Clipboard : HOW TO ADOPT AN ANIMAL AT THE SANTA ANA ZOO
Always wanted a swamp wallaby? Would you love to have a white-handed gibbon to call your very own? You can, through the Something Wild animal adoption program sponsored by the Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo.
The 3-year-old program allows people to choose an animal on exhibit at the zoo to adopt. Even the animals that roam the grounds, such as peafowls, and the pond animals--Japanese koi and western pond turtles--are available for adoption.
There are about 75 animals at the zoo, according to Pat Taylor, executive director of the Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo (a nonprofit agency that creates awareness of and raises funds for the zoo).
The animals are divided into native land categories, as well as aviary, barnyard and education animals. They range from the California king snake to the Toco toucan, from the red-backed squirrel monkey to the African-crested porcupine.
The adoptions are tax deductible, Taylor said, adding that many people choose to give the adoption as a gift.
The following lists the six types of adoption and what you receive.
The $50 Walkabout
Your name on the in-park signs in front of your adopted animal for one year
A Certificate of Adoption (suitable for framing)
A Something Wild car window sticker
An invitation to the annual Something Wild picnic
A one-year subscription to Animal Tales, the zoo’s bimonthly newsletter and calendar
The $100 Wildlife Protector
All of the above, plus . . .
Your name displayed in gold letters on a recognition sign indicating your concern for endangered and threatened wildlife.
The $250 Outback Explorer
All of the above, plus . . .
An invitation to the special Something Wild cocktail party, where you will meet other zoo “parents” and learn more about wild animals from a noted expert.
The $500 Savanna Club
All of the above, plus . . .
The zookeepers will design a personalized “zoo experience” just for you. (must be scheduled in advance and vary according to keeper activity).
The $1,000 King of the Jungle
All of the above, plus . . .
A tour of three special exhibits at another zoo in the area.
The $25 Bush Buddy (restricted to children under 18. May not be given as a gift.)
A Certificate of Adoption (suitable for framing)
A one-year subscription to Animal Tales , the zoo’s bimonthly newsletter and calendar
For more information, contact the Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo at (714) 953-8555. The zoo is at Prentice Park, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.
Source: Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo