The next time you find yourself in Palm Springs, CA, make it a priority to visit the Living Desert and Gardens. Established in 1970, the Living Desert is dedicated to preserving plant and animal life of the desert. Located on 1800 acres of desert land (300 of which are developed), this privately funded “zoo” is truly extraordinary and huge.

The developed areas are split into separate ecosystems, each representing a specific area of the American southwest, Mexico and Africa. Corresponding plant and animal life are represented within each ecosystem.

Paved and unpaved walkways guide you through out… or if it seems too daunting and hot, opt for the tram tour. Misting stations are prominent throughout the park to offer relief from the sun.

The gardens are spectacular with explanations of each plant spread throughout the fauna. As you wander down the paths you might encounter a palm oasis with walk-through aviary or a Cahuilla Indian village. Throughout the grounds, dozens of smaller animal exhibits are interspersed but there are a few highlights we must not miss.

Eagle Canyon is home to (as the name suggests) a Golden Eagle, as well as the Mountain Lions, Mexican Wolves and various smaller felines (bobcats, Fennecs, Badgers). The mountain lion cages don’t seem like cages at all. One side is glass allowing you to stare into a lion’s eyes. The other side is fenced with strands of high tensile wire making it appear there is no enclosure at all. The wolf exhibit allows one to view a pair of rare Mexican Wolves in what appears to be their natural environment. Stroll into yet another walk-in aviary (there are a total of 5), then off to the bighorn sheep exhibit.

On the way to our next stop we pass exhibits of Oryx, Gazelles, Zebra and Cheetah. Apparently we are in Africa. Once again the size of the enclosures is impressive. The zebras reside on 3 to 4 acres of land! This gives them space to do something not normally seen in zoos…run. The cheetah exhibit contains three viewing stations and plenty of room. All animals seem content, not bored out of their minds.

The Village WaTuTu is a recreation of a traditional village of the African savanna complete with huts, elders grove and animal kraal (read petting zoo).

Our final destination is the LGB Model Train Exhibit. This came as a bit of a surprise but yes they do have an outdoor model train exhibit here, and like everything else, it is big. Maybe 2 acres big, with a central terminal controlling all the action. We are talking dozens of trains in numerous settings all somehow joined together. From Mt. Rushmore to the Swiss Alps, the hodgepodge is charming. Hey, it’s a train set, not real life…relax. Even if one is not a model train fan (how could you not be?), this layout is impressive and fascinating.

We finish back at the main entrance (specifically the gift shop) weary but invigorated. The Living Desert and Gardens is a special place like no other zoo I’ve been to. Sure, it’s a little out of the way but a zoo of this size could not be done in a metropolis, and it still has room to grow. With over 450+ animals to attend, the primarily volunteer staff exudes a sense of pride in what they have to offer… and it shows.

One of the most successful zoological parks in the U.S. the Living Desert and Gardens is fully accredited by the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums. The Living Desert and Gardens is funded mainly through admissions, memberships and donations. With over 350,000 visitors yearly, it has become a top draw for the Palm Springs area. This is a must see… well worth the trip!