Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, California, grew from a 1970 wilderness preserve into a major nonprofit zoo and desert botanical garden focused on life adapted to arid climates. Spread across 1,200 acres, it includes recreated desert habitats and specialized plant collections from North America, Africa, and other dry regions, alongside animal areas organized by continent. The institution has expanded steadily with new exhibits and facilities while maintaining a strong conservation role, including accredited zoo work and species reintroduction efforts. It is also notable for a large volunteer-maintained G-scale model railroad added in 1998 and later expanded to year-round operation.

Indian Wells, California · United States