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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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The
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
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By Matthew
Martz |
The Living
Desert Zoo is located 15 miles southeast of Palm Springs,
California. The Living Desert is a breathtaking experience
nestled at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains, and is
a worthwhile destination for any weekend getaway.
This 1,200-acre exotic learning center provides the perfect
environment for adults and kids alike to experience the
majesty of wild animals and exquisite desert gardens in
a stunning natural setting.
The Living Desert was established in 1970 by several trustees
of the Palm Springs Desert Museum who recognized the destructive
impact a resort community would have on their local desert
ecosystem. An interpretive nature trail and preserve in
Palm Desert was planned to counteract those effects, and
now after 40 years, the Living Desert continues its important
work of preserving, conserving and teaching about the
desert and all its varied plant and animal life.
The area offers several trails for all levels that allow
visitors to explore a variety of habitats and areas of
the world. The North America trail features animals and
plants that thrive in all four deserts of North America.
The first stop is the small animal’s exhibit designed
to highlight various small desert animals, many active
primarily at night due to the extreme daytime temperatures.
Along the manicured pathways visitor often encounter an
assortment of wildlife including birds of prey as well
as numerous four-footed friends hiding amongst the jagged
rocks of Eagle Canyon or Bighorn Mountain.
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Giraffes Living Desert Zoo |
For the botanists,
the luscious landscapes of the area’s botanical gardens
are sure to delight as you traverse a diverse blend of plant
life found throughout the many North American deserts. The
colorful Sage Garden is host to more than 35 different species
and there is always something in bloom.
One of the parks most popular attractions gives visitors
an opportunity to climb aboard an Arabian camel for a ride
through the wondrous flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert.
Another popular attraction is the huge LGB model train layout.
One of the park’s more unique
features is an authentic replica of a village found in northeast
Africa, known as the WaTuTu. Mud-walled huts with grass-thatched
roofs can be observed as well as many of the animals and
plant life indigenous to the region’s jetting mountains
and windswept plains. Visitors can also learn more about
the African and Native American culture taught through ancient
folklore and stories by museum docents.
For the young and young-at-heart, there is the Miriam U.
Hoover Discovery Center. This indoor exploration center
included prehistoric fossil and bone exhibit that allow
visitors a hands-on experience of the animals that once
inhabited the Coachella Valley. For the little ones there
is a craft counter with paper and colored pencils for drawing
a firsthand account of their experience, as well as several
interactive areas to discover facts about the world’s
deserts.
Your experience at living Desert can be a guided tour, or
you are free to roam about on your own. Most visitors find
that they can explore the entire park in about 4 to 6 hours,
so plan accordingly. Hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm every day
except Christmas, October 1 to May 31. The last admission
is at 4:00pm.
From June 1 to September 30 hours change to 8:00am to 1:30pm,
with the last admission at 1:00pm. Seasonal events at the
Living Desert include Christmas Wildlights, Zoo Fest in
November, The Living Desert's Annual Gala "Zoobilee"
March. Party for the Planet - Earth Day Celebration April
and Mother's and Fathers day Breakfast and Tours. |
The Living Desert's Village WaTuTu |
Living Desert's LGB model train layout. |
The Living Desert is located
in Palm Desert California, two hours from Los Angeles or
Orange County. Add 30 minutes to the drive if traveling
from the San Fernando Valley. Lodging for every budget is
available in the nearby city of Palm Desert, as well as
plenty of places for dinner.
Area temperatures can soar to a sweltering 115 degrees during
the summer months, so winter and spring are the most optimal
times to visit. Wear
comfortable shoes and protect your self form the sun with
a hat and sunscreen. Ifyou get tired of walking there is
a tram service which drops off visitors off at all the major
attraction.
Directions: From Interstate 10 take the Monterey exit and
turn south. Go south approximately 6 miles and turn east
(left) on Hwy 111. Follow direction above when you reach
Portola. If you get off Interstate 10 and follow Hwy 111
through Palm Springs it will add another hour to your trip.
it is much faster to exit at Monterey.
The Living Desert 47-900 Portola Avenue Palm Desert, CA
92260 Phone: 760-346-5694 |
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Cabot's
Museum One of
Southern California's most unusual buildings with
over sixty rooms. |
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