Santa Ana Zoo

What Santa Ana Zoo does

Santa Ana Zoo is a community zoological park located at 1801 East Chestnut Avenue in Santa Ana, California, operating within Prentice Park as part of the City of Santa Ana's Parks, Recreation, and Community Services department. Founded in 1952, the zoo houses more than 260 animals with a notable primate collection including endangered species such as golden lion tamarins and ocelots, and participates in 22 Species Survival Plans. The facility features three amusement rides (Conservation Carrousel, Zoofari Express train, and 50 Monkeys Ferris Wheel), a botanical garden, a seasonal Flight butterfly experience, the Santiago Creek ECO Center, and on-site retail and food service (Treetops Toys gift shop and Bean Sprouts café).

The zoo is operationally and financially supported by the Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1972 that manages revenue-generating programs including memberships, gift shop operations, event rentals, rides, and grant writing. FOSAZ generates over $500,000 in net revenue annually, and the rides alone produce over $1 million in annual income. Revenue is diversified across general admission tickets ($17 adult / $12 child-senior), annual memberships with AZA reciprocity, donations, adopt-an-animal programs ($59-$499 tiers), personalized bricks, birthday party and event rentals, and signature annual events including the Zoofari Gala (record-breaking $300K in 2025), Brew at the Zoo, and Boo at the Zoo.

The business model is a hybrid direct-to-consumer and event-driven GTM targeting families, individual visitors, school groups, Santa Ana residents (free monthly admission), corporate members, and major donors. Distribution is exclusively through the single physical site with online ticketing and donation infrastructure. The zoo's technical architecture is minimal, relying on the Proud City civic engagement platform for its website and standard e-commerce for transactions, with no AI/ML capabilities or proprietary technology products.

Name

Santa Ana Zoo

Legal name

Santa Ana Zoo

Website

https://santaanazoo.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Santa Ana Zoo is a community zoological park founded in 1952 in Santa Ana, California, housing 260+ animals and operated by the City of Santa Ana with support from the Friends of Santa Ana Zoo nonprofit. It serves local families, school groups, tourists, and donors through general admission, memberships, rides, education programs, and fundraising events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Zoological Park Operations

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Amusement and Theme Parks (713110)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Zoo & Aquarium Parks (Ticketed Wildlife Attractions) (THAJAEAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens (Educational Collections) (THAJADAL)

Keywords

• Zoological park operations
• Wildlife conservation education
• Animal exhibit programs
• Family recreation attractions
• School education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Santa Ana Heights

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations

Revenue model

1. General Admission: The zoo generates revenue from daily admission fees. General admission is $17 for adults, $12 for ages 3-12 and seniors 60+, with children age 2 and younger admitted free. Tickets can be purchased in person or online with Visa/MasterCard.
2. Membership Program: Annual memberships provide unlimited admission, discounts at the gift shop and café, reduced ride ticket prices, and reciprocal admission to other AZA zoos. Corporate memberships are available at $10/employee with additional discounts on rentals and events.
3. Gift Shop Sales: Treetops Toys Gift Shop sells books, clothing, hats, accessories, toys, puppets, puzzles, baby items, stationery, snacks, beverages, and pharmacy/convenience items. Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
4. Food and Beverage: Bean Sprouts café operates Monday-Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., offering vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Menu items range from $8-$12 for main items, with kids menu $4-$6 and alcoholic beverages available for adults 21+.
5. Rides: The zoo operates a Conservation Carrousel ($3/2 tickets), Zoofari Express train ($6/4 tickets), and 50 Monkeys Ferris Wheel. Members can purchase discounted ticket books - Blue book (20 tickets for $25) or Yellow book (40 tickets for $50).
6. Donations: Unrestricted donations support capital improvements, animal care, and educational programs. Donors can direct funds to general support or specific initiatives like the Conservation Fund. Tax ID: 51-0160007.
7. Adopt an Animal Program: Adoption packages at $59 (basic), $89 (deluxe with plush animal), and $499 (premier with plaque) provide certificates, fact sheets, family passes, and name postings. Supports veterinary care, food, animal preservation programs, and habitat improvement.
8. Personalized Bricks: Engraved clay bricks placed near the wishing well between Train Depot and Crean Family Farm. $99 brick (4x8, 3 lines), $199 Super Brick (8x8, 6 lines), or $25 replica brick. Installation takes 7-10 weeks. All donations are tax deductible.
9. Event Rentals: Birthday parties and events at three rental areas: Rides Plaza (up to 25 guests, $450), Explorer's Outpost (50 guests, $700), and Primate Forest. Large amphitheater unavailable in 2026 due to construction. Deposit $250 required.
10. Zoofari Gala: Annual black-tie fundraising gala hosted by Friends of Santa Ana Zoo. 2025 event raised nearly $300,000 with 355 guests. Individual tickets $475, VIP tables for 10 at $4,500.
11. Brew at the Zoo: Annual 21+ fundraiser featuring craft brewery tastings, animal encounters, and food. General ticket $75 with discounts for early birds, Santa Ana residents, and members. 4th annual event sold out in 2026.
12. Boo at the Zoo: Annual Halloween family festival with trick-or-treating, lights, decorations, nocturnal animal encounters, and rides. $35 adults/$30 children, with FOSAZ member discounts ($20/$15) and free admission for children age 2 and under.
13. FOSAZ Fundraising: Friends of Santa Ana Zoo consistently generates over half a million dollars in net revenue annually to support the zoo through membership program, gift shop, event rentals, rides, grant writing, and public relations/marketing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels10 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

The Santa Ana Zoo operates a community zoological park featuring over 260 animals (including primate-focused and endangered species exhibits), three amusement rides, botanical gardens, a seasonal butterfly habitat, on-site retail and food service, and educational programming. The zoo is operated by the City of Santa Ana's Parks, Recreation, and Community Services team and supported by the nonprofit Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ). Core paid offerings include daily admission tickets, annual memberships, school group educational programs, birthday party and event venue rentals, gift shop merchandise, café food service, and special fundraising events.

Product overview

Santa Ana Zoo is a community zoo operated by the City of Santa Ana's Parks, Recreation, and Community Services department, supported by nonprofit Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ). The zoo operates as a single physical attraction with a diverse portfolio of visitor offerings centered around animal exhibits, rides, and educational programs. Core offerings include general admission tickets and annual memberships providing access to over 260 animals and primate-focused exhibits. The attraction features three amusement rides (Conservation Carrousel, Zoofari Express train, and 50 Monkeys Ferris Wheel), seasonal Flight butterfly experience, and a botanical garden. Educational programming spans Zoo Explorer guided tours, self-guided visits, Santiago Creek ECO Center activities including nature journaling, storytimes, and art workshops. Fundraising initiatives include zoo memberships, adopt-an-animal programs, personalized bricks, wishlist donations, and special events (Boo at the Zoo, Brew at the Zoo, Zoofari Gala). On-site retail includes Treetops Toys gift shop and Bean Sprouts café. The zoo also maintains Species Survival Plan participation for 22 endangered species and conducts conservation programs including primate funding and green practices.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Animal Exhibits Housing over 260 animals including primates, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Features Species Survival Plan species including bearded emperor tamarin, binturong, giant anteater, golden-headed lion tamarin, and ocelot for zoo visitors.
• General Admission Tickets

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $500,000 in annual net revenue generated by FOSAZ to support zoo operations
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFOSAZ is a nonprofit corporation organized to develop financial support, growth, and community awareness for the Santa Ana Zoo. Active since 1972, FOSAZ manages the membership program, gift shop, event rentals, rides, grant writing, public relations and marketing. They help fund new habitat development, animal hospital equipment, staff development, and animal enrichment materials. Federal Tax ID: 51-016-0007. Contact: (714) 953-8555.
• City of Santa Ana - Parks, Recreation, and Community ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Santa Ana Zoo is part of the City of Santa Ana's Parks, Recreation, and Community Services team. The city provides operational support and infrastructure as the zoo operates within Prentice Park at 1801 East Chestnut Avenue.
• Craft Breweries (Brew at the Zoo Participants)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual Brew at the Zoo fundraiser features 25+ craft breweries including Ambitious Ales, Apogee, Bottle Logic, Cerveza Cito, Docent Brewing, everywhere, Far Field, Green Cheek, Honey Pot Meadery, Horus Aged Ales, Pfeiffer, Pure Project, Radiant Beer Co., RŌM Beer Co., Santa Ana River, Seek Beer Co., Societe Brewing, Station Craft, Ten Mile Brewing, The Bruery, Third Window, Tripping Animals, North Park Beer Co., pFriem, and Altamont. Breweries donate their time and brews for this 21+ fundraising event.
• Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Santa Ana Zoo participates in AZA's Reciprocity Admission Program, allowing members free or discounted admission to other AZA zoos and aquariums. The zoo also participates in AZA conferences and Cat Decker serves as Chair of AZA Partner Directors.
• Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Santa Ana Zoo is a Conservation Partner committed to sustainable seafood, purchasing only fish sourced from environmentally responsible fisheries.
• ECO-CELL Electronics RecyclingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe zoo partners with ECO-CELL to collect and recycle electronics including cell phones, smartphones, tablets, GPS, digital cameras, and cables to prevent hazardous materials from entering landfills.
• Conservation Program PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSanta Ana Zoo contributes to primate conservation funding including: Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group, Save the Golden Lion Tamarin, Jaguar SSP/SAFE. Also supports Mountain Marmoset Conservation Program, Rainforest Trust, Planet Madagascar, and Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
• Tongva PeoplesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Santiago Creek ECO Center acknowledges Tovaangar, the unceded homelands of the Tongva peoples. The ECO Center honors and learns from Tongva leaders past, present, and emerging who continue to steward these lands.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Los Angeles Zoo: Larger Southern California zoological park operated by the City of Los Angeles, directly comparable as an urban zoo with similar mission, conservation programs, AZA membership, and educational programming — competes for the same regional family and school-group audience.
• Fresno Chaffee Zoo: Mid-sized California zoological park with similar mix of animal exhibits, rides, and education programs, supported by a nonprofit (Fresno's Chaffee Zoological Society). Comparable in scale and operating model to Santa Ana Zoo and an AZA peer.
• Oakland Zoo: California zoological park operated as a nonprofit with conservation, education, and visitor programs of similar scope. Operates the California Trail expansion comparable in ambition to Santa Ana's River's Edge project.
• Sacramento Zoo: Mid-sized regional zoo in California offering comparable animal exhibits, education programs, rides, and event rentals, operating on a similar community-supported model.
• Happy Hollow Park & Zoo: Smaller combination zoo and amusement park in San Jose, California — one of the closest operational analogs to Santa Ana Zoo given its mix of animals, rides, education programs, and municipal operation.
• Sequoia Park Zoo: Small community zoo in Eureka, California, with comparable scale, conservation focus, and education programming; serves as a benchmark for small/mid-sized municipal zoos.
• Micke Grove Zoo: Small municipal zoo in San Joaquin County, California, similar in scale to Santa Ana Zoo with comparable mix of animal exhibits, education, and community programming.

Broad incumbents

• San Diego Zoo: Flagship zoological park in Southern California, vastly larger and a global brand; competes for tourist and regional visitor share. Operated by a comparable nonprofit (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance) but at a fundamentally different scale and category position.

Emerging players

• Wildlife Learning Center: Small wildlife education facility in Sylmar, California, offering animal encounters and education programs; comparable niche educational programming but lacks a full zoo's scale and AZA standing.

Regional players

• Zoomars at River's Edge: Small petting zoo and animal encounter attraction in San Juan Capistrano, Southern California; partial overlap with Santa Ana Zoo's family/education segments in the same Orange County market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/santaanazoo
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheSantaAnaZoo
• Instagraminstagram.com/thesantaanazoo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/santa-ana-zoo

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Santa Ana Zoo