Santa Ana Zoo: River's Edge open to public, education building foundation expected next

Ethan Fisher, deputy director for parks and recreation (zoo), presented the zoo’s mission report to the Youth Commission on Feb. 23, describing recent animal transfers, exhibit openings, construction and events.

Fisher said a “big thing” was the December grand opening of River’s Edge, which is now open to visitors and includes otters and multiple primate groups. He described animal movements the zoo has managed — including sending a group of endangered tortoises to the Knoxville Zoo for permanent placement — and ongoing bird introductions in the walk-through aviary.

Fisher outlined construction projects: a ticket booth received a new roof and will reopen for in-person sales, and the new education/multipurpose building near the zoo entry is expected to move to concrete foundation work after site preparations. He said the one-story building will offer classroom and seminar space, special exhibits and an attached patio; it is intended to be more accessible than earlier upstairs classroom space and could be used as a rental venue in the evenings to generate revenue.

On programming, Fisher highlighted partnerships and events: reciprocal admission with the Bowers Museum and Discovery Cube (more than 1,200 adult admissions reported during a swap), a membership swap with Pretend City in Irvine, Brew at the Zoo in May (fundraiser with roughly 21 breweries reported), and Party for the Planet/Earth Day on Sunday, May 17 — free for Santa Ana residents with local ID. He also encouraged participation in the City Nature Challenge and noted other exhibits and EcoCenter introductions.

A commissioner asked what the new building will be used for; Fisher said it will function as multipurpose classroom and exhibit space, seminars and rentals, and reiterated accessibility benefits.