The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Our mission is Desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation. We inspire visitors to discover the wonder of wildlife and spark a passion to care for the natural world.

Established in 1970 in the heart of the Coachella Valley to preserve our beautiful Colorado Desert, The Living Desert is dedicated to saving endangered desert species and native environments by educating guests - young and old alike - about the surprising diversity and fragility of desert ecosystems, focusing on the North American, African and Australian deserts.



Our dedicated team provides exceptional care for more than 600 animals, including nearly 400 on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Living Desert participates in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Program (SSP) and is dedicated to the conservation of endangered wildlife. Our 25,000 sq. ft. Tennity Wildlife Hospital & Conservation Center provides state-of-the-art care for all of our animals.



Additionally, The Living Desert participates in more than 50 conservation projects in 11 countries. Through community-based conservation programs and habitat restoration efforts, The Living Desert works every day at saving desert wildlife and wild places. We concentrate on providing a Best Day Ever experience for all of our guests to encourage their appreciation of desert wildlife. Our audience comprises children, families, grandparents, part-time seasonal and fulltime residents, and out-of-town guests. Last year we welcomed more than 630,000 guests to the park from all over the world. The Living Desert offers a variety of unique experiences to educate and inspire guests of all ages.



Guests:

- Daily animal connections throughout the park

- On-Site safari tours led by knowledgeable guides

- Open invitations to globally-recognized speakers on conservation

- Discounted admissions and program fees for low-income guests

- Up close experiences, like giraffe feeding, that foster a love and appreciation for wildlife



Students:

- Educational field trips for schools with thousands of students visiting each year



Families:

- ZooCamp program for children ages 5-12

- Preschool and teen participation programs

- Sensory Inclusive™ spaces and experiences to provide access to individuals with special needs



Volunteers:

- Volunteer programs for both adults and teens with more than 400 active volunteers