Santa Ana Zoo

about
this publication
International
holidays
is published by Friends of Santa Ana Zoo
(FOSAZ), a nonprofit corporation organized to develop financial
support, growth, and community awareness for the Santa Ana Zoo.
with the Critters and
Winter Wonderland
Editor/Writer – Tom Decker
Copy Editor – Royal Literary Publications
Graphics – Nicole Howard
Printing – WE DO GRAPHICS
Begin your winter holiday with the critters at the Santa Ana Zoo
at Prentice Park! On Saturday, December 6, 2014, from 11 AM
to 2 PM, the Zoo will be transformed into a winter wonderland
filled with exotic animals, festive music from around the world,
and beautiful original hand crafted decorations by Board Member
Rip Ribble for our “International Holidays with the Critters.”
Celebrate with stories of winter delights, enchanting children’s
crafts, international holiday-themed stations, and a chance to see
our animal friends in their “winter coats.”
Board of Directors
Armando Armenta Cody Boebel
Roseanne Bye
Maureen Cronin
David Dobos
Debbie Friedman
Howard Hall
Advisory Board
Peggy Baldwin-Butler
Crean Family
Kathleen Edman
Dr. Judy Fluor-Runels, PsyD
white to natural shades.
• They were the first sheep breed to be domesticated in the New World and were brought to
Mexico by the Spaniards over 400 years ago.
• The Churro sheep were acquired by Native Americans through raids and trades.
• The sheep play an essential part of the Navajo spiritual and creative life, where they are prized
Fall/Winter 2014 Volume 15, Issue 3
To Instill a Passion for the Natural World Through Recreation, Conservation and Education
further decreased by flock reductions imposed by the US government. Today the NavajoChurro sheep is considered a threatened breed, with an estimated global population of fewer
than 5,000 individuals.
It’s Time for
to Native American tribes.
Ron and Joyce Glazier
Allen and Jennifer Goh
Tom and Deborah Newmeyer
Bill and Donel Wiles
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
1801 E. Chestnut Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
www.santaanazoo.org
Permit No. 1181
Santa Ana, CA
Time Sensitive Material
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Facts:
Due to human encroachment, these lemurs are losing their habitat
and are becoming very endangered. The Santa Ana Zoo’s lemurs
are part of a cooperative program called the “Species Survival Plan,”
in which several zoos work together to maintain genetic diversity.
Wild Diet:
Their diet in the wild is basically fruit, leaves, and bark.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Join the Education Department for some
fun and learn about animals and nature
firsthand. Call the Zoo Education Office at
714-647-6562 for additional information.
Conservation
Education Theater
While visiting the Zoo, please stop by to
enjoy our animal presentations.
These presentations are free with Zoo admission.
Weekend Times: 12:00pm & 2:30pm
Mark your calendars,
get your costumes
ready, and come join
us for our annual
“merry not scary”
Boo at the Zoo! This
fantastic special event
is presented by the
Friends of Santa Ana
Zoo and B.P.O. Elks
Santa Ana Lodge #794
on October 18, 19,
25, 26, and 30 from
5:30pm to 8:30pm.
If you’ve never been to Boo at the Zoo, you and yours have been missing out on a ton of
Halloween fun! This safe, family-friendly evening event is great for first-time trick-or-treaters
and children of all ages who enjoy dressing up for Halloween. Adults thoroughly enjoy it too
because of the countless photo opportunities, activities, and entertainment that are sure to
bring happiness to the children and make treasured memories that will last a lifetime.
FOSAZ management
Cathi Decker, Executive Director
[email protected]
Vanessa Anderson, Office Manager
[email protected]
Kevin Jackson, Director of Operations
[email protected]
Tom Decker, Director of Technology and Communications
[email protected]
Estela Codiz, Membership and Rentals Manager
[email protected]
ZOO
at the Zoo!
OC’s Premier Halloween Event for Kids
• Our Navajo-Churro sheep are part of a breeding population, and the offspring may be returned
Monica Kim
Patricia McClendon
Patricia Mickey
Jane Olin
Jon “Rip” Ribble
Marie Rourke
Kristeen Stolo
boo
for their meat, milk, and wool.
City Zoo Management
Kent Yamaguchi – Director
Ray Cosper – Curator
Ethan Fisher – Registrar
Lauren Bergh – Education Specialist
Habitat:
Black and White Ruffed Lemurs are native to the east coast of
Madagascar, where they live in the tropical rainforests.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Black and White Ruffed Lemurs are most
active at dusk and spend the early part
of the night foraging in trees. They live in
pair-bonded families. These relatives of the
monkey are known for their in-and-out
sawing bellows, which usually resound in a group chorus.
This is their means of communication in the thick forests.
Scientific Name: Varecia variegata variegata
Common Name: Black & White Ruffed Lemur
Animal Trading Card
The enchanting winter
decorations remain
throughout the month
of December, creating a
Winter Wonderland for
all to enjoy. So, write
down the Santa Ana Zoo
on your calendar for a
December visit and enjoy
some holiday cheer with
the animals.
• Navajo-Churro sheep have coarse, long wool that comes in a variety of colors ranging from
• In the 1860s, the US Army decimated the Navajo flocks. In later years, the numbers were
Board Officers
David Exline – President
Lori Babcock – Vice President
Curtis Farrell – Treasurer
Steve McGuigan – Secretary
“At International Holidays with the Critters, families can
escape from the season’s frenzy and get reacquainted with the
tranquility of the Santa Ana Zoo,” says David Exline, FOSAZ
Board President. “Visitors may even spread some good cheer
by doing their holiday shopping at the Treetop Toys Zoo Gift
Shop, where proceeds go to help the Zoo.” All day there will
be an extra discount on merchandise, highlighting creative and
Zoo-themed gifts for the
holidays. Come early for
the “white elephant” sale.
that ’s the fact: Navajo-Churro Sheep
During the event, Boo at the Zoo’s guests, ghosts, and goblins will have the opportunity
to experience 10 trick-or-treat prize stations, a
variety of Halloween-themed games and activities –
including music and storytelling, as well as visits with
our nocturnal animals. Join our annual costume
parade led by SAZOO (our monkey mascot).
HOURS
General Information
(714) 836-4000
Education Dept.
(714) 647-6568
Gates Open.......... 10 AM
Gates Close............ 4 PM
Grounds Close....... 5 PM
Gift Shop
(714) 542-9650
The Santa Ana Zoo is
Friends of Santa Ana Zoo
(714) 953- 8555
Thanksgiving Day,
www.santaanazoo.org
open daily except
Christmas Day, & New Year’s Day.
ADMISSION
Adults (13+).....................$10
Children (3-12)...................$7
Seniors (60+).....................$7
We’ll also have our exciting “Boofari” Express Train
Ride, Conservation Carrousel, and a prized facepainter ready and waiting for you, so don’t forget to
bring a few extra dollars.
continued inside...
FOSAZ Members and
children under 2 are free
Train Rides.........................$3
Carrousel Rides.................$3
Animal Trading Card
Ana Residents’ Day. Proof of Santa Ana residency is required.
October 12
National Chemistry Week/Chemistry Day: 11am-3pm—
Chemistry displays sponsored by the American Chemical
Society: General Public—free with price of admission;
FOSAZ Members—FREE.
October 18, 19, 25, 26, 30
Boo at the Zoo “OC’s Premier Halloween Event for Kids!”
5:30-8pm -- Halloween family festival with trick-or-treating,
costumes, lights and decorations, nocturnal animal presentations,
train and carrousel rides: FOSAZ Member Discount.
November 15 - 16
University of California Master Gardeners
Fun activities and helpful information for the gardening
enthusiast: 12pm to 4pm. General Public-FREE with price
of admission; FOSAZ Members—FREE.
December 1-31
Winter Zoobilation: Regular Zoo Hours—Enjoy festive
decorations throughout the Zoo and entertainment on the
weekends.
December 6
International Holidays with the Critters: 11am-2pm—
All Zoo festive entertainment, crafts, animals, and music.
Gift Shop discounts. FOSAZ Members get added discounts:
General Public—free with price of admission; FOSAZ
Members – FREE.
February 7
Membership Appreciation Day- Aquarium Theme:
11am-2pm—FOSAZ Members enjoy a day filled with games,
crafts, and music with an ocean theme in the Amphitheatre Area.
The Aquarium on Wheels presents touch tidepools free
for Members. Also Members get additional Gift Shop discounts.
February 14 – 15
University of California Master Gardeners:
Fun activities and helpful information for the gardening
enthusiast: 12pm to 4pm. General Public—FREE with price
of admission; FOSAZ Members—FREE.
March 7 – 8
Zoo Birthday Party: 11am–2pm—All-Zoo party with
miniature train displays, music, games, and fun. General
Public—free with price of admission; FOSAZ Members—FREE.
Dates are tentative and subject to change.
For additional information on any event, please contact the
Friends of Santa Ana Zoo at (714) 953-8555.
This year’s
Zoofari event
was a huge
success,
raising over
$80,000 to
help the Zoo.
Find out
where these
black and
white lemurs
prefer to live.
11 AM-2 PM Every Day ($5 Combo
Tickets for Train & Carrousel available)
Subject to change without notice.
Call for further information
(714) 647-6575.
EVERY THIRD SUNDAY of the month: FREE Santa
Zoofari “Monkey Magic”
Navajo-Churro
Sheep arrived
in the New
World from
Spain over
400 years ago!
That’s the fact
Monkey Magic
Zoofari’s “
” Brings Two-Legged Animals
Out to Celebrate 22nd Year of Successful Fundraiser
The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ) hosted the 22nd annual
Zoofari fundraising black-tie gala on August 23, 2014, for over
300 guests with a theme entitled “Monkey Magic.” Zoofari takes
place at one of the most inspiring venues in Orange County, the
Santa Ana Zoo.
Complimentary valet parking service was underwritten by Peggy
Baldwin Butler of Tudor House Productions. A first-class dining
experience was catered by Parties by Panache and the hosted bar
also included a special “50 Monkeys Jumping on the Bed” cocktail.
Decorations were provided by R.W.B. Party Rentals, creating a
whimsical magical theme throughout the grounds of the Zoo.
Guests began the night being greeted by various animals and their
docent “handlers”. An armadillo, rooster, goat and a millipede were
just a few of the animals that welcomed everyone as they entered
the Santa Ana Zoo. Guests were also privy to a sneak peak of the
Ocelot Exhibit and Education Center. Donning “spotted hard hats,”
guests were able to see the progress of this exhibit which should be
completed by March 2015.
SoCal PBS Anchor Ed Arnold was the emcee for the evening with
Glen Fladeboe as auctioneer for the live auction, assisted by FOSAZ
Board Member Debbie Newmeyer.
continued on right panel...
kidzone
Zoo Fable: The Lemur and His Three Advisors
First, he asked Justice, another ringtailed lemur. “Yes,” she replied, “your
breath does smell quite bad.” Angered
by her honesty, Isaac sent her away
from his court and said she was no
longer welcome there.
2. CRIEPE (The Porcupines name.)
Then he asked Henry, the trumpeter
hornbill, the same question. “No, not at
all,” replied Henry taking careful note of
what had happened to Justice. But he
fared no better and was sent away from
the court as well, being called a false
flatterer.
Finally, Isaac asked Pierce, the crested
porcupine, for his opinion on the matter.
“I have a bad cold,” replied the crafty
Pierce, “and I can smell nothing at all.”
Zoo Moral: Wise men keep a guard on
their tongues.
BONUS: Now unscramble the letters circled above to discover this
Santa Ana Zoo animal!
Hint: This animal can
be found elsewhere
in this newsletter.
Kids, send your Zoo art and get it published here (along with your name and age) to:
Tom Decker, Friends of Santa Ana Zoo,1801 E. Chestnut, Santa Ana CA 92701 or
e-mail artwork to [email protected].
Special honorees this year included Knowlwood owners
Thanh Nguyen, PhD, Ginger Nguyen, Tana Everhart, and
Ginna Nguyen, along with the Zoo’s veterinarian and
renowned animal specialist Scott Weldy, DVM. In 2010 the
Nguyen family implemented the menu of the Knowlwood
Café at the Zoo, enhancing Zoo visitors’ experience with
tasty and healthy fresh food at reasonable prices, that
extends full enjoyment of a trip to the Santa Ana Zoo at
Prentice Park. Dr. Weldy has been volunteering at the
Santa Ana Zoo since the mid 1980s, eventually becoming
the back-up veterinarian for the Zoo in 1998 and the
Veterinarian of Record for the Zoo in 2002.
by Ron Glazier, Retired Director of the Zoo
The Bat
Myself, I rather like the bat,
It’s not a mouse, it’s not a rat.
It has no feathers, yet has wings,
It’s quite inaudible when it sings.
It zigzags through the evening air
And never lands on ladies’ hair,
A fact of which men spend their lives
Attempting to convince their wives.
– Ogden Nash
Later this month, a variety of ghouls,
goblins, superheroes, and just too cute
princesses of all sizes, will take over
the Santa Ana Zoo for Boo at the Zoo.
One of the most popular events at the
Zoo, Boo at the Zoo, is a fun and safe
alternative to the usual trick and treating
on city streets.
In addition to the many treat stations
placed throughout the Zoo,there
will be special programs and animal
presentations for the guests to enjoy.
Speaking of animals, there are a number
of animals associated with Halloween.
Owls, rats, and bats come to mind.
These species are primarily nocturnal so
they fit right into the nighttime Halloween
activities. Perhaps the least understood
and often most maligned are bats.
Bats are actually one of the most
numerous mammal species,second
only to rodents. With more than 1,200
species worldwide,one in five mammal
species is a bat. In the U.S. and Canada
there are 47 species. Bats are the only
mammal capable of true flight with
wings comprised of thin skin stretched
over elongated “hand” bones. The
scientific name of the order for bats
is “chiroptera,” which comes from the
Greek meaning “hand wing”. More
precisely the wing is composed of skin
stretched over four elongated finger
bones. Other mammals such as flying
squirrels and sugar gliders can glide
from one tree to another using skin flaps
stretched between their front and hind
legs, but this is not considered true flight.
Bats are divided into two basic groups
based on size. The medium to large bats
are known as “magachiroptera” with the
giant golden-crowned flying fox being
the largest with a wingspan in excess
of five feet. They are primarily fruit and
nectar feeders. The small bats are called
“microchiroptera” with the smallest one
being the Kitti’s hog-nosed bat, which
weighs about 0.07 to 0.09 oz. or about
the weight of a penny. These bats are
mostly insect feeders. In addition to the
above-mention foods, there are bats
that feed on fish, frogs, birds and small
mammals, and even blood. It is this last
food item of blood that gives rise to
some of the darker myths and folklore
about bats.
There are only three species of bats that
feed on blood. These are the infamous
vampire bats that are found in Central
and South America. One species feeds
primarily on mammals—often domestic
cows—and the other two primarily on
birds. Vampire bats may have been the
inspiration of Bram Stoker’s Dracula
in which Count Dracula could change
himself into a bat. With the current
craze of vampires in books and movies,
I am sure we will see more than one
“vampire” at Boo at the Zoo. Not all
bat-inspired characters are bad; for
example, Sesame Street’s Count von
Count and, of course, Batman.
Another myth that is popular about bats
is that they can become entangled in a
lady’s hair. This myth prompted Ogden
Nash to write his infamous poem, “The
Bat.” (above)
Contrary to another myth that gave rise
to the saying “blind as a bat” is the fact
that bats are not blind. The use of their
Boo
cont.
eyes varies from species to species, the
time of day they are active, and their
means of food gathering. For example,
flying foxes use their eyes to find fruit
in the trees. Most of the insect-eating
bats use echolocation to find their
prey. They emit very high frequency
sound waves that bounce back to them
providing information as to direction
and distance of objects in front of them.
Bat echolocation is similar in concept
to sonar used in submarines to detect
other submarines and ships that they
cannot see visually.
Bats roost in a number of places; for
example, in trees, under bridges, in
barns, attics and caves. In caves bats
use echolocation to fly in and out
of the cave where they roost during
the day even where no visible light is
present. This allows them to avoid the
stalagmites, stalactites, and columns
usually found in caves such as Carlsbad
Caverns in New Mexico noted for its
large Mexican free-tail bat colony.
Bats are beneficial by eating huge
numbers of insects and pollinating
flowers. The saguaro cactus in the
Sonoran Desert has flowers that bloom
at night, and the flowers are crosspollinated by bats feeding on their nectar,
primarily the lesser long-nosed bat.
Chances are that somewhere near
where you live, bats are flying around
keeping the insect population down.
But I would be on the lookout for some
scary but cute little vampires running
around the Zoo grounds when you
come to Boo at the Zoo.
at the Zoo
cont.
The 24th annual Boo at the Zoo event will take place from 5:30pm to
8:30pm on Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, October 19; then again
on Saturday, October 25; Sunday, October 26; and Thursday, October
30, rain or shine.
The event netted over $80,000, and this year over
$34,000 was raised just in the silent auction area alone
which is an all-time record for the event. The live auction
netted over $20,000 which also includes $10,000 raised
for a special Digital X-ray Machine. Some of the live
auction items up for grabs were a GoPro HERO3+ Black
Edition with a Phantom 2 Quadcopter; a one-week stay at
Villa del Palmar Cabo San Lucas Beach Resort & Spa with
airfare provided by Alaska Airlines; a Michael Kors tote
stuffed with 100 California Scratchers and over $800 in
cash; and a Palm Desert get-away including a VIP Private
Behind-the-Scenes Tour for four at the Living Desert Zoo
and Gardens with a giraffe encounter.
General Admission is $14 per non-member ages 2 and up, and only $7
per Zoo Member ages 2 and up. Bonus: Children under the age of 2 are
free. Join as a Member to receive your discounted tickets! Tickets for
the “Boo”fari Express and Carrousel will be available for $3 per ride or a
$5 combo ticket for both rides. Snacks and drinks will also be available
for purchase nightly provided by the Tustin-Santa Ana Rotary Club, Zoo
Docents, and Zookeepers.
For those who are a little older and more adventurous, Boo at the Zoo will
once again have a separate area for our “Teen Scream” haunted house,
which is included in the regular price of admission. This is sure to provide
chills and thrills for those older brothers and sisters who dare to enter.
After the program, guests danced until midnight to the
dynamic tunes of the “Groove Factory.”
To avoid the line, tickets are now available online at www.santaanazoo.
org, and they are good for any of the five nights. Zoo guests can also
purchase admissions at the main gate on the night of the event.
For more information, please visit our website at www.santaanazoo.org
Cheers to a Boo-tastic Halloween!
Black and White Ruffed Lemur
1. SHENTOY (Isaac thought Justice had too much of this.)
zoofari
and
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Isaac, the ring-tailed lemur, was holding
court one day in the Jack Lynch Aviary
and was concerned that his breath
smelt bad. He decided to ask his three
most trusted advisors for their opinions.
boo bats