The Living Desert - Planning Your Visit

Planning Your Visit

Call before you visit or check our Daily Program Schedule on this website for updated events, programs, special tours, demonstrations or lectures.

It’s cooler in the morning!
Plan the timing of your visit. Instead of suffering through the hottest part of the day, visit the zoo when it’s cooler. This is a desert. The morning can begin quite cool but by noon, things can get a little uncomfortable. It is recommended that you allow 3-4 hours to see the park and participate in some of the daily activities.

When is the best time to see your favorite animals?
Visitors who come to The Living Desert in the early morning are in for some delightful surprises! In the cool of the morning, most of the animals on exhibit are at their peak activity. Playing, some eating breakfast, catching the wind for the scent of other nearby animals, stretching and prowling.
As the day warms up, so do the birds of prey, fanning out their huge marvelous wings to the sun. The tortoises and lizards come out of their hiding places to feel the gentle warmth. Warthogs and javelinas rout and romp in the morning hours, contentedly grunting during nap time in the midday sun. Even the goats in the Petting Kraal enjoy nuzzling with visitors.
Meerkats seem to play all afternoon, each taking a turn being the lookout, while the others scamper about. Late afternoon is the wake up call to nocturnal creatures. The cheetahs climb to the top of their ridge and majestically watch the sun set, the sky turning as golden amber as their eyes.

Weather
Check the weather forecast before you go. Visit our Weather Site for the latest update.

Photographs
Don’t forget your camera. The animals and gardens at The Living Desert and the surrounding vistas present some breathtaking photo opportunities. Film and disposable cameras are for sale in the gift shops.

Clothing
Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes, preferably closed toe. Dress accordingly to the season. Summer days can reach well above 100º F/37ºC. Even though most visitors think less clothing means cooler body temperatures, this is not true. Long sleeve 100% cotton shirts are the best to keep you cool. Allowing sweat to completely evaporate from you skin will make you hotter and dehydrate quicker.

Hats, sunscreen, even an umbrella is recommended for all seasons. Winter day temperatures sometimes warrant a jacket or sweater.

Water
Water, water, water! Drink plenty of water. Remember this is a desert and due to the dry conditions, your body rapidly loses water. It is recommended that during the hottest part of the summer season, you must drink one gallon of water per day for low activity. Your body can sweat 3.5 pints in two hours! Bottled water is available for purchase in our cafe, grill, snack stand and vending machines. Drinking fountains are conveniently located throughout
the park.

Children
If you are visiting with children, read a book or two about zoos, animals and plants or choose a book about a favorite animal you will see during your visit. This website has information about many of our animals and plants that you will see.

Paved pathways throughout The Living Desert make exploring accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Adult wheeled strollers and Zebra-themed children’s strollers are available for a $3.00 donation.

Comfort areas
First aid stations, baby changing areas, pay phones.
Shade trees and misted rest spots all throughout the park provide comfort during the warm days.

First aid stations, baby changing stations and ATMs are available. We accept American Express, Master Card, Visa, Discover and Diner’s Club.

Food
Two restaurants feature a great selection of food for every taste and budget. We also have limited picnic areas for visitors who may choose to bring their own food. NOTE: No locker facilities are available.

Pets
No pets allowed in the park. If you require a guide dog, you must let Admission Staff know so the Animal Department can be contacted. Certain areas of the park are restricted. And please, for your pet’s safety, do not leave animals in the car.

Parking
Free parking. Enjoy our new environmentally friendly parking lot with lots of room for motor homes and RVs and plenty of convenient parking for our disabled visitors.

Park Security
All Living Desert staff members carry radios. If you encounter any problems or an emergency, please contact any Staff member located throughout the park.

*To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, we ask that you observe these rules:

• Please do not feed or annoy the animals
• No smoking in exhibit buildings, cafes or gift shops
• Visitors are asked to stay on the marked paths and walkways
• Plants are for all to enjoy and are not to be picked or trampled