Not far from your Anaheim hotel is the call of the wild, compliments of the Santa Ana Zoo. The focus is on preservation, conservation, recreation and education in this sprawling park where a passion for nature is a top priority. The founder of the zoo demanded “50 monkeys at all times” in 1952, and that demand has stuck—which is why there are always so many monkeys around! Smaller and more intimate than the San Diego Zoo, there are 80 species of monkeys on the grounds at all times, and new babies “arriving” daily. Check the website to see if any newborns will be making a surprise showing during your visit!
Critters for Conservation is a special, weekend-only show where you can get up close and personal with some of the friendliest animals at the park. You’ll find the shows throughout the day at the Conservation Stage, which is constructed out of 7,800 recycled milk jugs.
Life’s a Zoo
One of the most popular attractions is Amazon’s Edge, where you’ll find shaded seating and a gorgeous waterfall as you look for some of the most stunning inhabitants of the Amazon. Black-necked swans and howler monkeys are just a couple of the species to spot.
The Rainforest Adventure Maze is a fun way to get lost and explore the mysteries of the rainforest, unpeeling layer after layer and meeting a few new friends in the process. August is the perfect time to visit, so don’t be afraid to get a little wild in Anaheim.
