SANTA ANA : Rain Forest Exhibit Opens at Zoo Friday

Hundreds of people are expected to attend the opening of the new $30,000 rain forest exhibit at the Santa Ana Zoo on Friday, a spokeswoman said.

When it is unveiled at 12:15 p.m., “Conservation Rain Forest,” will depict a simulated rain forest with two-toed sloths, tamarin monkeys and iguanas. Parts of the exhibit include devastated and burned trees and foliage to show how humans have affected such areas, said spokeswoman Leslie Perovich.

As people enter the exhibit, which has been under construction for a year, they will see damaged sections first and later view the untouched rain forest where the animals live.

“We’ll talk about ways people can preserve the rain forest and what they can do in their own homes and businesses” to help, Perovich said.

The zoo is at 1801 E. Chestnut St. in Prentice Park and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children 3 to 12 and senior citizens over 62. Children under 3, the disabled and zoo association members are admitted free, she said.

For more information, call (714) 953-8555.