Where Can You See a Bighorn Sheep, Porcupine and Hyena?

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Desert Bighorn Sheep

The Living Desert introduces its newest additions

Now there is even more to explore at The Living Desert with the addition of a Bighorn Sheep Ram, a North American Porcupine and a pair of Striped Hyenas all on exhibit.

“New additions such as these are vital to the continued growth and development of The Living Desert,” said Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert. “New attractions keep guests coming and help us tell a more detailed story about animal conservation and the importance of protecting wild desert habits.”

The Bighorn Sheep Ram was brought to The Living Desert from San Diego Wild Animal Park to join the existing animals. This particular sheep was brought in for the purpose of breeding in order to continue to increase the endangered Bighorn Sheep population.

Porcupine at the Living Desert

Desert Bighorn Sheep have short legs and are stocky by nature. They sport a sandy-brown coat that aids blending into the desert landscape. Males have massive curled horns whereas a female’s horns are thinner and straighter without a curl. These animals are herbivores and can go three to four days without water.|

Victor, a North American Porcupine, hails from North Dakota and is on exhibit in the Eagle Canyon area. The North American Porcupine is usually dark in color with white highlights. They have chunky bodies, small faces, short legs and a short thick tail. Thousands of quills cover their body, acting as a defense against predators. Nocturnal by nature, they are most active at night in search for twigs, roots, berries and other vegetation.

Striped Hyena relaxing on a hot summer day

The Striped Hyenas joined The Living Desert from the San Diego Zoo and are on exhibit in Village WaTuTu. They have fairly large but short torsos with long, relatively weak legs. Hyenas build up their coats during the winter for insulation and shed their coarse underfur before the summer. The hyena is primarily a scavenger.

The Living Desert is open daily June 1 to September 30 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and October 1 to May 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission ranges from $8.75-$17.25 (children under 3 are free). Membership prices begin at $55 for an individual and $100 for a family of four and includes early admission, discounts, special events and more. For more information: (760) 346-5694 or visit www.LivingDesert.org.

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