We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
All 10 Carlsbad Attractions »

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park

1504 Miehls Dr., Carlsbad, NM 88221
505-887-5516
Ranked #2 of 10 attractions in Carlsbad
4.5 of 5 stars 41 Reviews
Type: State Parks, Zoos, Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Activities: Viewing wildlife
Owner description: Overlooking the Pecos River Valley, this fascinating park exhibits the varied plant and animal life of the arid Chihuahuan Desert region. Visitors can... more » Owner description: Overlooking the Pecos River Valley, this fascinating park exhibits the varied plant and animal life of the arid Chihuahuan Desert region. Visitors can observe caged animals like snakes, lizards and birds of prey, plus larger animals such as bison and antelope, which are held in pens. Or walk along a nature trail past cacti, agaves, yuccas and other native plant life. « less
Update attraction details
Write a Review

41 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    20
    13
    7
    1
    0
Date Rating
Karlsruhe, Germany
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2012

We really liked this small zoo. The staff is really nice and the exhibits are nicely arranged. The bold eagle especially got our attention. A very nice animal. But all the other are worth the visit too of course - the prairie dogs are a hoot!

Was this review helpful? Yes
Towson, Maryland
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Had this attraction been advertised only as a beautiful botonical garden, I would not have been disappointed. The cacti & assorted desert plantings were artisically done. The green house of succulent plants from around the world was fascinating. It was also sited as a zoo. There were many empty exhibits. Even with the few animals we saw, we were disappointed.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by fidget43 for Carlsbad
London, United Kingdom
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We spent a very enjoyable couple of hours wandering around these very pretty cactus gardens, interspersed with animals, though a few were hard to spot. We suggest you go when it is not too sunny as there is very little shade. Don't miss the 'walk through' aviary to see the Road Runners' The bird song in here was fantastic and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Roswell, New Mexico, United States
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2012
2
people found this review helpful

See animals in their natural habitat. Some of the larger animals are sleeping during the day, so ask when the full moon will be, and you can walk around at night. Fun for kids and views of the desert are good too.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Windsor, Canada
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
Reviews in 30 cities Reviews in 30 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

The exhibits were very well done and educational. The park was beautiful and the layout well thought out. Only complaint they need more water fountains and shaddy spots to rest and take in the views.

Was this review helpful? Yes
North Las Vegas, Nevada
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 April 2012

I did like it. It was cheap and had some very interesting things to see. If you are handicapped it is a hard walk so if you can get a wheelchair use it. Loved the animals and the nature life.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Robyn H for Carlsbad
Kingwood, Texas
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 April 2012

Many of the exhibits were unoccupied due to maintenance and many could not be seen due to the layout of the exhibit..

Was this review helpful? Yes
Artesia, New Mexico
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 March 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Interesting and very educational displays of native wild life, insects and plants in a native setting.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by anewmexican for Carlsbad
Denver, Colorado, United States
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 March 2012

Nice staff, great displays, very educational, rescued animals up close. low prices for the experience.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Kristin M for Carlsbad
Fort Worth
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 March 2012

There were some high points, but animals were dopey or sleepy, there was a VERY high wind (really brutal) sand storms, unsupervised kids....in general, not my favorite place. It WAS, however, cool to see some of the animals up close, and it is a very good cause. Worth a visit, just don't set expectations too high!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Stephanie F for Carlsbad

Travellers who viewed Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park also viewed

Sitting Bull Falls
4 of 5 stars 10 Reviews
Carlsbad, NM
Bat Flight Program im Carlsbad Cavern National Park
 
Carlsbad Museum and Art Center
5 of 5 stars 1 Review
Carlsbad, NM
Big Room
5 of 5 stars 64 Reviews
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM
 

Been to Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »