Go Behind-the-Scenes at The Living Desert

The Living Desert offers guests a chance to experience the zoo like never before with their special Behind the Scenes Tours. The private, two-and-a-half to three-hour journey around The Living Desert includes a guide and personal tram to tour around the zoo and gardens.

Each tour includes a 30-minute Animal Encounter with a selected animal and its keeper, as well as feeding and training on select tours. Guests will also be treated to an exclusive showing of the District Commissioner’s House, a tour of the state-of-the-art Tennity Wildlife Hospital & Conservation Center and guided viewing of all of the exhibits.

“This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience where guests get a chance to peek behind the scenes and see what it’s like for our zookeepers to care for these animals and have the opportunity to really discover The Living Desert like never before,” said Allen Monroe, President & CEO The Living Desert. “With the holiday season quickly approaching, the tours also make for a memorable gift.”

There are more than 10 different animal encounters from which to choose, some of which include the jaguar, giraffe, zebra, mountain lion, warthog and African wild dogs. One unique encounter gives guests the chance to paint with the zoo’s camels, Clyde and Gulliver.

Those interested in water conservation, drought tolerant landscape and plant education will enjoy the new hour-long tour in the Propagation Garden and explore the flora throughout the park. Concluding at the Palo Verde Nursery, this tour includes 20 percent discount off purchases and the opportunity to plant a cactus and take it home.

Tour prices range from $25 to $300 per person. Behind the Scenes Tours must be booked at least 12 days in advance. Details and prices for each encounter are available at: http://www.livingdesert.org/plan-your-visit/behind-scenes-tours/ To book private or behind the scenes tours, please call 760-346-9810.

About the Living Desert:

The Living Desert is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission ranges from $8.75-$17.25 (children under 3 are free). For more information, go to www.LivingDesert.org or call 760-346-5694. The Living Desert is an AZA-accredited zoo and gardens that is dedicated to conservation and education. It is a family friendly place to explore nature and create meaningful experiences for guests that are remembered for a lifetime. For more information: (760) 346-5694 or visit www.LivingDesert.org. The Living Desert is located at: 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260.

--Information and photo provided by The Living Desert