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Living Desert Zoo & Gardens


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 38 attractions in Palm Desert
Traveler Description: The botanical gardens of this park offer great opportunities to see desert vegetation.
Familiar with Living Desert Zoo & Gardens? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Park, Wildlife park, Desert, Natural history museum, Garden, Nature reserve, Zoo, Nature center
Activities: Group tours/walking tour, Viewing foliage, Viewing wildlife, Walking
Address: 47-900 Portola Ave. Palm Desert, CA 92260
Tel: 760-346-5694
Fax: 760-568-9685

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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5 of 5 stars
FamilyofFive1111   7 contributions
San Diego North County
Jul 20, 2009
1/2 found this review helpful

We loved the Living Desert Zoo! It's probably very hot during the summer months for walking the entire zoo, but we thoroughly enjoyed it in December of 2008. Our three kids were 9, 7 and 4, and they got tired half way thru, so we couldn't see the entire park, but we really enjoyed it while we were there. more

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5 of 5 stars
AgieLu   17 contributions
Los Angeles
Apr 27, 2009
2/2 found this review helpful

This zoo focuses on desert animals so its primarily animals from North America and Africa. It is great if you are a feline lover as they have many species of smaller wild cats such as a beautiful caracal, bob cats, arabian cats and sand cats. Some of the habitats have a den viewing window and we were lucky enough to... more

LOVED IT!
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4 of 5 stars
travelprincess32   3 contributions
california
Apr 8, 2009
0/1 found this review helpful

The experiance was unbeatable! We fed Giraffes "cring-out-loud"!!!!!! Be ready for lots of walking though. LOADS of fun!!! more

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5 of 5 stars
jhoppy01   105 contributions
Perth Australia
Mar 25, 2009
4/4 found this review helpful

After a short drive (NOT) from Anaheim, we decided to visit this zoo. Hubby wanted to go to the desert, me to a zoo so this killed 2 birds. 80miles from Anaheim, we arrived at this oasis. We went on US Election Day. The Living Desert was established in March 1970 as a 360 acre wilderness preserve. Today it is... more

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5 of 5 stars
CLCraig   14 contributions
Midwest USA
Mar 5, 2009
3/3 found this review helpful

The Living Desert Museum is amazing. Much better than a zoo, lots of natural plants and well marked trails and signs. The butterfly and hummingbird compound is worth the price of admission alone. Wonderful volunteers are helpful and informative. This was truly a highlight to my visit to the Palm Springs area. Great for kids or people of all ages.... more

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4 of 5 stars
feather67   6 contributions
Los Angeles
Jul 29, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

Beautiful cacti and other desert native plants, animals seemed content enough. more

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5 of 5 stars
AdventurerNY   17 contributions
New York, NY
Feb 24, 2008
4/4 found this review helpful

A visit to the Living Desert and Gardens gave us the opportunity to see remarkable native plants, animals and the natural landscape of the Palm Desert area. As we walked through the winding paths we saw how the Living Desert was helping to protect this nature. The desert flora and fauna are located in natural settings that gives you the... more

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4 of 5 stars
DrewKnightWV   11 contributions
Waterville Valley, NH
Apr 26, 2007
8/8 found this review helpful

The Living Desert is a very well managed, small theme "zoo", focused on the animals found in the world's desert regions. The animals' living situations appear well-managed and well-cared-for, and the park stresses education and conservation in everything they do. We have visited the Living Desert virtually every year for the last 15 years, and have been impressed how the... more

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5 of 5 stars
martini007   40 contributions
Manzanita, Oregon
Feb 9, 2007
8/8 found this review helpful

A must if you are in the Palm Springs/Palm Desert area. Large animal/zoological compound suitable for all ages. Entertaining and educational. Arrive early and plan at least 3/4 of a day. Lots of walking however, shuttles are avaialble. Good idea to bring some bottled water, snacks and a camera. Good self guided maps are available and are easy to follow.... more

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5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
Crewe, UK
May 31, 2005
30/31 found this review helpful

I can't believe no one else has reviewed the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Springs. This is a great day out with something for everyone. We enjoyed the American animals in the park more than the African section, probably because as UK visitors there are many species we have not seen before. The planting is lovely and well... more

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Living Desert Zoo & Gardens Address

47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, CA 92260
Tel: 760-346-5694 Fax: 760-568-9685