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Ever wonder how much fun your Santa Ana Zoo membership can get you even when you travel? Look no further than "Dale's Tales," our monthly reciprocal blog where you can learn about great places to visit and save with your membership!

Hello everyone! My name is Dale Frink, you've probably seen me bustling around the zoo doing a variety of jobs such as driving the train, running the carousel, and taking care of all the neat things in Treetop Toys. While I really enjoy spending time working hard to support the animals here in Santa Ana, I do occasionally take time off and when I do I enjoy traveling. I take my love of animals with me though, and I've been to lots of great zoos all across the country. I hope that you'll enjoy reading about the places I have visited, and maybe you'll get to have your own fantastic experiences as well!

December 1, 2012: Baby Monkey Year in Review
According to the Chinese Zodiac, the next official "Year of the Monkey" isn't until 2016, however this year was definitely a year for the monkeys here at the Santa Ana Zoo as we celebrated the births of four primates here at our zoo.

Back in January and February of this year our family of Sliver Langurs grew quite a bit as each of our females gave birth to healthy babies. The babies were orange when they were born but as time passed (and boy did it pass fast) the two little ones grew into their distinctive silver-gray coats. Getting a more mature appearance hasn't slowed them down too much though as they are still quite rambunctious! They can be seen with the rest of their family on Primate Row next to the Colobus Monkeys.

In April we welcomed a baby Golden Headed Lion Tamarin to our Zoo Family. Unlike their more brightly colored counterparts, the Golden Headed Lion Tamarins are much darker with a ring of reddish gold around their faces. This was the second straight year that our adult pair has produced an offspring and it has helped Santa Ana Zoo develop one of the largest populations of the various species of tamarins. They live in a nice shaded habitat next to the Saki Monkeys, behind our Conservation Education Theater.

In May, our female Crested Capuchin "Juliet" gave birth to her third healthy baby boy in six years, which is quite the accomplishment considering that these primates. only reproduce roughly every two years or so. Nicknamed for the crest of fur atop their head, Crested Capuchins are considered an Endangered Species as their home range in South America is under threat of human encroachment. Santa Ana Zoo is now home of five of the fifteen Crested Capuchins in the United States, making these some of the rarest Zoo Animals in the country.

The hard work of our animal care staff is at its most rewarding when our animals are happy and healthy enough to have babies, but it would not be possible without the support of our zoo patrons! Check out our annual membership program, which is one of the best ways you can support the zoo, and stop by throughout 2013 to see what babies might be next!

Happy Zoo Year,

Dale

Family Memberships at the Santa Ana Zoo are $70 for two adults and up to four children from the same household, discounts are available on memberships for seniors aged 60 or better, active military personnel with ID, and guests with disabilities. Stop by the zoo anytime, or click here for information on how to join or renew!

November 1, 2012: Como Park Zoo, St. Paul, MN
While not as widely known as Minnesota Zoo, Como Park Zoo is still quite beloved by residents of the Twin Cities and it is easy to see why. The Zoo has a great combination of indoor and outdoor exhibits with animals from different climates so that a good experience can be had at all times of year. They also have a lot of variety in their collection, which allows guests to experience animals from all over the world and from a lot of different ecosystems.

Como Park Zoo is free to attend; making it a great tourist destination for those on a budget, but you can still spend a lot of time here if you want. Presentations are held at different exhibits all around the zoo, and their Sea Lions and Seals put on a good show. There are also two different walkways by the big cats that allow up close looks through windows inside of a tunnel, and a view from high overlooking the exhibits outdoors. Como Park also has a family of Orangutans that were the highlight of the primate collection for me, although a new Gorilla Habitat is planned for 2013.

Adjacent to the zoo is a conservatory which is also free to attend; the conservatory has some of the most stunning gardens in the world and displays many rare plants, including Bonsai Trees that are hundreds of years old! If you are a plant person and like to take time to stop and smell the flowers, I highly recommend Como Park Zoo to you!

Dale's Favorite Exhibits: Polar Bears, Orangutans, Conservatory

Admission to Como Park Zoo and the Conservatory is free, Santa Ana Zoo Members receive a ten percent discount in the gift shop!

Learn more about your reciprocal benefits by clicking here.

Happy Tails!
Dale Frink

October 1, 2012: FIFTY REASONS TO VISIT THE FIFTY MONKEYS (and all the other animals!) AT SANTA ANA ZOO
  • #10: It's a long drive to the Amazon Rainforest, and gas is expensive!
  • #9: Your kids just watched the movie "Madagascar" and want to see a Ring Tailed Lemur like "King Julian" up close!
  • #8: Holidays with the Critters! Check us out on December 15th this year for our annual winter event!
  • #7: This is California, and we can enjoy nice weather almost all year!
  • #6: The unique selection of animal-related merchandise at our gift shop, Treetop Toys!
  • #5: Carrousel and train rides are much more fun than the car rides on the freeway.
  • #4: You can conveniently "forget your phone in the car" when you want to relax.
  • #3: The zoo is always improving and changing, and with your support we will keep improving and upgrading our zoo.
  • #2: ZOO BABIES!
  • #1: Because when you support the Santa Ana Zoo, you support our efforts to protect our planet's plants and animals, including some of the rarest primates of the world.
Happy Tails!
Dale Frink

September 1, 2012: FIFTY REASONS TO VISIT THE FIFTY MONKEYS (and all the other animals!) AT SANTA ANA ZOO
  • #20: The money you spend to buy admission, rides, gifts, and more goes to a great cause and you get to have a ton of fun!
  • #19: Our new walkways we paved back in April, the strollers and wheelchairs we rent, and our intimate size makes it convenient to get around for patrons with small children or mobility challenges.
  • #18: It's a day ending in "y". Example: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
  • #17: You are babysitting someone else's kids and need to find an affordable way to spend the day that the parents approve of!
  • #16: A spin or two (or three!) aboard the Conservation Carrousel!
  • #15: Colors of the Amazon Aviary, one of the best ways to see some exotic birds around in a lush habitat.
  • #14: As an AZA-accredited zoo, you know our animals are getting top quality care!
  • #13: BOO AT THE ZOO! Our "merry not scary" Halloween event where costumed kids and adults can get some neat prizes!
  • #12: Coming as part of a school group or scout group to learn all about the animals.
  • #11: Why not?
Tune in next month for reasons #1 - #10!!

Happy Tails!
Dale Frink

August 1, 2012: FIFTY REASONS TO VISIT THE FIFTY MONKEYS (and all the other animals!) AT SANTA ANA ZOO
  • #30: Train rides aboard the Zoofari Express. (As if I had to list that!) It's the best way to see the Rheas and Guanacos!
  • #29: We're right off the 5 Freeway at the 1st/4th street exit, which makes it easy to navigate!
  • #28: The 4th of July is always a little bit nicer when you can see a real Bald Eagle.
  • #27: It's the best place in the county to have a birthday party!
  • #26: Free Weekend Animal Shows in the Conservation Education Theater!
  • #25: If you're a student or alum at UC Irvine or a supporter of that school, what better way to show school spirit than to come see Giant Anteaters in person?
  • #24: There's no better place to volunteer!
  • #23: Where else in the area can you buy an Indian Crested Porcupine Quill? (Naturally shed of course!)
  • #22: The crazy haircuts on the Crested Capuchins have to be seen to be believed!
  • #21: Because with that membership you want to buy or renew, you can come pretty much whenever you want!
Tune in next month for reasons #11 - #20!!

Happy Tails!
Dale Frink

July 1, 2012: FIFTY REASONS TO VISIT THE FIFTY MONKEYS (and all the other animals!) AT SANTA ANA ZOO
  • #40: You can get a very close look from behind the glass at our Poison Dart Frogs in the Exploration Outpost.
  • #39: Hearing the Howler Monkeys and Gibbons call out and sing in the morning is incredible!
  • #38: We have eight different smashed penny designs for all you collectors out there!
  • #37: You can "adopt" one of our animals and get a pass to come by and visit!
  • #36: Two words: free parking!
  • #35: You can see one of the largest collection of Tamarin species in North America, which make up some of the cutest members of our "Fifty Monkeys!"
  • #34: A clean and well maintained playground for the kids to "monkey around on"!
  • #33: Get a photo taken in the farm's photo booth!
  • #32: Instead of doing a maze with paper and pencil, actually run through one and learn about animals!
  • #31: Because you get to see how cute they are without having to clean up their poop!
Tune in next month for reasons #21 - #30!!

Happy Tails!
Dale Frink

June 7, 2012: FIFTY REASONS TO VISIT THE FIFTY MONKEYS (and all the other animals!) AT SANTA ANA ZOO
  • #50: After navigating the concrete jungle of Orange County all day, it's nice to visit someplace resembling a real rainforest.
  • #49: When visiting where they live, the monkeys won't ask you to take off your shoes.
  • #48: You're never expected to bring a gift, but you're encouraged to get one for yourself!
  • #47: Every visit is a unique experience!
  • #46: To get outside and walk around somewhere that has plenty of shade.
  • #45: Seeing the only breeding pair of Pygmy Marmosets (the world's smallest monkeys) on the U.S. West Coast!
  • #44: After visiting the monkeys, you can walk through the farm to feed the goats!
  • #43: There is a lot of fun to be had whether you are here for only an hour or for an entire day!
  • #42: SUNSETS AT THE ZOO! Our three summer evenings of live music, good food, and great times!
  • #41: Some of these animals wouldn't have a home without the zoo, and every zoo needs some guests ready to come by and have a good time!
Tune in next month for reasons #31 - #40!!

Happy Tails!
Dale Frink

April 7, 2012: 2012 Reciprocal Lists Here
Thanks for tuning in to the latest edition of Dale's tails. I wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone that Santa Ana Zoo's 2012 calendar of events and the latest reciprocal list are now available in brochures at the Zoo, and online here at our website.

Santa Ana Zoo recently passed its renewal for AZA accreditation, the most prestigious accreditation for Zoos and Aquariums in the United States that there is. AZA accreditation is not only a privilege for those institutions who meet the highest standards of animal care, but it allows us to continue our amazing reciprocal program with zoos across the country.

Just remember when you're travelling to bring your membership cards and a photo ID, just as you would each time when you visit our zoo. Also, be sure to check the newest list to see if your destination is covered. And if you had a good time and saved a lot of money with your Santa Ana Zoo membership, drop us a line at our zoo's facebook page and let us know about your adventure!

For more information and pricing for our Zoo Memberships, please click here.

Happy Tails!
Dale Frink

February 2, 2012: Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines, IOWA
This Zoo holds special significance to me because I grew up just an hour north and it was the first Zoo I ever visited. It's a smaller place that does not take long to visit, and you will be very satisfied with the diverse collection. Like its other Midwestern counterparts, the Blank Park Zoo exhibits animals year round in incredibly varying climates. From hot humid summers to bitterly cold winters the Zoo offers a year round experience that has entertained me in all seasons. The warmer months are the best time to attend because the Zoo's popular African boardwalk is open, offering an elevated view of large African animals including giraffes, zebras, and ostriches. During the warmer months, you can ride the Camels also (just like here in Santa Ana!). There is a very elaborate farm area where you can interact up close with a number of different animals including Goats, Llamas, Ducks, and Koi.

The Zoo's discovery center offers a smaller version of the indoor rainforest experience offered at zoos in Minnesota and Nebraska, but I find that it is very family friendly and easy to get around. The Discovery Center begins with a look at the Zoo's Red Pandas, who have a neat tunnel leading to an outdoor enclosure also, and continues through a rainforest where guests can experience many monkeys, birds, and reptiles in a great climate controlled setting. The end of the path leads to the Aquarium area, where Tropical and Freshwater animals await, including a large coral reef!

My personal favorite though is the big cats, who not long ago received major upgrades to their living areas. You can get up close with some very photogenic lions, tigers, and snow leopards!

Dale's Favorite Exhibits: Big Cats, Red Pandas, African Boardwalk

Admission (Summer Price) is $10.95 for adults and $5.95 for children ages 3 to 11. Zoo members are free year round!

Learn more about your reciprocal benefits by clicking here.

Happy Tails!
Dale Frink

January 6, 2012: Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, NE
For Southern Californians used to living in a beautiful place that attracts an uncounted number of vacationers every year and arguably among the most favorable climates in the world it begs the question, "Why go to Omaha?" Well for starters its home to the College Baseball World Series, and our local teams and fans from UC Irvine and Cal State Fullerton could tell you that it's a great city to visit. It also has a world class Zoo that is only rivaled in size by massive Zoos in San Diego and the Bronx Zoo in New York City. The Zoo itself is located across the street from the former site of the College World Series, Rosenblatt Stadium.

Henry Doorly Zoo is home to the world's largest indoor rainforest (the Lied Jungle), the Scott Aquarium (included with Zoo admission) and boasts an amazingly diverse collection of animals from around the world. They are also uniquely suited for extreme temperatures with a number of exhibits that have both indoor and outdoor viewing. There are also many improvements being made in various parts of the park, so your experience will change as time goes on. While updates are being soon made to the big cat complex, you can see almost every major species of large cat in one place. The large population of Gorillas and Orangutans are sure to excite any fan of great apes. For a neat preview of what you might see, stop by the Discovery Pavilion at the front of the zoo and learn a little bit about the whole world in one setting. The Zoo's iconic geodesic dome hosts a number of warm climate and nocturnal species.

Dale's Favorite Exhibits: Lied Jungle, Desert Dome, Scott Aquarium

Admission is $13.50 for adults and $9 for children ages 3 to 11. Santa Ana Zoo members pay just $6.75 for adults and $4.50 for children!

Learn more about your reciprocal benefits by clicking here.

Happy Tails!
Dale Frink

November 30, 2011: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, MN
Warming up in a Minnesota winter is as easy as driving to the Minnesota Zoo and walking into a tropical rainforest! Despite the freezing temperatures, Minnesota Zoo remains an amazing destination year round thanks to indoor facilities that educate and entertain featuring animals from around the world. The Minnesota Zoo has several different trails, including a built in aquarium. The Northern Trail is the largest outdoor trail, and gets pretty cold in the winter, so you will be happy to know that it can also be enjoyed from the Zoo's monorail. The Russia's Grizzly Coast exhibit is an award winning series of animal displays from the coldest parts of the Far East and includes Amur Tigers, Leopards, and the namesake Grizzly Bears among its residents. Also be sure to see the herds of Musk Ox, Bison, and Bactrian Camels.

Inside is the Tropics Trail, a year round indoor rainforest with an amazing diversity of animals from the world's tropical regions including a brief walk underwater to view a majestic coral reef. A Minnesota Trail shows off the amazing local wildlife of the region, such as the beautiful Timber Wolf. During the summer, you can see the seasonal African Boardwalk with Giraffes and other animals of the African plains. The Discovery Aquarium is another big highlight of the Zoo; you can visit these animals and attend daily training sessions at no extra cost!

Dale's Favorite Exhibits: Russia's Grizzly Coast

Admission is $18 for adults and $12 for children ages 3 to 12. Santa Ana Zoo members pay just $9.00 for adults and $6.00 for children!

Learn more about your reciprocal benefits by clicking here.

Happy Tails!
Dale Frink

October 31, 2011: Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ
The Phoenix Zoo is a great opportunity to experience both exotic and native Arizona desert species, just remember to pack some sunscreen! To help avoid the desert sun, the Phoenix Zoo offers summertime hours of 7am to 2pm, allowing for a great visit before the temperature starts to really climb. One of my favorite parts was walking into the zoo and within a few steps of the entrance I could already start seeing some large and spectacular exhibits. The African Veldt is a multispecies exhibit featuring Giraffes, long horned Watusi Cattle, and Ostriches to name a few. I was really impressed with the landscape and diversity of this exhibit, as well as the shaded observatory tower you could climb up to get a better view. That would not be the end of my experience with African animals though; lions, cheetahs, rhinos, zebras and more flanked the African trail, as well as a pair of incredibly playful Spotted Necked Otters that really put on a show!

Phoenix Zoo has also put in a lot of improvements recently. The new Land of the Dragon lets guests get up close and person with the Komodo Dragon, the world's largest lizard! A new Orangutan exhibit features one of the Zoo's original inhabitants, a 51 year old female named Lucy, and the Forest of Uco allows for a glimpse into the life of the elusive Spectacled Bear. The Zoo also has several ponds of endangered Desert Pupfish native to the area that offer a great lesson in conservation!

Dale's Favorite Exhibits: African Veldt, Spectacled Bear, Spotted Necked Otters

Admission is $18 for adults and $9 for children ages 3 to 12. Santa Ana Zoo members pay just $9.00 for adults and $4.50 for children!

Learn more about your reciprocal benefits by clicking here.

Happy Tails!
Dale Frink

October 1, 2011: Exotic Feline Breeding Compound, Rosamond, CA
In a state known for amazing Zoos from North to South it is an animal sanctuary in Rosamond that boasts the largest collection of Big Cats in the country. This is an animal sanctuary and not your typical zoo so expect a different, much calmer, experience.

The "Cat House" as it is affectionately known only displays big cats with a handful of free roaming peafowl moving about. You have a great opportunity to see some of the rarest cats in the World, including very endangered Persian and Northern Chinese Leopards. Rare black Jaguars and Leopards can be seen, as well as a pair of very large Tigers named Cesar and Katmandu.

Dale's Favorite Exhibits: Persian Leopards, Northern Chinese Leopards, Jaguars

Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for children. Santa Ana Zoo members are free!

Learn more about your reciprocal benefits by clicking here.

Happy Tails!
Dale Frink

September 2, 2011: Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
While the city of Atlanta is renowned for many attractions including the World of Coca Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, and some of the best food in the country, they also posess an amazing zoo that is sure to please both children and adults. Located in historic Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta is an amazing attraction on its own. They boast a very diverse collection of animals and are one of only four zoos in the United States to exhibit Giant Pandas, which are on display in a beautiful enclosure where the Pandas have indoor and outdoor access.

Zoo Atlanta recently unveiled the new Complex Carnivores area which house rare predators, including South American Bush Dogs, Clouded Leopards, and the very rare Fossa, the largest predator on the island of Madagascar. It gets pretty hot and humid, but there are lots of trees and many of the exhibits include shaded viewing areas, including the Living Treehouse which includes a walkthrough aviary adjacent to one of the biggest Lemur habitats I have ever seen. The children's zoo boasts fun for the whole family with great animal displays and fun activities like a rock climbing wall!

Dale's Favorite Exhibits: Giant Pandas, Complex Carnivores, Lemurs

Admission is $20.99 for adults and $15.99 for children ages 3 to 11. Santa Ana Zoo members pay just 10.50 for adults and $8.00 for children!

Learn more about your reciprocal benefits by clicking here.

Happy Tails!
Dale Frink

August 1, 2011: Santa Barbara Zoo
If you love animals and you love the ocean, Santa Barbara Zoo allows you to enjoy both. While there are many reasons to visit this alluring city the Santa Barbara Zoo is one of the best. It's a good sized Zoo with plenty of big exhibits, but the smaller displays will capture just as much of your attention. If you want to save some time, you can ride one of the Zoo trains that circle the perimeter of the Zoo.

Obviously the Giraffe Enclosure stands out as one of the most stunning Zoo displays you will ever see. Giraffes, Hornbills, and Tortoises share a large space that includes an observation deck where guests can feed the giraffes for $5 each (you get to take turns so it is a quality experience). Right next door is a Cats of Africa exhibit where Lions are afforded a view of their neighbors from high above. The California Condor exhibit gives a great look at one of the most endangered birds of prey in North America.

A playful family of Asian Small Clawed Otters steals the show up towards the front of the zoo. Kids will love dragging parents through "Eeeww!" which serves as an insect and reptile house with some of the creepiest (and neatest!) bugs on the planet. Zoo staff there provides their animals with lots of enrichment, so keep your cameras ready because you might catch an Elephant, a Parrot, or a Monkey for the photo of a lifetime!

Dale's Favorite Exhibits: Lions, "Eeeww!", Asian Small Clawed Otters

Admission is $12.00 for adults and $10 for seniors and children aged 2 to 12. Santa Ana Zoo members receive FREE admission!

Learn more about your reciprocal benefits by clicking here.

Happy Tails!
Dale Frink

July 1, 2011: Charles Paddock Zoo
Since my last visit the Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero has undergone some major improvements and I already can't wait to return. While this is easily one of the smallest Zoos I have ever visited it boasts a unique animal collection and my camera batteries were running low in no time! The Zoo now boasts a completely renovated entrance with a brand new gift shop, and future improvements which will make each guest's visit better than the last.

This is one of the few places that have a Fossa on display. The Fossa is the largest predator on the island of Madagascar and while it looks like a cat it is actually a relative of the mongoose. Charles Paddock Zoo is also the current residence of a very playful Malayan Tiger who was not camera shy when I met him. There is lots of shade to relax in during the summer and the drive into Atascadero is very scenic. Being a smaller Zoo, it makes for a great family visit of 1-2 hours where a lot of fun can be had.

Dale's Favorite Exhibits: Malayan Tiger, Fossa, Patagonian Cavy

Admission is $5.00 for adults and $4 for children aged 3 to 11. Santa Ana Zoo members receive FREE admission!

Learn more about your reciprocal benefits by clicking here.

Happy Tails!
Dale Frink

May 31, 2011: Fresno Chaffee Zoo
The first thing that surprised me about this Zoo is the size. While not as large as some other Zoos such as Los Angeles I wholeheartedly recommend that families with kids budget at least three to four hours. Fresno Zoo has a wide variety of animals from around the world and has lots of plans for upgrades and expansion in the near future.

Fresno Zoo has lots of ways for guests to get interactive with the animals. Check the schedule of events in advance to see what is available for the day. There are periodic giraffe feedings where guests can feed a handful of leaves for just $2 per person. These feedings are conducted one at a time which gives guests a personal interaction with the planet's tallest animals, great for photos! There is also the Stingray Bay exhibit provides the opportunity to touch and learn about sharks and stingrays up close. Bring a towel because those rays can splash! You can also feed the stingrays for just one dollar. One of the highlights of my visit was the Tropical Rainforest, a multilevel walkthrough aviary featuring many species of animals surrounding by lush green vegetation.

Dale's Favorite Exhibits: Tropical Rainforest, Grizzly Bear, Orangutans

Admission is $7.00 for adults and $3.50 for children ages 2 to 11. Santa Ana Zoo members pay just $3.50 for adults and $1.75 for children!

Learn more about your reciprocal benefits by clicking here.

Happy Tails!
Dale Frink

May 2, 2011: The Living Desert
How many different animals live in the desert? The answer might surprise you at first, but after one trip around this beautiful Zoo and Botanical Garden you won't be. Located east of Orange County in Palm Desert, the Living Desert is divided into two halves representing African and North American desert wildlife. It's bigger than you might think, and the temperatures get so hot that the Zoo closes at 1:00 during the summer. You can beat the heat by travelling there during the winter, or by getting there early in the morning. Either way, you won't be disappointed.

At 10:00am every day the Zoo hosts free giraffe feeding for guests of all ages! Simply be at the giraffe exhibit on time and helpful volunteers and staff will set you up with some treats you can feed one at a time. The Wildlife Wonders show at 11:00am is outstanding as well and showcases a variety of animals. If you need a break from the sun just step on over to the Discovery Center and beat the heat with some fossils from the Ice Age, as well as some fun hands on activities for kids.

Dale's Favorite Living Desert Exhibits: Giraffe/Ostrich, Cheetah, Bighorn Sheep

Admission to The Living Desert is $14.25 for adults and $7.75 for children aged 3-12. Santa Ana Zoo members pay only $7.13 for adults and $3.37 for children aged 3-12!

Learn more about your reciprocal benefits by clicking here.

Happy Tails!
Dale Frink

March 31, 2011: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Noted for its Frank Gehry architecture and located right off the beach in beautiful San Pedro, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has some very unique animal displays featuring local marine life. The exhibits each have a very specific theme which makes this one of the most educational and informative aquariums I have ever been to. Not to be lost amongst the animal collections are the displays showcasing the ecology of Southern California's marine habitats.

Many people who go to aquariums like the sharks and rays the best, but in my time at Cabrilloan unsuspecting invertebrate stole the show. One small tank was filled with Lion Nudibranchs (think a transparent sea slug with a venus flytrap on top of the head) who were feeding on brine shrimp and reaching out with their tentacles to catch them. It's really easy for kids to see the displays and the aquarium offers a lot of hands on activities that encourage children to explore.

Dale's Favorite Cabrillo Exhibits: Lion Nudibranchs, Moon Jellies, Lobsters

Admission to Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is free. Santa Ana Zoo members receive a 10% discount in their gift shop!

Learn more about your reciprocal benefits by clicking here.

Happy Tails!
Dale Frink

March 18, 2011: Los Angeles Zoo
It only seems appropriate that the first of my "tales" takes places right here in Southern California, where there are a lot of amazing animal experiences to be had!

If you like animals and live in the area chances are you've been to this very large Zoo at least once, but if you haven't been recently you might not even recognize the place! Most noticeable is the brand new Elephants of Asia exhibit that opened back in December of 2010. This sprawling and state of the art exhibit is incredibly spectator friendly with many different viewing angles and lots of great displays at each vantage point. The Campo Gorilla Reserve, Red Ape Rainforest, and Chimpanzees of the Mahale Mountains exhibits provide some of the most beautiful and accommodating views of great apes in any zoo in the United States. LA Zoo is also home to the celebrity alligator known as Reggie, who evaded capture for over a year after being spotted in an LA area lake.

For the kids, there is a great children's area that offers some playtime opportunities. Kids can climb through tunnels that go directly through a prairie dog habitat, and there is a petting area with brushes and animals eager to be groomed. If you have the time, I strongly recommend the World of Birds show, which not only showcases a wide variety of species, but also some incredible behaviors that make for an impressive performance.

Dale's Favorite LA Zoo Exhibits: Elephants, Great Apes, Tigers, Ibex

General Admission is $14 for adults and $9 for children aged 2-12. Santa Ana Zoo members pay just $7 for adults and $4.50 for children aged 2-12!

Learn more about your reciprocal benefits by clicking here.

Happy Tails!
Dale Frink

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