. From the drought-tolerant plants we grow, to the wood we select for use in our habitats-for us, conservation and protecting our environment are a personal and professional choice."

The 2015 Party for the Planet event marks the 14th year the Friends of Santa Ana Zoo has hosted an event in honor of Earth Day. Participants include the Santa Ana City Water District, Fullerton Arboretum and the USGS Western Ecology Research Center. Children will learn about recycling, composting, beneficial bugs, birds and frogs. More information about the Zoo's conservation efforts can be found online at http://fosaz.org/attractg.htm.

February 26, 2015
Grand Opening of Ocelot Exhibit and Education Center at Santa Ana Zoo

On Saturday, March 21, 2015, The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo will host Grand Opening of the Ocelot Exhibit and Education Center, with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 11 AM. The Ocelot Exhibit will be home to a pair of ocelots coming to Santa Ana from zoos in Oklahoma and Ohio. The new exhibit is designed to relay a message of Conservation on SSP (Species Survival Programs) and Education with a story on the life of the ocelot and how the exhibit plays a role in the conservation of an endangered species.

Ocelots are medium-sized cats that range from Mexico thru Central America and into all of South America except Chile. They are currently on the Endangered Species List as stated by CITES (Convention on International Endangered Species), Appendix 1, most endangered.

The Santa Ana Zoo was pleased to be one of 10 U.S. zoos involved in the Brazilian Ocelot Consortium as an important step in ensuring the ocelots' survival. The Zoo is also a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a leader in global wildlife conservation and a link to helping animals in their native habitats. The quality and standards recognized to attain this designation result in only about 10% of the zoos in the country being awarded this status.

"It's gratifying to see a new exhibit built that fulfills a goal for the conservation of ocelots that began a decade or more ago," said Ron Glazier, retired Zoo Director and FOSAZ Advisory Board Member.

On Wednesday, March 18 at 4:00pm, Donors, VIPs and FOSAZ Members can get a sneak peek at the new Ocelot Habitat. To join as a Member or to make a donation specifically to the Ocelot Habitat or the Santa Ana Zoo, please call (714) 953-8555 x13 or visit our website at www.fosaz.org. Sponsorships for portions of the exhibit are still available.

For more information about the ocelot, please click here.

February 10, 2015
Santa Ana ZOO Celebrates 63 Years!
Join the Fun with Two Days of SAZOO Birthday Mania on
Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8 from 11 am - 2 pm

The Santa Ana Zoo, "Home of the 50 Monkeys," today announced it will celebrate its 63rd birthday on Saturday, March 7th and Sunday, March 8th, 2015. The wild animal birthday bash will take place on the Zoo grounds from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Live music and entertainment are included in the cost of general admission. Birthday cake compliments of Knowlwood will be served at 12 noon both days (first come, first serve). Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ) Members and paid guests are welcome to join the celebration at no additional cost.

Throughout the event, children and adults who are kids at heart will enjoy miniature train displays by Del Oro Pacific, singing happy birthday, dancing on the lawn, and visiting with the Zoo's more than 150 animals. The marvelous Sunshine Generation will perform and SAZOO, the Zoo's resident monkey mascot and honorary OC celebrity, will also be on hand to engage, entertain and take photos.

Additionally, Zoo birthday guests will love visiting the Crean Family Farm and the Colorful Amazon Aviary. The Zoofari Express Train Ride will be available for $4 each, Conservation Carrousel for $3 each and combo tickets for just $6 each. Children under 2 are free to ride with paid adult on the Train and adults standing with children on the Carrousel are free. And don't forget the Zoo's conservation friendly playground and multiple picnic areas.

"For 63 years The Santa Ana Zoo has remained one of Southern California's most memorable places for families and friends to come together, enjoy wildlife and learn about conservation and the wonders of nature," says FOSAZ Executive Director Cathi Decker. "We are thrilled to once again share our birthday celebration with the community!"
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