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

 

Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park

Small animals and bird are represented in this tiny zoo. It's not in the same class as other zoos that we've visited but the animals look well cared for. 

The paths are paved but not in good condition plus the park is very hilly. Most wheelchair users will need assistance. Viewing is blocked at some of the enclosures by fencing and railings. An accessible shuttle can be reserved by calling 24 hours in advance. 

The entrance road makes several tight turns. RVs should be able to navigate through them. The parking lot is small but RVs will fit unless the zoo is very busy. Zoo  42.07499, -75.90693

 

Caldwell Zoo

The large animals - elephants, giraffes, a rhino, and big cats - are well represented in this zoo along with small primates, birds, fish, and reptiles. The animals have roomy enclosures and are well cared for. The landscaping is beautiful both in the enclosures and along the pathways. 

 

It was nap time for many of the animals when we visited.

But the giraffes were wide awake. This one is a bit too curious about what's on the other side of its enclosure. 

The zoo is on the small side but hilly so most wheelchair visitors will need assistance. Walkways are smooth concrete or wooden boardwalks. A few of the enclosures have railings that block an eye level view. 

We were directed to the lower parking lot. The pathway to the entrance goes up a fairly steep hill. Zoo 32.36978, -95.3233

 

North Carolina Zoo

The zoo layout is linear with parking lots at either end and two zones- North America and Africa - so if you are interested the animals in just one zone, park in the lot nearest. Total distance out and back is about five miles and most visitors walk one way then take the tram or bus back to their vehicle. Keep in mind that there are only three spots to get the tram or bus - at either end and at the mid point between the zones. The zoo is built on the side of a hill so most of the walkway is either uphill or downhill. There a connector trail that goes through the woods and appears to be fairly level.

The animals all seem to be well cared for. Most of the enclosures are roomy and the Grassland Reserve is huge. 

 

The pathways are paved and smooth but wheelchair users will need assistance due to the very hilly terrain. We walked/rolled both ways starting at the North American parking lot and it seemed like it was easier going than coming back. We may have just been tired but I think the uphill grade in North America is longer therefore gentler than the uphill grade in Africa. Taking the tram back is probably the best option. The connector trail looks too rough to be accessible. Most of the animals can be easily seen from a seated position but a few spots are problematic.

 Both parking lots have long bus/RV parking spaces. Zoo  35.62735, -79.76694