Santa Ana Zoo schedules River's Edge grand opening; new animals and construction updates announced

Ethan Fisher, deputy director for Parks and Recreation Community Services, told the Santa Ana Youth Commission on Dec. 15 that the zoo will hold a grand opening for its River's Edge exhibit on Saturday at 11 a.m. "We're having a grand opening on Saturday...the ceremony is at 11AM," Fisher said, and commissioners were invited to attend.

Fisher said several animals recently joined the zoo, including "a pair of brothers of black-and-white ruffed lemurs," and that a blue-crowned pigeon was due to arrive the following Sunday. He also described species moving into the new River's Edge space, including golden lion tamarins and Asian small-clawed otters named Honey and Simon.

On construction, Fisher said the front ticket booth roof is being replaced because original wood beams from the early 1980s were failing; a temporary ticket tent is in use and staff are directing visitors to buy tickets online or on their phones so staff can scan barcodes for entry. He said a north-end wood security wall facing 1st Street is currently in plan check and that staff are completing a punch list before the River's Edge opening.

Executive Director Scott highlighted the zoo's recent accreditation milestone and rising public interest. "The big one this year, of course, Ethan, was when we got the AZA certification, accreditation back," Scott said, calling the reopening and accreditation a "monumental thing for the city." He encouraged commissioners and residents to attend the Dec. 20 event and noted free admission for Santa Ana residents that weekend.

The Youth Commission received the report and asked no formal action; staff said they will continue construction work and animal moves leading up to the opening.