The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Zoo · Palm Desert ·
Desert zoo & botanical garden with close encounters
Desert zoo & botanical garden with close encounters
"A zoo and botanical garden focused on desert species from Africa, Australia, and North America, boasting about 150 species including leopards, rhinos, mongooses, giraffes, and many lizards; the institution also runs conservation programs such as efforts to save critically endangered desert tortoises and research on anti-poaching in South Africa." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A desert-themed zoo and botanical garden offering close-up encounters with desert wildlife and curated gardens that showcase Sonoran Desert flora and fauna." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A desert-focused zoo and botanical garden that highlights native wildlife and drought-tolerant plants; it’s recommended as a family-friendly daytime attraction during Palm Springs’s mild October weather." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A zoo and botanical garden in the Coachella Valley that has achieved IBCCES Certified Autism Center status, joining a regional initiative to make attractions more welcoming to neurodiverse visitors; the accreditation indicates the site has completed autism-informed training and accessibility steps, though specific on-site adaptations were not detailed in the source text." - Matt Villano
"A zoological garden participating in local efforts to make the destination more autism-friendly, working toward certification so visitors can expect staff awareness, adapted programming and a more accessible visitor experience for neurodiverse families." - Lisa Kadane
