5 Fun Facts We Bet You Didn’t Know About The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert

Test Your Knowledge on One of the Best Zoos in California!

Tucked neatly within the heart of one of California’s most pristine and prestigious desert oases, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is one of the biggest attractions in the entire Palm Desert region. With over 600 incredible and unique desert animals to interact with–as well as acres of sweeping gardens and exhibits to explore—it’s easy to see why so many people gather each year to interact with the zoo’s incredible exhibits. As the zoo continues to expand and add new exhibits and experiences, it’s easy to lose track of everything it has to offer. Read on to see our picks for the five things we bet you didn’t know about The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

You Can Interact With Rhinos

Credit: Sal Cavazos

For those eager to get up close and personal with one of Africa’s most iconic animals, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has something special. Their new Rhino Encounter Experience takes guests behind the scenes for an unforgettable adventure. You’ll meet one of the two black rhinos who call the zoo home. You’ll even get the chance to interact with them. Whether feeding, brushing, or just marveling at their size, it’s an experience like no other. Plus, you’ll learn all about their care, unique biology, diet, and lifestyle. Want more? Stick around and watch a rhino training session to see how these magnificent creatures engage with the staff behind the scenes.

You Can Take a Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Credit: Sal Cavazos

Credit: The Living Desert Zoo

Credit: Sal Cavazos

If you’re looking for an inside look at the tremendous work being done by the The Living Desert’s crew to carefully care for each of the 600+ animals, check out the This Is How We Zoo It Tour. This experience features a quick shuttle-ride tour of several of the animal care facilities. Along the way, guests will also get a chance to see first-hand all the incredible work being done by the zoo to help preserve and protect the animals in and around their facilities as well as help restore the habitats they came from.

4/10

The Living Desert Zoo Is All About Conservation

Credit: Sal Cavazos

Photography Provided By: City of Palm Desert

Credit: Sal Cavazos

Best Zoos Palm Desert - The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens — Credit: Visit Greater Palm Springs

What many visitors don’t realize about The Living Desert Zoo is the incredible conservation work happening behind the scenes. Their impact goes far beyond the zoo’s boundaries, reaching across the globe. Over the years, they’ve played a key role in population-recovery efforts for the Peninsular Pronghorn in Baja California. They’ve also developed and supported anti-poaching initiatives in South Africa, ensuring wildlife protection where it’s needed most. Plus, they continue to provide resources to conservation organizations worldwide. It’s this kind of dedication that makes The Living Desert Zoo so much more than just a place to see animals. The zoo is also committed to contributing to ongoing research projects and has partnered with renowned scientists, such as U.S. Geological Survey herpetologist Jeff Lovich, and notable organizations like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. All in all, The Living Desert lives and breathes its mission: desert conservation.

2/23

The Zoo Hosts a Spring Lantern Festival Every Year

Credit: The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens

In addition to their wonderful, year-round exhibits, the zoo also hosts a wonderful, wide variety of seasonal events and specials. From new decor and limited-time exhibits to special discounts and experiences, The Living Desert is always keeping it fresh and exciting. One of our favorite events is their annual Glow in the Park celebration. This extravagant spring event sees the park transformed into a glowing display that features everything from a large scale illuminated animal lanterns to interactive light displays

4/11

There Are Hiking Trails Galore

Credit: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Photograph Provided By: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Credit: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

While many visitors flock to the zoo for its incredible variety of animals, flora, and fauna, there’s a hidden bonus. With every admission, guests also gain access to the park’s expansive nature preserve—a desert oasis waiting to be explored. It’s the perfect spot to hike and soak in the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape. The preserve boasts three distinct trails, over 1,000 feet of elevation to conquer, and views that are simply unmatched. This unique feature is just one of the many things that sets this zoo apart from the rest. So lace up those hiking shoes and get some steps in!

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
47900 Portola Ave
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760.346.5694