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Living Desert Zoo & Gardens


TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 38 attractions in Palm Desert
Traveller Description: The botanical gardens of this park offer great opportunities to see desert vegetation.
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Attraction type: Park, Wildlife park, Desert, Natural history museum, Garden, Nature reserve, Zoo, Nature centre
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
San Diego North County
20 Jul 2009
1
person 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
Los Angeles
27 Apr 2009
2
people 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!
8 Apr 2009

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
Perth Australia
25 Mar 2009
4
people 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
Midwest USA
5 Mar 2009
3
people 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
Los Angeles
29 Jul 2008
1
person found this review helpful

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

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5 of 5 stars
New York, NY
24 Feb 2008
4
people 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
Waterville Valley, NH
26 Apr 2007
8
people 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
Manzanita, Oregon
9 Feb 2007
8
people 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

31 May 2005
30
people 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