The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

 The zoo was established in 1970 as a  wilderness preserve and gradually became a full fledged zoo as animals were added. All of the animals are desert dwellers so they are comfortable in the hot climate of southern California. Most of the enclosures are very roomy. The  giraffe and ostriches roam around on a grass covered hill with palm trees for shade. A special enclosure for the wallabies allows visitors to walk paths where the animals live and play. 

    Over 1,200 plant species are featured in gardens that represent different regions of the world. 

The main paths are wide, paved and fairly level. Visitors using wheelchairs may need assistance on the sandy paths. The five mile loop nature trail, with connecting trails to make shorter loops, is not accessible do to loose sandy soil. Some viewing areas are partly blocked by the fencing but most have alternate viewing areas. The shuttle tours are not accessible. 

The parking lot is large enough for any vehicle if parked across the spaces. Zoo   33.699, -116.37502