The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, ranked among the finest family-friendly attractions in Greater Palm Springs and one of the top ten zoos in the United States by Conde Nast Traveler, welcomes young and old to discover the incredibly wild animals of the world’s deserts in one location.
Discover the wide range of animals and plants from the world’s desert regions at The Living Desert, a zoo unlike any other.
Nestled in the middle of Palm Desert, near Palm Springs, California, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens serves as a monument to the beauty and durability of desert ecosystems.
This top-notch site, which spans more than 1,200 acres, skillfully blends the functions of a zoo, botanical garden, and research center.
It is a refuge for desert animals from all over the world, providing tourists with a singular chance to discover a variety of landscapes and engage with wildlife in their native environments.
More than 1,600 plant varieties and 140 animal species are on display in exhibits that span from the grasslands and plains of Africa to the rugged landscapes and canyons of North America.
Vision and Mission
The goal of The Living Desert is to preserve the delicate balance of desert ecosystems in order to encourage respect for them.
It provides a forum for worldwide cooperation in conservation initiatives, research, and education.
The organization works to promote sustainable living and preserve desert flora and fauna through its partnerships, initiatives, and exhibits.
Top Attractions at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
Animal Exhibits
A remarkable variety of species that flourish in arid environments can be found in the Living Desert.
Every exhibit is thoughtfully created to mimic natural settings, guaranteeing the welfare of the animals while providing guests with an engaging experience.
Discover African Safari Wildlife at The Living Desert
As you stroll through gardens and learn about the variety of wildlife on the continent, from the speedy cheetah to the small meerkat, you will get up close and personal with Africa’s natural plants and animals.
Visit the expansive, multi-species Rhino Savanna ecosystem, where springbok and waterbuck coexist with black rhinos.
After that, take in the magnificent mountain vistas while you see the greater kudu, ostrich, and giraffe in their natural habitat.
- Giraffes: During designated hours, visitors can feed the gentle giants and see them in a vast, savanna-like environment.
- Cheetahs: One of the swiftest land animals, cheetahs are kept at the zoo, where educational displays are used to showcase their speed and agility.
- Meerkats: These little but energetic animals enthrall with their gregarious and watchful ways.
Experience North American Wildlife at The Living Desert
Visitors love seeing bobcats and mountain lions, two elusive predators, in settings that resemble their rocky natural habitats.
- Coyotes: The display provides information about how adaptable these resourceful desert animals are.
- Roadrunners and Other Native Birds: Aviaries feature birds that are emblematic of the area, giving visitors a close-up view of their feeding and flying patterns.
Get Up Close with Australian Wildlife at The Living Desert
- Emus & Wallabies: This exhibit gives visitors an opportunity to engage with these unusual animals while introducing them about Australia’s dry regions.
- Kookaburras: This bird’s musical call gives the place a lively feel.
Conservation Efforts at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
- Arabian Oryx: These antelopes, which were once extinct in the wild, are being restored in populations all over the world.
- Peninsular Pronghorn: One of the most endangered mammals in North America is supported by the zoo’s breeding program.
Family-Friendly Walking Trails at The Living Desert
Walking routes wind through the Living Desert’s vast grounds, providing an opportunity to discover the area’s natural splendor.
The Nature Loop of the Living Desert
This short, family-friendly walk winds through desert scenery and has educational signs about local flora and fauna.
The Eisenhower Peak Trail
Climbers who successfully complete this strenuous journey will be rewarded with expansive vistas of the Coachella Valley. Native animals like lizards, birds, and jackrabbits may be spotted by hikers.
The Wildlife Loop Trail
There is lots of shaded seating along the route that connects the many animal exhibits, making it the perfect place for a leisurely walk.
Botanical Gardens: A Celebration of Desert Flora
The Living Desert showcases the distinctive adaptations of desert vegetation from different places and is as much about plants as it is about animals.
Garden with Cacti and Succulents
It demonstrates the amazing diversity of desert vegetation with recognizable species like the small golden barrel cacti, prickly chollas, and towering saguaro cactus.
Agave Garden
It draws attention to the ecological and cultural importance of agave plants, highlighting its historic applications in food and drink as well as their function in assisting pollinators.
Palo Verde Garden Center
A nursery where guests can purchase drought-tolerant and native plants while learning about environmentally friendly landscaping practices.
Mediterranean and Mojave Gardens
By comparing plant adaptations, these themed gardens examine the similarities among arid regions worldwide.
Engaging Experiences: Up Close with Desert Wildlife
Take part in one of these zoo-nique experiences to get up close and personal with desert wildlife.
Feeding Giraffes
Experience the world’s largest mammal up close in this unique walk-up encounter at the giraffe habitat and feed your spirit of adventure—and a giraffe!
- The opportunity to hand-feed giraffes while learning about their diets, habitats, and special adaptations—like their prehensile tongues—makes this experience a visitor favorite.
- Take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to feed these elegant giants up close and see the wonders of wildlife firsthand. Make sure your camera is prepared! This experience includes taking pictures and having fun.
Timing: October 1 to May 31: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
June 1 to September 30: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Members: $8/feeding
Non-Members: $10/feeding
The Wildlife Wonders Show
With live animal demonstrations, this captivating lecture highlights the remarkable adaptations of animals such as small mammals, reptiles, and falcons.
Center for Discovery
An indoor exhibit including interactive displays about conservation, fossils, and desert geology. Children can take part in interactive learning stations and fossil excavation.
Rhino Encounter
Meet the majestic black rhino, a species that is critically endangered.
- You will enter a dedicated animal care area to meet Nia or Jaali, two of the gorgeous rhinos under our care, and learn about their personalities, biology, and care while participating in special activities like brushing or feeding.
Timing: Daily 8:30 am to 2:30 pm
Members: $45 per person
Non-Members: $50 per person
Petting Kraal
A family-friendly space where kids may learn about the history and culture of humans while interacting with domesticated desert animals like goats.
Tennity Wildlife Conservation Center & Hospital
Our main values are conservation and care.
- All visitors are welcome to see our cutting-edge medical facility and conservation center to learn more about the processes involved in caring for our animals.
- Take a tour of the facilities, listen to volunteers, and perhaps even watch a surgery in action!
- Open during regular park hours.
G-Scale Model Train
Experience the Bighorn Railroad’s G-scale model train over more than 3,300 feet of track with eight different loops.
- With 19+ lines running concurrently, this ¾-acre exhibit features views of the Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountains.
- Twenty-five volunteers and a full-time staff run the train, which runs day and night. Although fewer lines may run in the summer owing to the heat, the model train is open all year round.
Gecko Gulch
Children are encouraged to utilize their imaginations and make their own entertainment in the interactive outdoor play area known as Gecko Gulch.
- The one-acre play area has climbing frames, slides, and other attractions.
- In close proximity to the Discovery Center.
Carousel of Endangered Species
Ride the Endangered Species Carousel with one of your favorite creatures.
- Open every day from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, October 1 through May 31.
Price: $3 for each ride, or $8 for all rides
VIP Zoo Tours for an Exclusive Experience
Take a guided Private Safari trip to see the Zoo in a completely different way!
- A private shuttle, a personal guide, and park admission are all included in this opulent excursion.
- During an exciting two-hour excursion, our guide will captivate you with fascinating animal facts and park history as you explore the zoo.
- A minimum 2 guests is required per tour
- An advanced reservation is required and Children under 3 are free
Timing: October 1 to May 31: Tour departure at 9:00 am
June 1 to September 30: Tour departure at 8:00 am
Ticket Price
| Rates | Monday to Thursday | Friday to Sunday & Holidays |
| Member Adult | $80 | $89 |
| Member Child | $53 | $62 |
| Non-Member Adult | $89 | $99 |
| Non-Member Child | $59 | $69 |
Educational Opportunities at The Living Desert
Programs for Schools and Groups
These programs, which are geared toward different age groups, include virtual learning sessions, classroom workshops, and guided excursions that concentrate on desert ecosystems.
Conversations with Keepers and Tours Behind the Scenes
Visitors learn more about breeding initiatives, conservation initiatives, and the day-to-day care of animals. Activities for behavioral enrichment and feeding demonstrations are frequently included in these sessions.
Investigations and Field Research
The zoo works with international organizations to research desert ecosystems, with an emphasis on species monitoring, habitat restoration, and the effects of climate change.
Outreach to the Community
Local communities are encouraged to embrace sustainable practices like native planting and water conservation through events and campaigns.
Special Events at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
The WildLights
With millions of lights, themed displays, and festive activities, the zoo becomes a mystical wonderland during the holidays.
The Zoo’s Brew
Craft beer tastings, live music, and animal interactions are all part of this adults-only event, which raises money for the zoo’s conservation initiatives.
The Howl-O-Ween
An exciting Halloween celebration with costume competitions, eerie decorations, and safe trick-or-treating.
Series of Conservation Lectures
Topics such as the recovery of endangered species and the impact of climate change on desert environments are discussed by guest speakers.
Sustainability and Conservation Initiatives at The Living Desert
Management of Water
In order to conserve water, which is essential in the arid Coachella Valley, the zoo uses sophisticated irrigation techniques including drip systems.
Sustainable Energy
A sizable amount of the facility’s energy requirements are met by solar panels, which supports its goal of lowering its carbon impact.
Reduction of Waste
The zoo’s dedication to sustainability is demonstrated via recycling initiatives and biodegradable packaging in cafes and retail establishments.
Plan Your Visit: Tickets, Hours, and Accessibility
Admission and Hours
Daily hours for the Living Desert are normally 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though they may change depending on the season.
Adult admission costs $30 to $40, while children’s admission costs $20 to $30. Members and locals receive a discount. You can buy your ticket here.
Ticket Price
| Age Group | Price |
| Adult Ticket (Ages 18+) | $39.95 |
| Child Ticket (Ages 3-17) | $29.95 |
| Child Under 3 Ticket | Free |
Accessibility
Completely accessible by wheelchair and stroller, with rental options available.
- Inclusivity is ensured via resources such as sign language interpreters, Braille guides, and maps that are sensory-friendly.
Dining Options at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
Among the many alternatives available at restaurants and cafés are vegan and gluten-free dishes, many of which are prepared using ingredients that are acquired locally.
The Living Desert provides everything you need, whether you’re searching for a satisfying lunch or a fast snack.
Both the Crash Cafe and the Kookaburra Cafe provide quick, grab-and-go meals to patrons.
The Thorn Tree Grill serves classic American fare, including sandwiches and burgers. Are you in need of something sweet to eat? For your sugar fix, stop by Churro Stop or Safari Soft Serve.
Unique Shopping Opportunities at The Living Desert
Gift shops provide money for the zoo’s initiatives by selling eco-friendly mementos including clothing, educational toys, and handcrafted crafts.
Conclusion | The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Combining teaching, enjoyment, and conservation, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a veritable gold mine of desert species.
It is a must-see location for anybody who wants to comprehend and value the special difficulties and splendor of desert existence.
Visitors of all ages are guaranteed a wonderful experience at The Living Desert, which offers everything from hiking trails and interactive exhibitions to animal encounters and botanical wonders.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens FAQs
1. What are the operating hours of The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens?
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens is typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, hours may vary depending on the season, so it’s a good idea to check the website for any updates before your visit.
2. How much is admission to The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens?
Adult tickets (ages 18+) are $39.95, while child tickets (ages 3-17) are $29.95. Children under 3 can enter for free. Members and local residents may receive discounts.
3. Are there any discounts available for tickets?
Yes, members and local residents receive discounts on admission tickets. It’s recommended to check the Living Desert’s website for specific details on discount availability.
4. What is the best time of year to visit The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens?
The best time to visit is during the cooler months, from October to May, as summer temperatures can be quite high in Palm Desert. Check the weather forecast before planning your visit.
5. Are there any animal encounters or hands-on experiences?
Yes! The Living Desert offers several interactive experiences, such as feeding giraffes, meeting black rhinos, and participating in the Wildlife Wonders Show with live animal demonstrations.
6. Is The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens wheelchair accessible?
Yes, The Living Desert is fully accessible by wheelchair and stroller, and both are available for rent. Additionally, there are resources like sign language interpreters and sensory-friendly maps.
7. What dining options are available at The Living Desert?
The Living Desert offers several dining options, including Crash Cafe and Kookaburra Cafe for grab-and-go meals, and Thorn Tree Grill for classic American fare. There are also sweet treats available at Churro Stop and Safari Soft Serve.
8. Can I bring my pet to The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens?
Pets are not allowed in the zoo or gardens, with the exception of service animals.
9. Are there any special events at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens?
Yes! The Living Desert hosts special events throughout the year, including WildLights (a holiday lights display), The Zoo’s Brew (craft beer tasting), Howl-O-Ween (Halloween festivities), and conservation lectures.
10. How can I support The Living Desert’s conservation efforts?
Visitors can support conservation efforts by attending events like The Zoo’s Brew, purchasing eco-friendly merchandise at the gift shops, and donating directly to the Living Desert’s conservation initiatives.
