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Living Desert Zoo & Gardens

47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, CA 92260
760-346-5694
Website
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Ranked #2 of 22 attractions in Palm Desert
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas, Deserts, Gardens, Parks, Natural History Museums, Zoos
Activities: Group tours/walking tour, Viewing foliage, Viewing wildlife, Walking
Traveller Description: The Living Desert is a Wildlife Adventure Through the Deserts of the World.  It is a Zoo and Botanical Garden, Specializing in the Plants and Animals... more »
Useful Information: Activities for older children, Activities for young children
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534 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    334
    148
    43
    7
    2
Date Rating
Seattle, Washington
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013 NEW

The zoo is dedicated to explaining desert flora and fauna in an easy to follow manner. Both adults and children have something see and learn. The wolf and cats are rescued and in spaces that look clean and natural.

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Kent, Washington
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013 NEW

It was fine... Everyone should do it once. It was 108 the day we went so probably not the best judge

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Daytona Beach, Florida, United States
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013 NEW

Hiked out to hills - saw san andreas fault in the distance. There were lots of animals and exhibits, shows, including LARGE model train layout

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See 2 more reviews by Cyndi O for Palm Desert
Tampa, Florida
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013 NEW

Second visit after 25 yrs. Couldn't believe how much it's grown. An absolute must see. You can spend an entire day exploring and also have a nice lunch in their cafe.

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See 5 more reviews by 841ann for Palm Desert
Palm Springs, California
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 NEW

Liked the nature,animals and enjoyed the show.Also liked that tram was available as i cannot walk a lot.

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Pueblo, Colorado
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013 NEW

We happened to visit on a fairly cool day and it was wonderful. A vast array of desert plants and trees along with very nice natural looking areas for the animals. The HUGE mini railroad is very well done and depicts, among other things, the grand canyon and Rte 66. The animal hospital iwas very interesting. Well worth the admission... More

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Toronto
Top Contributor
56 reviews 56 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013 via mobile

It was likely the hottest day in Palm Desert in April when we visited, so we noticed the lack of shaded areas in many spots. Otherwise, I only have good things to say. Tram was only an extra $6 and came by very frequently. It was also very quiet and all of the guides at the park were very friendly.... More

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San Francisco, California
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

My husband and I visited this zoo after reading reviews on TA. We visited on a cooler day in May, at noon, and to our surprise we had to hurry towards the exit just before closing. The train exhibit was wonderful and detailed, the animals appeared to be well cared for and there were many to see. We visited the... More

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Los Angeles, California
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 April 2013

We visited the zoo in February and had a decent time. My daughter really loves to go to the zoo so we had a good time but compared to other zoos we have been to, this one definitely left a lot to be desired. The zoo is divided into two sections (North America and Africa) and we were a little... More

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Connecticut
Top Contributor
60 reviews 60 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 32 cities Reviews in 32 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 April 2013

I think this attraction is well planned and enjoyable. It can be an all day adventure, so plan accordingly with water and hats and sunscreen. There are snack areas and shaded areas to take a break, however. There is a tram for those who have difficulty walking or wish to limit the amount of walking. There are many things that... More

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