The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens: A Day in Palm Springs’ Hidden Oasis

If you travel to the Palm Springs area with kids or just like wildlife as I do, I recommend visiting The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert. It’s an immersive journey into the world’s desert ecosystems. To many people, deserts are barren wastelands, but this attraction highlights the plants and animals that call these places home.

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Themed Areas of the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

The zoo is divided into themed areas representing desert ecosystems around the world:

Africa

Almost half of the Living Desert’s exhibits are in the Africa part of the park, which is to your right from the main entrance. At the time of this writing, I have gone on safari in Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, and this is not that, but it is some of those same amazing animals. Unlike when you are on safari, these animals will show up more reliably. They don’t have lions and elephants, but they do have some of my favorite African animals.

Rhinos

When I was in Botswana, we spent the better part of a day trying to follow rhino tracks to find this very endangered animal, but we had no success. So it gave me great joy to watch above the rhino enclosure for a baby rhino who was walking in circles to reappear again.

Girafe

Giraffes are still one of my favorite African animals. They are evidence to me that God has a sense of humor. They are just ridiculously tall but have a certain grace as they walk. At the Living Desert, you can pay more to participate in giraffe feeding. If you didn’t know that a giraffe tongue can be as long as 22 inches, imagine the look on your child’s face to discover that fact up close and personal.

Warthog

The one thing the Lion King changed for good was how we look at the rather homely warthog. Can anyone look at a warthog these days without thinking of the loveable Pumba?

When you go on a real safari in Africa, the animals you are sure to see are those in the antelope and gazelle family. These African “fast-food” animals provide an important part of the diet for those big cats that draw people to Africa. But animals like this springbok from southern Africa are beautiful animals in their own right.

The kudu is one of the largest and most magnificent antelopes that you will find in Africa. I never get tired of taking pictures of kudu.

My encounters with ostriches include watching people ride them at the Virginia City Camel Races and eating ostrich steak. These birds are not the brightest animals in the animal kingdom, but they are pretty cool.

Australia

The Australia section is the smallest of the three main themed areas in the Living Desert Zoo. It consists of one enclosed pavilion containing wallabies and a handful of other Australian animals. The wallabies will capture guests’ attention. Some wallabies have free range of the pavilion. The pavilion’s roof provides shade in the hotter months and also keeps the wallabies from exploring more of Palm Desert, as the animals can jump about two and a half times their height.

Opened in 2020, “Australian Adventures” has received accolades such as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Significant Achievement Exhibit Award in 2021 and a nomination for USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Best Zoo Exhibit in 2023.

Jaguar at the Living Desert

North America

The North American section of the park takes most of the left-hand side of the park and will expose the visitor to plants and animals from closer to home. Visitors can encounter a range of North American desert animals, including:?

• Mexican Wolves: These endangered canids are part of conservation efforts to reintroduce them into their native habitats.?
• Bobcats: Elusive and adaptable, bobcats are native to the region.
• Desert Tortoises: Symbolic of the Mojave Desert, these reptiles are known for their burrowing habits and longevity.?
• Mountain Lions: Also known as cougars or pumas, these large predators are native to the North American deserts.?
• Jaguar: The “Monarch of the Desert”. This magnificent animal was shy in the heat of the day but is still my favorite from this half of the park.

Gardens

The North America area also features extensive botanical gardens that replicate various desert habitats, such as:

• Mojave Desert Gardens: Showcasing Joshua Trees and other native plants.?
• Chihuahuan Desert Gardens: Highlighting species from the Big Bend region of Texas and northern Mexico.
• Sonoran Desert Gardens: Featuring flora from areas like the Yuma Desert and Baja California’s Vizcaíno Desert.?

Special Attractions

• Desert Plant Conservation Center: This facility exhibits desert plants ranging from seeds to mature specimens, emphasizing the importance of plant conservation in arid environments.
• G-Scale Model Train Exhibit: A popular attraction featuring intricate model trains navigating through desert landscapes, delighting visitors of all ages. 

Best Time to Visit & Practical Tips

Best Time to Visit

• The best months to visit are October to April, when temperatures are cooler. We visited in December, which is a great time to visit the area.
• Mornings offer the best light for photography and cooler temperatures for exploring.
• If visiting in summer, go early and bring plenty of water.

What You Need to Know

• Located in Palm Desert, a short drive from downtown Palm Springs.
• Parking is free
• Before your visit, download the Living Desert App to plan your visit.
• As of this writing, the admission prices for The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, California, are as follows:
  • Adults (ages 18 and over): $39.95?
  • Children and Youth (ages 3 to 17): $29.95?
  • Children under 3: Free
• The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens operates on seasonal hours:
  • October 1 – May 31: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:00 PM.
  • June 1 – September 30: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 1:30 PM, with the last admission at 12:30 PM.
  • The zoo is closed on December 25th.

Dining Options

• The Kookaburra Cafe offers fresh salads, sandwiches, pasta, pizza, and kid-friendly meals.
• The Thorn Tree Cafe offers burgers and other fast food
• More upscale dining options are available in downtown Palm Desert, just a few minutes away.

Hidden Gems

Giraffe Feeding

One of the most memorable experiences is hand-feeding a giraffe. These gentle giants will lean down to take food from your hand—an unforgettable moment.

The Wildlife Hospital Viewing Window

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the zoo cares for its animals, with opportunities to watch vet procedures and learn about conservation efforts.

Shows and Interactive Exhibits

Daily Animal Presentations

• Wildlife Wonders Show: Live demonstrations featuring hawks, owls, snakes, and other animals.
• Keeper Chats: Scheduled talks where zookeepers share insights about different species. These happen about every half hour somewhere in the zoo.

Interactive Areas

• Gecko Gulch: A whimsical kids’ play area with climbable structures and hidden tunnels.
• Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden: A serene spot to observe pollinators up close.

Where to Stay & Nearby Attractions

Lodging Recommendations

• JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort: A luxury resort with stunning desert views.
• Korakia Pensione: A boutique hotel popular among couples and solo travelers.

Nearby Attractions

• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Take a breathtaking ride up Mt. San Jacinto.
• Mid-Century Modern Architecture Tours: Explore Palm Springs’ iconic buildings and homes.

Final Thoughts: A Desert Adventure Worth Taking

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is more than just a place to see animals—it’s a celebration of desert life, an educational journey, and a tranquil escape all in one. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this hidden gem in Palm Springs is worth a stop.

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