Notes about your surroundings.

Big Cats--The Santa Ana Zoo has joined more than 100 other zoos around the United States in a program to raise money for the protection of lions, tigers, cheetahs and other wild cats.

The Purina Big Cat Survival Fund is designed to fund breeding programs, habitat preservation, field research and public awareness programs around the world. Purina hopes to raise about $1 million with this year’s campaign. Some of the money raised by purchase of selected Purina Cat Food products, probably around $2,500, will go to future big-cat conservation programs at the Santa Ana Zoo.

Zoo visitors can receive a wildlife poster this month and September for proof-of-purchase seals.

Docents Needed--The Museum of Natural History and Science, scheduled to open at its new interim site in Aliso Viejo on Nov. 17, is recruiting volunteer museum guides.

Volunteers in the museum’s education program undergo a 12-week program with weekly sessions that include field trips and lectures. No previous experience is necessary. Upon completion, each docent will be able to lead student and adult groups through the museum.

An information meeting will be held Sept. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; training begins Sept. 17 at 9 a.m. For meeting location and other information, call (714) 640-7120.

Rock Art--Ken Hedges, chief curator of the San Diego Museum of Man, will be the speaker at the next general meeting of the Pacific Coast Archaeological Society, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Hedges, an expert on rock art and founder of the San Diego Rock Art Symposium, will talk about “Interesting Current Issues in Far Western Rock Art.”

The meeting will be held in the main building of the Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St. in Santa Ana. Admission is free. Information: (714) 854-7903.