Conservation

We work to protect the planet's vanishing biodiversity, beginning with action on zoo grounds and in the community.

Collaborative Management Program

The Santa Ana Zoo is a partner organization in the conservation program for federally endangered Southern mountain yellow-legged frogs, Rana muscosa. Stop by the Frog Pod to learn more.

SAFE Species

The Santa Ana Zoo participates in Western Pond Turtle SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) Program, and exchanges animals per the program recommendations. These turtles live in the Colors of the Amazon Aviary.

Species Survival Plan (SSP)

Species Survival Plans are cooperative agreements between zoos, aquariums, and conservation organizations to maintain a genetically diverse and healthy animal population in human care. The Santa Ana Zoo is home to the following SSP species:

• bearded emperor tamarin
• binturong
• black howler monkey
• black-and-white colobus monkey
• black-and white ruffed lemur
• blue crowned pigeon
• brown-headed spider monkey
• crested capuchin
• giant anteater
• golden-headed lion tamarin
• Linne's two-toed sloth
• ocelot
• pancake tortoise
• prehensile-tailed porcupine
• prehensile-tailed skink
• ring-tailed lemur
• scarlet ibis
• spectacled owl
• sunbittern
• three-banded armadillo
• violet turaco
• white-faced saki monkey
• white-handed gibbon

To honor its primate legacy, the Santa Ana Zoo contributes toward protecting wild populations of primate species.

Recipients include:

• A study on population density of crested capuchins in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil
• Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group, which protects the rich biodiversity of eastern Madagascar, operates Pare lvoloina, and has a partnership with Madagascar National Parks to conduct conservation research in the Betampona Natural Reserve.
• Save the Golden Lion Tamarin (SGLT), which provides technical and financial support to help Associa9ao Mico-Leao Dourado (AMLD or Golden Lion Tamarin Association) save golden lion tamarins in perpetuity.
• Jaguar SSP/SAFE, which, in partnership with the Belize Audubon Society, supports two wildlife rangers to patrol and protect the landscape and wildlife of Cockscomb Basin, which is integral to the conservation of howler monkeys.

• Mountain Marmoset Conservation Program
• Rainforest Trust
• Planet Madagascar
• Save the Golden Lion Tamarin
• Jaguar SSP/SAFE
• Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation

Campus ecology

The Santa Ana Zoo follows CLR Design's "campus ecology" approach, which envisions holistic, integrated, and sustainable design and operations, including utility management, maintenance, new construction, purchasing, education, guest services, and everyday staff habits.

While looking toward a regenerative future, the zoo is proud of its current green practices, including:

• Purchasing only fish that are sourced from environmentally responsible fisheries. As a Conservation Partner with the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch Program, the zoo is committed to sustainable seafood.
• Diverting food waste from staff and animal food preparation from the landfill stream into organics recycling.
• Using greener products: biodegradable bags, recycled paper products, less-plastic bags (low linear density), concentrated and biodegradable dish/laundry soap and cleaning chemicals.
• Collecting camel and guanaco waste for community gardens.

Spotlight on green actions

Join the zoo in making a difference by bringing in electronics to recycle. The zoo partners with ECO-CELL, and collects the following: cell phones, smartphones, ipads, ipods, tablets, GPS, smartwatches, digital cameras, and all the cords and cables that come with each item. Any condition is fine.

Please drop off at the zoo ticket booth during open hours.

Find out more about ECO-CELL and its partners here.