Main entrance
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Colobus Monkeys
Welcome to the Santa Ana Zoo! We’re so excited you’re here today! Get ready to meet some incredible animals — our Black and White Colobus MonkeysThese amazing primates are naturally found in the forests of Central Africa. Colobus Monkeys are known for their long, flowing tails and striking black-and-white fur. They’re super agile and love leaping through the trees —it’s like watching acrobats in action! You’ll often see them hanging out in groups — lounging, climbing, or grooming each other. They’re like total besties!Now, what’s on the menu for a Colobus Monkey? In the wild, these leaf-loving primates — or folivores — spend their days munching on young leaves, flowers, fruit, and seeds found high up in the forest canopy. Their unique stomachs help them digest tough plant material that many other animals can’t handle! At the zoo, we keep their diet just as green and healthy — with leafy greens, special monkey biscuits, corn, sweet potatoes, and some tasty treats like peanuts and grapes.And mealtime isn’t just about food — it's about fun and enrichment too! We give them mirrors — which they LOVE! They’ll stare at their reflections like, “Hey, I look good!” We also scatter hay for them to roll around in — or just enjoy as a comfy spot to chill. When we mix in enrichment items like toys, hidden treats, and puzzle feeders to keep their minds sharp and curious. They’ve got to think, explore, and work for their rewards — just like they would in the wild!So take a few moments to watch them swing, munch, and play. No two days are the same with this crew — you might see some wild leaps or a snuggly grooming session.Thanks for visiting the Santa Ana Zoo and getting to know our Black and White Colobus Monkeys.We hope you enjoy the rest of your wild adventure.
Welcome to the Santa Ana Zoo! We’re so excited you’re here today! Get ready to meet some incredible animals — our Black and White Colobus MonkeysThese amazing primates are naturally found in the forests of Central Africa. Colobus Monkeys are known for their long, flowing tails and striking black-and-white fur. They’re super agile and love leaping through the trees —it’s like watching acrobats in action! You’ll often see them hanging out in groups — lounging, climbing, or grooming each other. They’re like total besties!Now, what’s on the menu for a Colobus Monkey? In the wild, these leaf-loving primates — or folivores — spend their days munching on young leaves, flowers, fruit, and seeds found high up in the forest canopy. Their unique stomachs help them digest tough plant material that many other animals can’t handle! At the zoo, we keep their diet just as green and healthy — with leafy greens, special monkey biscuits, corn, sweet potatoes, and some tasty treats like peanuts and grapes.And mealtime isn’t just about food — it's about fun and enrichment too! We give them mirrors — which they LOVE! They’ll stare at their reflections like, “Hey, I look good!” We also scatter hay for them to roll around in — or just enjoy as a comfy spot to chill. When we mix in enrichment items like toys, hidden treats, and puzzle feeders to keep their minds sharp and curious. They’ve got to think, explore, and work for their rewards — just like they would in the wild!So take a few moments to watch them swing, munch, and play. No two days are the same with this crew — you might see some wild leaps or a snuggly grooming session.Thanks for visiting the Santa Ana Zoo and getting to know our Black and White Colobus Monkeys.We hope you enjoy the rest of your wild adventure.
Spider Monkeys
Hi there! We’re so happy you stopped by!Here at the Santa Ana Zoo, you’ll get to meet some awesome primates — our Spider Monkeys!These monkeys have some seriously cool features that help them stand out. Ever wonder why they’re called spider monkeys? Well — it’s all about those long, skinny arms and legs, and their super-strong tails! When they swing through the trees, they kind of look like… you guessed it — spiders!And get this — their prehensile tails, which means they can actually grab and hold things with them, can grow up to 37 inches long! That’s the longest tail of any primate at our zoo!Now let’s talk about what’s on the menu. Patrick — that’s one of our spider monkeys — and his friends enjoy a healthy, carefully planned diet. They get corn, eggplant, romaine lettuce, and other leafy greens. Everything is chosen to help them stay active, healthy, and happy every day.Patrick has a special place in our hearts. He was born in the early 1990s and has been part of the Santa Ana Zoo family since 1993. Because he’s a bit older now, he gets some extra care to make sure he stays comfy and well taken care of — just like he deserves.One of the most fun things about spider monkeys is how they vocalize! They communicate using a mix of chuckles and coughs — it’s kind of silly, but really fun to hear. So listen closely while you're here… you might just catch them chatting with each other!Thanks so much for stopping by to meet our spider monkey pals. Patrick and his friends are full of charm and personality — and they love having friendly faces nearby.We hope you enjoy the rest of your adventure here at the Santa Ana Zoo!
Guanacos
Welcome to the Santa Ana Zoo! We’re thrilled to have you here today — because now it’s time to meet our tallest and fluffiest residents... the Guanacos! These elegant animals are native to the mountains and plains of South America and are closely related to llamas and alpacas.With their long necks, big eyes, and soft brown coats, Guanacos are built for life in the tall grasses! They have thick fur that keeps them warm in high altitudes and strong legs that help them sprint up to 35 miles per hour — that's faster than some cars in traffic! Guanacos are part of the camel family, but they don’t have humps. Instead, they’ve got excellent balance and a calm, quiet nature. You’ll often find them grazing peacefully or curiously watching visitors like you!In the wild, Guanacos live in herds and travel across rugged landscapes in search of food. Their diet mainly consists of grasses and shrubs. Here at the zoo, they enjoy a similar plant-based menu — including hay, browse (leafy branches), and specialized grain pellets designed just for herbivores.To keep our Guanacos mentally and physically engaged, we offer all sorts of enrichment activities. Sometimes we scatter their food so they can “forage” like they would in the wild. Other days, we might switch up their feeding spots, add scent trails, or introduce objects for them to explore — they’re naturally curious!One fun fact? Guanacos communicate using a variety of sounds, including gentle humming and high-pitched alarms when they sense danger. They even have a “spitting” defense — though luckily, our group is pretty polite!Thanks for visiting our Guanacos today! They’re graceful, gentle, and just one of the many amazing species we care for at the Santa Ana Zoo. Keep exploring — there’s so much more wildlife wonder waiting for you!
Black and White Ruffled Lemur
Welcome to the Santa Ana Zoo! We’re so glad you’re here — because today you get to meet one of the loudest and fluffiest primates in our care… our Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur! This incredible species is naturally found on the island of Madagascar, a truly magical place filled with wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else on Earth.With striking black-and-white fur and a thick, fluffy "ruff" of hair around the neck, this lemur is impossible to miss. And if you’re wondering what that sound is — yep, it might be them! Blackand-White Ruffed Lemurs are known for their powerful vocalizations, which they use to communicate through the forest. Their calls can travel over half a mile! This lemur is arboreal, which means they spend most of their time in the trees. Their strong limbs and gripping hands help them leap, climb, and explore with ease.In the wild, they help pollinate plants as they move from flower to flower — making them important forest caretakers! At the zoo, our lemur enjoys a carefully balanced diet that includes fruits, leafy greens, and specially formulated primate chow. Some favorites? Grapes and bananas!To keep our lemur active and curious, our animal care team provides all sorts of enrichment — puzzle feeders, hanging branches, and scent trails to follow. Take a moment to watch — you might see him leaping between platforms, foraging for snacks, or just lounging in a sunny spot. Whether they’re on the move or enjoying a quiet moment, they’re always full of personality.Thanks for stopping by to learn about our Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur! Be sure to check out our other primates while you're here — there’s always something new to discover at the Santa Ana Zoo. Enjoy the rest of your wild adventure!
Ring-Tailed Lemurs
Welcome to the Santa Ana Zoo! We’re so happy you’re here today — because now it’s time to meet one of the most iconic and social animals in our primate family… the Ring-Tailed Lemurs! These charming creatures are naturally found in the forests and scrublands of Madagascar, where they live in large, lively groups.Ring-Tailed Lemurs are easy to spot thanks to their striking black-and-white striped tails — like a living zebra tail you can’t miss! They use their tails for balance when they’re moving through trees, and they wave them in the air to communicate with each other on the ground.These lemurs are true social butterflies, living in groups called “troops” that can have up to 30 individuals. They spend lots of time grooming each other, playing, and sunbathing — you might even catch them sitting upright with their tails curled around their bodies, soaking up the warm rays!In the wild, Ring-Tailed Lemurs are omnivores — they eat fruits, leaves, flowers, and even small insects. Here at the zoo, their diet includes a variety of fresh fruits, leafy greens, and specially formulated primate biscuits to keep them healthy and happy.Our lemurs love mental and physical challenges, so keepers provide enrichment like puzzle feeders, climbing structures, and scent trails. They’re curious and clever, always ready to investigate something new!Watch closely and you might see some playful chases or hear their unique vocalizations — from purrs to loud wails — used to keep in touch with their troop members. Their lively personalities make them crowd favorites!Thanks for spending time with our Ring-Tailed Lemurs! We hope you enjoy the rest of your visit and all the amazing animals here at the Santa Ana Zoo. Keep exploring and have a wild day!
White-Handed Gibbons
Welcome to the Santa Ana Zoo! We’re so happy you’re here — because now it’s time to meet the masters of swinging, singing, and showing off… our White-Handed Gibbons! These incredible primates come from the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, and they’re truly a sight to see (and hear)!White-Handed Gibbons are known for their long arms, soft fur, and — you guessed it — their white hands and feet! These features help them swing gracefully from branch to branch in a movement called brachiation. They can travel through the treetops at speeds up to 35 miles per hour — that’s faster than most people drive in a school zone!And listen closely — gibbons are some of the loudest land mammals relative to their size. Their calls can echo through the forest for miles, and mated pairs often perform duets to strengthen their bond and mark their territory.Gibbons are lesser apes — meaning they’re not monkeys, and they don’t have tails. In the wild, White-Handed Gibbons spend nearly all their time in the trees, using their powerful arms and strong grip to climb, hang, and swing through the canopy.Here at the zoo, their diet includes a variety of fresh fruits, leafy greens, veggies, and specially formulated primate chow to keep them healthy and energized.In the wild, White-Handed Gibbons are omnivores, with a diet that primarily consists of fruits, leaves, flowers, and insects. They are especially fond of ripe fruit, and can often be found picking through the treetops for their favorite snacks, such as figs, mangoes, and bananas. They also eat a variety of young leaves and tender shoots, which give them important nutrients to stay strong and active. Occasionally, they may snack on small insects like ants or termites, adding a bit of protein to their plant-based diet. Their ability to forage and find food high in the canopy is an essential part of their survival in the dense rainforests of Southeast Asia.To keep their clever minds and active bodies engaged, we give them all kinds of enrichment — think climbing ropes, puzzle feeders, and fun new items to explore. They’re naturally curious and LOVE a good challenge.You might see them relaxing up high, grooming one another, or bursting into a swinging sprint across their habitat. Their movement is smooth, strong, and totally mesmerizing.Thanks for hanging out with our White-Handed Gibbons! They’re just one of the many amazing animals waiting to meet you here at the Santa Ana Zoo. Keep exploring, and enjoy your wild adventure!
Rheas
Welcome to the Santa Ana Zoo! We’re so glad you’re here — because now it’s time to meet our largest and most fascinating birds… the Rheas! These big, flightless birds come from the grasslands and open plains of South America, and they’ve got some impressive features you won’t want to miss.Rheas are the largest birds in the Americas — and while they can’t fly, they can run up to 40 miles per hour! With long legs and strong thighs, they sprint across the ground like feathered athletes. Their fluffy gray feathers, long necks, and expressive eyes give them a look that’s both prehistoric and adorable. And fun fact: although they may look like ostriches, rheas are their own unique species. They’re actually more closely related to emus — part of a group of flightless birds called ratites.In the wild, rheas roam in flocks and feed on a mix of plants, seeds, fruits, and insects. They’re omnivores, which means they enjoy a varied diet. Here at the zoo, we give them greens, grains, veggies, and protein-packed snacks to keep them healthy and energized. Rheas play an important role in their ecosystems by spreading seeds and helping control insect populations.To keep our rheas engaged, our animal care team provides enrichment like scattered treats, mirrors, and novel objects to investigate. Their curiosity keeps them busy — whether they’re pecking at new items or strutting through their habitat.One of the most fascinating things about rheas? The males take care of the babies! After the female lays the eggs, the male builds the nest, incubates the eggs, and raises the chicks. Talk about super-dad status!Thanks for stopping by to meet our Rheas! We hope you enjoyed learning about these amazing birds — and remember, there’s always something new to discover here at the Santa Ana Zoo. Keep exploring and have a wild time!
White Peafowl
Welcome to the Santa Ana Zoo! We’re so excited you’re here — and now it’s time to meet one of the most elegant and eye-catching birds in the entire zoo… our Common White Peafowl! With glowing white feathers and a graceful strut, these birds are nothing short of magical.You might be wondering — is this a totally different species from the colorful blue and green peacocks we’re used to? Great question! White peafowl are actually the same species as Indian Peafowl, but they have a genetic condition called leucism, which causes a lack of pigment in their feathers. It’s not albinism — their eyes are still blue, not pink! Their stunning snow-white feathers give them a soft, glowing appearance, especially when they fan out that gorgeous tail. And yes — only the males fan out those famous train feathers to impress potential mates!In the wild, Indian Peafowl are found in parts of India and Sri Lanka, and they’re often seen in open forests and near farms. Here at the zoo, our white peafowl enjoy a diet of specialized pellets, veggies and insects to keep them healthy and happy. Even though they can fly short distances, peafowl usually prefer walking or roosting up high in trees at night for safety.To keep our white peafowl curious and active, we provide enrichment like mirrors, natural materials, and new textures to explore. They love to forage, peck around their space, and check out their surroundings — especially if shiny things are involved!Keep an eye out — you might see our male put on a show by fanning out his long tail and shaking it slightly to make it shimmer in the light. It’s one of the most beautiful displays in the bird world!Thanks for visiting our Common White Peafowl! Their unique beauty is just one of the many wonders you’ll find here at the Santa Ana Zoo. Keep exploring, and enjoy the rest of your wild adventure!
Tiger Salamander
Hi there! We’re so glad you’re here at the Santa Ana Zoo. If you’re looking for something a little slimy, a little secretive, and super cool—say hello to our tiger salamander!This amphibian may not roar like a tiger, but it does have bold, yellow stripes and spots that give it its name. Tiger salamanders are shy creatures that spend most of their time underground, hiding in cool, damp burrows. So, if you don’t see it right away—don’t worry! These little masters of hide-and-seek usually come out when it’s dark, rainy, or nice and moist.Tiger salamanders are one of the largest land-dwelling salamanders in North America. They can grow up to 13 inches long, and they’ve got long tails, smooth skin, and strong legs for digging. They’re amphibians, which means they spend part of their life in water and part on land. They start life as aquatic larvae—kind of like tadpoles—then grow legs and lungs to move onto land as adults! Their diet? Think creepy crawly. They love to snack on insects, worms, slugs, and even small frogs or mice if they can catch them!Here at the Santa Ana Zoo, we provide our tiger salamander with a habitat that stays cool and damp—just the way it likes it. It has soft soil to burrow in and plenty of hiding spots to feel safe.Here’s a fun fact: when threatened, tiger salamanders can secrete a milky toxin from their tail to discourage predators. Yup—that’s one way to say “back off!”Thanks for learning about one of our most secretive, stripey residents. We hope you enjoy the rest of your visit here at the Santa Ana Zoo—and don’t forget to keep an eye out… you never know when our tiger salamander might peek out and say hello!
Giant Anteaters
Welcome, adventurer! You’re just in time to meet one of the most fascinating animals in the zoo —our Giant Anteaters Peter and Hesoo of Troy.With their long snouts, bushy tails, and slow, deliberate walk, these animals look like they’re from another world. But don’t let that calm pace fool you — when it’s mealtime, they get to work fast!In the wild, giant anteaters roam the grasslands and forests of Central and South America,using their long, sticky tongue — up to 2 feet long! — to slurp up thousands of ants and termites each day.They use strong claws to tear open ant mounds, then quickly lick up the insects with their bristly tongue before getting bitten too much and move to another spot.Here at the Santa Ana Zoo, our anteaters enjoy a special smoothie blend of bananas, papaya, eggs, and specialized pellets — easy to lap up and full of nutrition. Sometimes as a special treat they get avocado and yogurt.To keep things interesting, we offer scent trails, logs, and puzzle feeders — because anteaters love a challenge!Want to impress your friends? Tell them anteaters have no teeth! That’s right — they don’t chew. They just slurp, swallow, and move on!Thanks for visiting our incredible Giant Anteater. They're strong, and just plain fascinating. We hope the rest of your adventure here at the Santa Ana Zoo is just as wild!
Golden Poison Dart Frogs
Hey there, explorer!You’ve found one of the smallest — and most powerful animals in the zoo... the Golden Poison Dart Frog! These tiny frogs come from the rainforests of Colombia, where they live among leaves, logs, and humidity.Despite their size, they pack a punch —in the wild, their skin contains enough toxin to stop a predator in its tracks. Their color? That’s a warning sign in nature: “Don’t eat me!”Now don’t worry — here at the zoo, these frogs are not toxic at all. That’s because their wild diet of toxic ants and beetles is what creates the poison in the first place. Here, they snack on crickets, fruit flies, and tiny beetles — totally safe and healthy!Their habitat is kept warm, damp, and full of hiding places. Watch closely — you might spot one perched on a leaf, or blending in with the moss!One frog this small…with bright golden skin and the power to take down a snake in the wild? Now that’s nature’s definition of “don’t mess with me.”Thanks for hopping by to meet our Golden Poison Dart Frogs. They’re beautiful, bold, and a reminder that even the tiniest animals can make a big impression.Stick around — there’s plenty more to explore here at the Santa Ana Zoo!
Dromedary Camels
Whoa — check out those humps! You’re looking at one of the most iconic desert survivors: Amina and Amir our Dromedary Camels — also known as the one-hump camels!These camels are built for the heat — they’re native to the Middle East and North Africa,where the sun blazes and water is hard to come by.Their single hump stores fat — not water — which helps fuel their bodies when food is scarce.They also have long eyelashes, closing nostrils, and thick footpads — all perfect for sandstorms and hot desert terrain!In the wild, Dromedary Camels graze on dry grasses, thorny plants, and salty shrubs that most animals wouldn’t touch.Here at the Santa Ana Zoo, they enjoy a balanced diet of hay, grain, and browse to keep them healthy and full of energy.Dromedaries can go for days or even weeks without drinking, and when they do find water they can chug up to 30 gallons in just 13 minutes! Impressive, right?To keep them stimulated here at the zoo, we provide browse (leafy branches), sand pits for rolling, toys, and puzzle feeders to keep them thinking.Thanks for stopping by to meet our incredible Dromedary Camels. They’re tough, smart, and full of personality — true desert legends.There’s still so much more to see, so keep on exploring the wild world of the Santa Ana Zoo!
Blue and Yellow Macaws
Get ready for some color — and a little chatter! You’ve found Barrakas and Shivers, our Blue and Yellow Macaws, some of the flashiest and loudest birds in the zoo!These stunning parrots are native to the rainforests of South America, where their bright feathers help them blend into the green and gold canopy. Macaws are social, smart, and super vocal — they call, squawk, and even mimic sounds to communicate.In the wild, macaws snack on fruits, nuts, seeds, flowers, and even clay! They eat clay from riverbanks to help neutralize toxins in certain seeds. Pretty clever, right?Here at the zoo, they enjoy a healthy mix of fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, nuts, and specially formulated pellets for all their nutritional needs.Macaws are problem-solvers, so our animal care team gives them toys, puzzles, and plenty of opportunities to shred, chew, and explore.They’re playful, loud, and love showing off!Did you know macaws can live up to 50 years or more? They form strong bonds with their mates and their human caretakers — they’re not just pretty — they’re loyal and smart, too.Thanks for flying by to meet our Blue and Yellow Macaws! They bring a splash of color and a lot of personality to the Santa Ana Zoo. We hope you enjoy the rest of your day in our wild, wonderful world!
Ocelot
Welcome to the Santa Ana Zoo! Today, you’re about to meet one of our most mysterious and beautiful residents: the ocelot, Amara.Take a look at her coat — notice all those spots and stripes? Each pattern is completely unique, like a fingerprint. In the wild, ocelots use their markings to blend into forests and tall grasses, helping them hide from predators and sneak up on prey.Amara is a female ocelot born in 2018. She became a resident of the Santa Ana Zoo in 2020 as part of a Species Survival Plan, a conservation program that supports healthy ocelot populations both in human care and in the wild. She currently weighs about 14 pounds.You may notice that Amara has only one eye. She lost her eye in 2019 due to health issues, but she has adapted beautifully and continues to thrive here at the zoo. (Any images shown of Amara should reflect her having one eye.)Ocelots are nocturnal hunters, most active at night. In the wild, they hunt small animals such as mice, rats, quail, and fish. Here at the zoo, Amara enjoys her meals without hunting live prey. Watching her eat is like seeing a tiny, precise predator at work.Amara also has a few favorite treats. She especially loves chewing on yams, which keep her entertained and help maintain her teeth. She’s an excellent climber, showing off her natural agility with ease.Another fascinating fact: ocelots have amazing night vision, allowing them to see up to ten times better in the dark than humans. This incredible ability helps them navigate the forests at night while hunting.Her daily routine is simple but important. She eats once a day, in the evening, and her keepers provide enrichment like logs, climbing platforms, and scent trails to keep her mind sharp and her body active.Thanks for spending time with Amara today! She’s a perfect example of the resilience, elegance, and charm that make ocelots such fascinating animals. We hope you enjoy the rest of your adventure here at the Santa Ana Zoo, and continue discovering the wonders of wildlife!
Welcome to the Santa Ana Zoo! Today, you’re about to meet one of our most mysterious and beautiful residents: the ocelot, Amara.Take a look at her coat — notice all those spots and stripes? Each pattern is completely unique, like a fingerprint. In the wild, ocelots use their markings to blend into forests and tall grasses, helping them hide from predators and sneak up on prey.Amara is a female ocelot born in September 2018, and she weighs about 14 pounds. She joined the zoo as part of a Species Survival Plan, a conservation program that helps maintain healthy ocelot populations both in human care and in the wild.Ocelots are nocturnal hunters, most active at night. In the wild, they hunt small animals such as mice, rats, quail, and fish. Here at the zoo, Amara enjoys her meals without hunting live prey. Watching her eat is like seeing a tiny, precise predator at work.Amara also has a few favorite treats. She especially loves chewing on yams, which keep her entertained and help maintain her teeth. She’s an excellent climber, showing off her natural agility with ease.Another fascinating fact: ocelots have amazing night vision, allowing them to see up to ten times better in the dark than humans. This incredible ability helps them navigate the forests at night while hunting.Her daily routine is simple but important. She eats once a day, in the evening, and keepers provide enrichment like logs, climbing platforms, and scent trails to keep her mind sharp and her body active.Thanks for spending time with Amara today! She’s a perfect example of the elegance, skill, and charm that make ocelots such fascinating animals. We hope you enjoy the rest of your adventure here at the Santa Ana Zoo, and keep discovering the wonders of wildlife!
Binturong
Say hello to Bindi, the Santa Ana Zoo’s binturong — or as we like to call her, our popcorn-scented friend! That’s right — Bindi is part of the civet family, and these amazing animals give off a scent that smells just like buttered popcorn. Don’t get too hungry though — it’s all natural!Bindi is truly one-of-a-kind. She was born in January 2008 and joined the zoo when she was just 8 weeks old. Despite being classified as a carnivore, Bindi isn’t much of a meat fan. She prefers fruits, especially blueberries and grapes, which are her absolute favorites. When she was younger, keepers had to sneak fruit in with her meat to get her to eat it — now, she happily enjoys her meals all on her own.One of Bindi’s coolest features is her prehensile tail, which works like an extra hand to grab branches and explore her world. Her tail is a little special — it healed in a coiled position after a childhood injury. She still uses it expertly, though sometimes it gets stuck, and you might catch her carefully wriggling it free.Bindi’s day is all about balance. She enjoys a light breakfast and a hearty dinner, since she’s most active at night. As a nocturnal creature, she loves cooler weather and often drapes herself over her perch like the true diva she is. And keep your ears open — she’s very vocal, making all sorts of noises, even though binturongs in the wild usually prefer a quieter, solitary life.Elegant, playful, and full of quirky charm, Bindi is a peek into a fascinating and unusual world. Spending time with her shows why she’s one of the Santa Ana Zoo’s most unique and lovable residents.
Say hello to Bindi, the Santa Ana Zoo’s binturong — or as we like to call her, our popcorn-scented friend! That’s right — Bindi is part of the civet family, and these amazing animals give off a scent that smells just like buttered popcorn. Don’t get too hungry though — it’s all natural!Bindi is truly one-of-a-kind. She was born in January 2008 and joined the zoo when she was just 8 weeks old. Despite being classified as a carnivore, Bindi isn’t much of a meat fan. She prefers fruits, especially blueberries and grapes, which are her absolute favorites. When she was younger, keepers had to sneak fruit in with her meat to get her to eat it — now, she happily enjoys her meals all on her own.One of Bindi’s coolest features is her prehensile tail, which works like an extra hand to grab branches and explore her world. Her tail is a little special — it healed in a coiled position after a childhood injury. She still uses it expertly, though sometimes it gets stuck, and you might catch her carefully wriggling it free.Bindi’s day is all about balance. She enjoys a light breakfast and a hearty dinner, since she’s most active at night. As a nocturnal creature, she loves cooler weather and often drapes herself over her perch like the true diva she is. And keep your ears open — she’s very vocal, making all sorts of noises, even though binturongs in the wild usually prefer a quieter, solitary life.Elegant, playful, and full of quirky charm, Bindi is a peek into a fascinating and unusual world. Spending time with her shows why she’s one of the Santa Ana Zoo’s most unique and lovable residents.
Mexican Spider Monkeys
Welcome to the Santa Ana Zoo’s spider monkey habitat!Here you’ll meet our lively group of Mexican spider monkeys: Dante, Azules, Kiwi, Guava, Mango, Apple, Banana, and Papaya. Living with them is their uncle Patrick, who is a Colombian black spider monkey. Even though Patrick is a different species, he eats the same foods, behaves in similar ways, and fits right in with the rest of the family.Mexican spider monkeys live in the forests of Mexico and Central America, while Patrick’s species comes from South America. Even though they’re from different places, both types of spider monkeys spend most of their time high up in the trees, where they can climb, leap, and explore.One of the coolest things about spider monkeys is their long, super-strong tail. It’s called a prehensile tail, and it works almost like a fifth hand—they can even hang from it! Fun fact: their tails can be longer than their entire bodies. And even though they’re amazing climbers, spider monkeys actually don’t have thumbs, so their tails and long fingers help them grip branches as they move through the forest.With their long arms and lightweight bodies, spider monkeys are some of the best acrobats in the animal kingdom. A spider monkey can swing up to 40 feet in a single move—almost the length of a school bus!Spider monkeys are also very social and smart. They live in flexible groups, splitting up during the day to look for food and then coming back together later. This kind of group living makes it easy for Patrick to be part of the troop. And if you listen closely, you might hear them communicating—they whinny, squeal, or even bark to talk to one another.In the wild, spider monkeys mostly eat fruit, which makes them important helpers in the rainforest. When they drop seeds or pass them in their poop, new plants and trees can grow. Here at the zoo, they enjoy a healthy mix of fruits, veggies, leafy greens, and special monkey chow.Unfortunately, both Mexican spider monkeys and Colombian black spider monkeys are endangered. They’re losing their forest homes to deforestation, and some are taken illegally from the wild. Because they have babies slowly, their numbers can’t bounce back easily.By visiting the Santa Ana Zoo, you’re helping protect these amazing animals and the forests they come from.As you watch Dante, Azules, Kiwi, Guava, Mango, Apple, Banana, Papaya, and their uncle Patrick, take a moment to enjoy their incredible moves and playful personalities. Thanks for stopping by to learn about these amazing monkeys!
Asian small-clawed otter
Welcome to the Santa Ana Zoo! Up next, you’re going to meet one of the most energetic and charismatic animals in our collection: the Asian small-clawed otter.These otters are the smallest otter species in the world, but don’t let their size fool you—what they lack in height, they make up for in personality. Their bodies range from about 16 to 25 inches long, with tails that add another 10 to 12 inches. Altogether, an adult weighs between 6 and 12 pounds.Take a look at their appearance:They have dark, greyish-brown fur across most of their body, with lighter cream-colored fur on their face and neck. Their paws are one of their most unique features—partially webbed, with very small claws that barely extend beyond the digits. These hand-like paws give them excellent dexterity for catching crabs, snails, and tiny fish in shallow water.Asian small-clawed otters are incredibly social animals. In the wild, they live in extended family groups that can include up to 15 members. These groups communicate constantly, using a wide range of yelps, whimpers, and high-pitched calls—more than a dozen different vocalizations! They also communicate through posture, scent marking, and even social grooming.If you look closely, you might see them playing. Otters love to slide on muddy banks, splash in the water, and even juggle pebbles, a behavior frequently observed in zoos and wild environments.In the wild, they make their homes in freshwater streams and rivers, swamps, mangroves, rice paddies, and coastal wetlands across India, Southeast Asia, southern China, Taiwan, and the Philippines. They need dense vegetation for cover and muddy banks for building burrows.Their diet includes crabs, mollusks, insects, and small fish. Their strong jaws and large back teeth allow them to crush tough shells. They’re also clever problem-solvers and can learn from watching other otters—older members of the group may even teach new techniques to younger ones.These otters are monogamous, forming lifelong pairs. Parents work together to raise their pups. Newborns are tiny, born with closed eyes and completely dependent on mom and dad. Their eyes open at around 40 days, they emerge from the den at about 10 weeks, and they start learning to swim at about three months—usually under the careful supervision of their mother.Unfortunately, Asian small-clawed otters face serious challenges in the wild. They are currently listed as Vulnerable, with populations dropping more than 30% in the last 30 years. Habitat loss, pollution, overfishing, poaching, and the global pet trade all threaten their survival. Otters are often captured for their fur or sold illegally as pets—especially in places like Japan, where “otter cafés” have increased demand. Sadly, otters kept as pets rarely receive the care or environment they need, resulting in short lives and poor welfare.Despite these challenges, Asian small-clawed otters play a crucial role in their ecosystems. As top wetland predators, they help maintain balance and can indicate the health of their environment. Scientists even study otter droppings—called spraints—to monitor populations and determine the sex of individuals.You can help protect otters and other wildlife by choosing Rainforest Alliance–certified coffee and tea, avoiding businesses that exploit otters as pets or attractions, and thinking critically about the wildlife content you support online.Thank you for spending time with our otters today! Their curiosity, intelligence, and playful nature make them unforgettable ambassadors for wetland conservation. We hope you enjoy the rest of your visit here at the Santa Ana Zoo and continue discovering the amazing wildlife that shares our planet.
