SPOTLIGHT: SANTA ANA ZOO AT PRENTICE PARK

Location: 1801 Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana

Information: (714) 836-4000

Description: With its “monkey row” a longtime county landmark, the zoo specializes in primates and has an extensive breeding program. Its general collection includes 93 species in 58 exhibits. Owned and operated by the city of Santa Ana, the zoo is accredited by the American Assn. of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, and is a member of the international Species Survival Program, which coordinates breeding to ensure genetic diversity.

Collection: The 246 creatures on display include 18 species of primate and 15 other mammal species, 49 bird species and 7 species of reptile and amphibian.

Breeding program: More than 26 creatures of 11 species were born at the zoo last year, including the African crested porcupine, African serval and three endangered primates: the golden lion tamarin, Diana guenon monkey and the lion-tailed macaque.

Educational programs: Zoo Lab, classes in the zoo classroom for grades K-12; Summer Zoo Camp, a 5-day summer program for children 6 to 14; Zoomobile, which brings live animals and artifacts to schools and other locations; weekend family workshops in natural history, and the guided zoo tours and docent training workshops.

History: Founded in 1952 with the donation of 12 acres by J.E. Prentice, who specified that at least 50 monkeys be maintained at all times.

Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: $2 for adults, 75 cents for children 3 to 12 and seniors. Handicapped visitors admitted free. Group rates available for schools and nonprofit groups.

Mass Transit: OCTD route 65. Call (714) 636-7433 for information.