Rated as one of the top 10 zoos in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler and recognized as a premier attraction for all ages in Greater Palm Springs, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens welcomes adventurers of all ages to explore the plants and animals of the world's deserts. Amidst breathtaking desert landscapes, visitors can discover a stunning array of wildlife from around the globe. Embark on an exhilarating journey through the African savanna, where black rhinos, springbok, and waterbuck thrive. Witness graceful giraffes grazing alongside greater kudu and ostriches on the expansive plains, all set against the majestic San Jacinto Mountain range.
Explore Wild Americas to encounter desert animals from North and South America. From mountain lions and Mexican wolves, one of the rarest land mammals on the planet, to badgers and birds of all kinds, you’ll meet species who are vital components of our desert ecosystems. Finally, venture into the immersive Australian Adventures habitat, ranked #4 in USA Today's Best Zoo Habitats. There, you’ll walk alongside Bennett’s wallabies, see the yellow-footed rock wallabies, and listen to the budgerigars overhead. Open 364 days a year, come and experience the wonder and beauty of desert life at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is open daily: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (October – May) and 7:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (June – September). Last admission is one hour before closing. For the most current information, please visit www.LivingDesert.org or call (760) 346-5694.
Don't Miss! The Living Desert's newest addition, Australian Adventures, invites guests to meet the incredible animals of the land down under. Australian Adventures is an engaging immersive experience featuring Bennett’s wallabies that will bounce alongside exploring guests. Free-flying budgies and cockatiels welcome and delight, along with playful emu, watchful tawny-frog mouths and singing kookaburras. Yellow-footed wallabies gracefully scale the Australian rock formations showing off their climbing abilities, and a variety of Australian reptiles bask in the sunny habitat. Discover these special desert species and feel like you're visiting the incredible land down under!
Specializing in the deserts of the world, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is like no place else. From the African Savanna to Wild Americas to Australian Adventures, guests will see over 500 animals representing over 150 species. African Safari offers opportunities to see cheetahs, zebra and African wild dog, as well as the incredible giraffe savanna. Giraffe feeding opportunities are offered daily and will be a memory to last a lifetime. The Wilds of North America highlight mountain lion, jaguar, Mexican wolf and more.
The Living Desert's botanical gardens features 50 immersive gardens representing deserts of North America and Mexico. Three nature and hiking trails, at varying lengths, are available for guests and members. Stop by the interactive Discovery Center, visit one of the largest G-scale model train displays, enjoy a Wildlife Wonders animal presentation, hike the nature trails, have lunch in one of the cafes, or visit the goats in the Petting Kraal.
Visit LivingDesert.org for the most current information and offerings.
2017 - Named number six on Conde Nast Traveler's list of 10 Best Zoos in the US.
The Living Desert has earned the Certified Autism Center designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, meaning their staff members have taken specified training about autism so they may better serve guests on the autism spectrum and with sensory sensitivities.