Desert wildlife, botanical gardens, and giraffe feeding on 1,800 acres in Palm Desert.
Adults $39.95, Children 3-17 $29.95
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The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens covers 1,800 acres in Palm Desert, with desert-adapted wildlife, a serious botanical collection, and the giraffe feeding platform that most visitors come for.
The developed visitor area is a fraction of the total acreage but covers a lot of ground. The collection runs from mountain lions and bighorn sheep to desert tortoises and giraffes, drawn from arid ecosystems around the world. Hand-feeding giraffes from an elevated platform, at eye level with the animals, is the headline moment and the most popular single attraction on the property.
The botanical gardens organise plants by geographic origin and show the diversity of arid-land vegetation well beyond the familiar cacti and Joshua trees. The conservation work is genuine rather than decorative; The Living Desert participates in species survival plans and supports field programs. The naturalistic habitat design holds attention longer than the headline attraction alone would suggest. The 8am opening pairs cleanly with golf scheduling: a non-golfer can arrive at opening, spend the morning, and be back at the hotel by early afternoon.
Open daily 8am to 5pm, with seasonal variation. Adults $39.95, children 3-17 $29.95. Located at 47-900 Portola Avenue in Palm Desert, about ten minutes from the Highway 111 corridor. Some exhibits and giraffe feeding may need separately timed tickets. Wear comfortable shoes; the property is large. Morning visits are essential during warmer months.