The Living Desert Returns to Regular Hours

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VIDEO: Jaali and Nia have arrived safely at the Zoo. The transport team drove the pair of black rhinos across 10 states in the fall 2021. Through a collaborative team effort, Jaali and Nia were then safely moved into their new barn in the Rhino Savanna.

As cooler temperatures return, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens announces it is back to it regular hours – opening daily at 8 a.m. for both members and non-members with full zoo amenities opening at 9 a.m. The Zoo will remain open until 5 p.m. with the last admission at 4 p.m.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens opened its new four-acre Rhino Savanna in 2022. Located just inside the Zoo’s main entrance, the sprawling multi-species and state-of-the-art habitat is home to 12 African species. Among those include the Zoo’s largest animals, two black rhinos, Nia (pronounced Ny-a) and Jaali (pronounced Jolly). Expansive look-out points and picturesque views await guests at Rhino Savanna where they also will encounter waterbuck, springbok, two species of pelicans and a variety of other birds, plus fascinating subterranean animals such as the naked mole-rat, among others.

The Living Desert’s three, nature preserve hiking trails – the Discovery Loop, Adventure Loop, and Wilderness Loop – are now open to guests and members at 8 a.m. While each trail offers varying degrees of difficulty, they all feature beautiful views of the natural desert surroundings. Hikers must observe all posted signage and stay on the designated trails.

The trails, accessible with paid admission or with an annual membership, are open daily through May 31, 2023.

Eagles To Play At Acrisure Arena Grand Opening

Also beginning October 1, new hours announced for popular Zoo activities. Giraffe feedings are offered 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily for an additional fee of $6 for members and $8 for non-members. Rides on the endangered species carousel are available 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily at $3 per ride.

“We look forward to welcoming our members and guests to experience all of the adventure and fun this season at The Living Desert,” noted Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert. “There is always something new to discover including an exciting line up of events and new programming, and of course the amazing wildlife we all love.”

DESERT BEER COMPANY (DBC) BREWERY NOW OPEN

The following popular annual events also return to the Zoo this season:

Howl-O-Ween – October 29 & 30, 2022. Tickets are on sale now!
WildLights – select nights, November 22 – December 30, 2022. Tickets are on sale now!
Zoobilee Annual Gala – March 4, 2023.
Glow in the Park – nightly, March 15 – April 30, 2023.

Also returning for the season are field trips, camps, and family programming, as well as travel opportunities and private safari tours. The Living Desert is open daily, except December 25. For more information about The Living Desert and upcoming events and programs, visit LivingDesert.org or call (760) 346-5694.

Angel on the Mountain

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a nonprofit, accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, ensuring the highest standards of all aspects of animal care, education, conservation, public service, and operations. The Zoo is active in conservation research, habitat protection, breeding programs and education initiatives around the world, as well as in its own community.

The Zoo has been a top destination in the Palm Springs area for over 50 years. The Living Desert is located at 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260. For more information: (760) 346-5694 or visit livingdesert.org.