Santa Ana Zoo Unveils Real Hoedown for New Children's Zoo; Groundbreaking Event Also To Recognize Generous Gift From Crean Family.

Business Editors

SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 21, 2001

The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park celebrates the groundbreaking of its New Children's Zoo-Crean Family Farm, Wednesday, June 27, 2001, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Highlighting the event will be "Bill and Bob," a team of Milking Devon oxen that will be on hand to actually plow the ground. The massive beasts will be visiting from the Centennial Farm at the Orange County Fair Grounds. The festive event will also feature spinning, weaving, and lace making demonstrations, plus a two-piece washboard band belting out traditional farm music. Major companies will be lending a hand as well; Alta-Dena, Web-Van and the Anaheim Angels.

"We are rolling out all the stops," said Howard Hall, chairman of the Capital Campaign. "We want people to help celebrate what is clearly an important milestone in the history of the Santa Ana Zoo."

In addition to the festivities, the Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo will acknowledge Mr. & Mrs. John Crean for their lead gift and major underwriting of the exhibit that will bare their name, in appreciation for their tremendous generosity. "We have received funding from several key sources," said Hall, "but no one in the county has come through for us like the Crean family, their commitment to the zoo and the community is phenomenal and should be applauded."

The new $3 million facility will provide a fun, interactive learning environment for children to experience farm life in early Orange County. The New Children's Zoo will feature expanded educational programs, rare breeds, conservation, and community enrichment. The new exhibit will also feature theme-designed areas complete with interactive structures for children and families to explore, learn and have fun.

By March 2002, visitors to the new Children's Zoo can expect to see the family farm and barn, which will be the first of the new additions to be built, as well as interactive play structures, animal exhibits, and a completed educational center. Once complete, Hall estimates that participation in the zoo's educational programs will increase by 10,500 children per year, including a phenomenal 100% increase in on-site education programs. General zoo attendance is also expected to increase approximately 20 percent.

About the Santa Ana Zoo

The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is located at 1801 East Chestnut Avenue in Santa Ana. The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults; $2 for children 3 to 12 and senior citizens; and free for children 2 and under, people with disabilities and members of the Zoo. Train rides are available Friday, Saturday and Sunday for $1. Visit the Zoo's Web site at www.santaanazoo.org.