The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
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The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens - by Jim Girgenti on Google
Description
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is located in the Sonoran Desert of the Coachella Valley and Santa Rosa Mountains foothills near Palm Springs, California. The non-profit is home to about 500 animals from over 150 desert-dwelling species from various parts of the planet divided into 3 sections: Africa, North America and Australia. There is also 950m of train model tracks.
Access & Transport
The zoo is on Portola Ave, off CA-111 in Palm Desert, 5km southwest of Indian Wells and 25km southeast of Palm Springs
Instructions & Recommendations
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Environmental & Social
Combination and conservation efforts / projects and education, which unfortunately also means keeping animals in captivity. More info here: https://www.livingdesert.org/conservation/
Conclusion
The zoo makes for a good family half-day excursion but considering its remote location we think it is only worth the journey when road-tripping through the Joshua Tree NP and Palm Springs area. There are some commandable conservation efforts, but we feel more could be done in terms of enclosures (too exposed to the sun) and that pricing is on the high side. Best to go in the morning to avoid the afternoon temperatures.
Key positive
Family friendly option
Focus on desert species / habitat
Key negative
Expensive
Hot in the afternoons
Suitability
Suitable for all ages and accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 45m
est. visit time:1h 45m
Start of Season 1:Jun, 01
MONDAY07:00 - 13:30
TUESDAY07:00 - 13:30
WEDNESDAY07:00 - 13:30
THURSDAY07:00 - 13:30
FRIDAY07:00 - 13:30
SATURDAY07:00 - 13:30
SUNDAY07:00 - 13:30
Start of Season 2:Oct, 01
MONDAY08:00 - 17:00
TUESDAY08:00 - 17:00
WEDNESDAY08:00 - 17:00
THURSDAY08:00 - 17:00
FRIDAY08:00 - 17:00
SATURDAY08:00 - 17:00
SUNDAY08:00 - 17:00