Complete Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Review + What to Know (2024)
As someone who grew up in Southern California, I’ve been to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens about a dozen times and experienced almost everything the park has to offer. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to go or simply want more information about what to expect, then you’re in the right place! In this post, I’ll give you my honest review of the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens as well as tell you everything that you should know before visiting!
What is the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens?
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a non-profit zoo and desert botanical garden dedicated to the conservation of desert ecosystems and endangered species. It’s located in a smaller city known as Palm Desert, which is part of the Great Palm Springs Area.
If you aren’t familiar with the area, it’s about a 1-hour drive away from Redlands, 1.5 hours from the Riverside area, roughly 2 hours from Los Angeles, and 2.5 hours from San Diego. This makes it an easy day trip for anyone living in the Southern California Area or an activity to consider if you’re traveling to the Palm Springs region for a vacation!
How Big Is the Zoo?
Originally, the Living Desert Zoo opened in 1870 as a small, six-acre facility known as the Living Desert Museum. However, in 1978, the park expanded to its current size of about 1200 acres of land. Although the park is much smaller than other zoos, such as the San Diego Zoo or Los Angeles Zoo, the Living Desert Zoo is home to over 500 animals!
Review of Things to Do at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Throughout all my trips to the Living Desert Zoo, I have gotten to experience nearly everything the park has to offer. To give you a better idea of what to expect and some activities you may be interested in…here is my review of a few attractions the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens offers. You can check their website for the full list of things to do at the park.
1. Feeding the Giraffes
One of the most memorable experiences at Living Desert Zoo is getting to feed the giraffes! For $8 per person, you can purchase a cup of lettuce leaves to feed the giraffe. I know that may seem expensive, but it can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with one of the world’s tallest animals, especially if you’re traveling from further away. Not to mention, it’s super fun to see their long black tongues snag the leaves out of your hand. Oh, and a protip is to record the experience! This will give you a chance to both enjoy the moment as well as capture the perfect reaction picture!
Giraffe Feeding Times:
October 1 – May 31: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily
June 1 – September 31: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
2. Model Train Exhibit
As someone who isn’t particularly fascinated with trains but did spend 43 hours riding Amtrak’s Coast Starlight Train and 35 hours riding the California Zephyr 😅… the Model Train Exhibit is nothing short of incredible. The outdoor model exhibit spans ¾ of an acre and features realistic views of the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountains, and Old Indio.
Even more impressive, there are more than 3,300 feet of track, which allows for up to 19 trains to run along the track day and night. You can even spot lots of characters from movies hidden within the town’s settings. For example, I always try to spot Captain Jack Sparrow that’s cleverly placed. Overall, the model train exhibit is worth visiting as you can easily spend a good 30+ minutes walking around, looking at all the intricate details, and admiring the craftsmanship it took to design the exhibit.
3. Petting Kraal
Another activity that’s similar to feeding the giraffe is the petting kraal. Located within Village WaTuTu, the Petting Kraal is a place where visitors of all ages can go behind the fence and help take care of the domestic livestock of Africa. You’ll get to interact with and groom Nigerian dwarf goats, Ankole cattle, and Sicilian dwarf donkeys. Not to mention, the staff is also quite knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions you may have about the animals. Thus, this is the perfect spot to hang out intimately with the animals; it’s free, which makes it an even better activity that both kids and adults will enjoy!
4. Tennity Wildlife Hospital and Conversation Center
Something I always enjoy and appreciate about the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is that they are very transparent in their treatment of the animals. More specifically, they have a state-of-the-art wildlife hospital and conversation center. At the Tennity Wildlife Hospital and Conversation Center, visitors can go behind the scenes and see how the zoo’s animals are cared for. For example, if you choose to tour the facilities, you might see staff doing medical exams and procedures.
Alternatively, outside the building, they have big windows for you to see the animals that are currently being isolated for rehabilitation purposes. Thus, this is an awesome place to check out if you’re interested in how they rescue, rehabilitate, and provide the highest care for its animals. That being said, it’s likely an activity geared more toward adults and older kids.
5. Rhino Savanna
The Rhino Savanna at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is home to 12 African species, including two black rhinos. At the state-of-the-art habitat, you can expect to see a few expansive look-out points that present guests with beautiful views of waterbuck, springbok, and a variety of other birds. This makes the area fun to walk through and admire the Rhinos. However, it can be a bit boring if you would rather see more active animals or if you’re running low on energy!
6. Living Desert Scenic Drive
Speaking of which, if you’re short on time or energy, an easy way to see the park is to do the Living Desert Scenic Drive. The loop is 1.5 miles long and takes you through all of the different habitats at Living Desert Zoo, including the Chihuahuan Desert, Baja California Desert, and the Sonoran Desert.
A single ride on the train costs $4 per person and takes about 30 minutes to complete. This is honestly a great activity if your feet are tired or if you have small children. My family normally opts to do this towards the end of the day because it allows you to sit back and relax while taking in the surrounding scenery.
Other Areas to Visit
Ultimately, the park has all kinds of activities and things to see, and I didn’t mention in detail every single thing you should do. However, I will leave you with a short list of some other recommendations aside from the ones I mentioned above!
- Bighorn Mountain to see the goats running around
- The cheetahs near Village WaTuTu. If you time your visit properly, you can see them being fed!
- Butterfly Garden
- Animal Carousel for younger kids
🌵 NOTE: I have another post full of other tours and things to do in the Palm Springs area if you want inspiration for your visit!
Is the Living Desert Zoo Ethical?
From what I can see and have researched, the Living Desert Zoo operates as ethically as possible. For one, the animals that are housed at the zoo were either born in captivity or cannot be released back into the wild. Thus, they are helping protect several species by providing a safe home and environment for the animals that would otherwise not survive alone in the wild.
In addition, the Living Desert Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is a cooperative breeding program across zoos to maintain healthy captive populations. A success story from this program is the Mexican Wolf, which was on the brink of extinction due to human-caused mortality and loss of habitat. However, the Living Desert Zoo has been crucial in helping the Mexican wolf come back and increasing its population numbers.
Finally, the Living Desert Zoo makes a conscious effort to educate the public about the importance of conservation. They do this by actively participating in field research, giving educational talks, and always striving to be transparent in their treatment of the animals. Therefore, I believe the Living Desert Zoo is ethical and an organization that you can stand behind.
Is the Living Desert Zoo Worth Visiting?
To cut to the chase, the short answer is yes. I recommend everyone visit the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens at least once because the park has so much to offer. There is a wide gamut of exhibits, each showcasing a different animal or habitat, making it a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. You also get the unique opportunity to see and interact with lots of animals up close.
Plus, unlike other zoos, the park does a great job of making you feel like you’re not at a zoo. Instead, it feels more like an animal sanctuary because the enclosures are spacious and resemble the animals’ natural habitat. It’s as if you have stepped into their world instead of a zoo.
In terms of the actual grounds, the park is exceptionally clean and easy to navigate. You’ll even find little plaques at each of the sites that indicate whether the species is endangered or not. That said, if you have a question, the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions.
Furthermore, the park does a good job trying to keep visitors comfortable with lots of shaded walkways are benches to sit down on and rest. However, it can become unbearably hot during summer, so make sure you plan accordingly by looking at the weather! Overall, the Living Desert is the perfect place for couples, families, and those who simply love being in nature.
Living Desert Zoo: Important Info
Living Desert Zoo Prices:
Compared to most zoos and large parks, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is fairly affordable. Ticket prices are as follows, but remember to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
- $29.95 for people (13 – 61)
- $27.95 for seniors (62+)
- $19.95 for children aged 3 – 12
- Free for children under the age of 3
Hours of operation:
- October 1 – May 31: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, with the last admission at 4 pm
- June 1 – September 30: 7:00 am – 1:30 pm, with the last admission at 12:30 pm
- The park is open every day except for Christmas Day!
How Long Does It Take to Go Through the Living Desert Zoo?
Depending on how long you stop to admire the wildlife, you can easily walk around the entire park in ~3 hours. But, my family has been known to spend 6 or 7 hours at the park interacting with the animals, seeing the wildlife entertainment shows, and just strolling around the park at a very leisurely pace.
Tips for Visiting the Living Desert Zoo
Whether it’s your first time at the zoo or your fifth time, here are some tips to keep in mind.
🦒 Buy your tickets online – Visitors who purchase their tickets online in advance instead of at the gate receive a price break. You can get an even larger discount if you’re a AAA member and purchase through them.
🦒 Arrive Early – Even though there is plenty of free parking, make sure to arrive early to beat the heat. Palm Desert is known for its sweltering summers, which makes being outside during the afternoon insufferable. Also, the animals tend to be more active in the morning after they have been fed their breakfast!
🦒 Bring Food – Make sure you stay energized throughout your visit by bringing plenty of food and snacks. This will help you save a few extra dollars by not relying on the park restaurants.
🦒 Pack a reusable water bottle – As mentioned earlier, the heat can be brutal. Pack a reusable water bottle to avoid accidentally becoming dehydrated. There are also plenty of water bottle refill stations scattered throughout the park.
🦒 Wear Sunblock – Don’t forget to protect yourself against the blistering sun. Reapply frequently and consider bringing a hat as well. No one wants to turn into a red lobster!
Where to Stay in Palm Springs
Traveling from out of town and looking for places to stay in the area? Check out these hotels and properties.
🌵 Arrive Palm Springs: | 🌟9.2 / 10 — 4-star hotel with a hip yet luxurious vibe that is located 10 minutes away from Palm Springs International Airport. The rooms are spacious, well-stocked, and feature rainfall showers. Some of the amenities include lawn games, cabanas, an ice cream parlor, and a lovely rustic restaurant!
🌵 Les Cactus: | 🌟9.8 / 10 — Les Cactus is a charming yet chic property located in the middle of downtown Palm Springs and is perfect for a weekend getaway. Rooms are bohemian-styled and very comfortable. They have an outdoor pool and hot tub, massage room, hammocks to relax on as well as free bikes to ride around the city.
🌵 Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa: | 🌟8 / 10 — 4-star Mediterranean-inspired hotel located 10 minutes from the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. The guest rooms are large and come with balconies facing the mountains or gardens. Some amenities available include free parking, a 24-hour gym, and 2 pools with hot tubs and sundecks.
Palm Springs: FAQ
Palm Springs is Famous for its palm-tree-lined streets (who would’ve thought…I know 😉), mid-century homes, golf courses, and generally just being a lush green space in the middle of the desert. And, in the Greater Palm Springs area, the smaller city of Indian Wells is pretty famous for hosting the BNP Paribas Open, a massive tennis tournament that includes hundreds of the best tennis players in the world and tens of thousands of fans! 🤠
Technically, there is a bus public transportation system. But, like most public transportation in the United States, it’s not very efficient. Thus, I would say you’ll likely need a car to get around.
Despite the misconception that there’s nothing fun to do in the desert, there’s actually quite a lot to see. For example, you can go hiking, visit a hidden desert oasis, learn about Native Americans who used to live off the land or visit the San Andreas Fault. There are truly tons of things to do! You can find out more details on all of the things to do here.
The best time to visit Palm Springs is around late October/November to April/early May. This is when the weather won’t be so hot that you’ll want to melt. 🥵
Wrap-Up: Complete Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Review
Overall, my review of the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is that it’s a fantastic place to visit if you’re interested in seeing a variety of desert animals and learning about their habitats. While it may not be the most exciting place, there are still plenty of activities that both kids and adults can enjoy. Plus, you can rest assured knowing that the Living Desert Zoo is an ethical organization that takes great care of its animals. So, if you find yourself in the Palm Springs area, be sure to add the Living Desert Zoo to your list of places to visit!
Explore California
- 🌊 San Diego: If you’re visiting San Diego for the first time (or just looking to save on transportation), here’s everything to know about getting around the city! I also have some hot tips on the best foodie experiences, where to start your surfing journey as a beginner, wine tasting in nearby gorgeous vineyards, and a personal fav — where to participate in goat yoga!
- 🌲Santa Cruz: Making a trip to Northern California? This is a little winter guide for what you can expect in Santa Cruz.
