Community Corner
Living Desert Zoo Named USA Today Readers’ Choice Pick
The Palm Desert zoo and gardens ranked in the Top 10 in the U.S. and was the only zoo in California to make the list.
PALM DESERT, CA – Congrats to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert -- the only zoo in California to receive USA TODAY’S 10 Best Readers’ Choice Travel Award.
The Living Desert, a family-friendly zoo and gardens dedicated to desert conservation, was one of 20 zoos nominated in this category, and voting was open to the public for one month.
“It’s not only an honor to be nominated, it’s a true thrill to be voted one of the nation’s top 10 zoos by USA TODAY and the general public,” said Allen Monroe, Living Desert president/CEO. “We strive every day to give our guests the best experience and being a conservation-first organization, it’s great to be recognized by this group for our animal care and enrichment.”
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According to the 10 Best website, “We asked a panel of travel experts to nominate their favorite North American AZA-accredited zoos – facilities that excel in the fields of animal care and enrichment, while also facilitating meaningful interactions between animals and human visitors.”
The Living Desert, one of 20 zoos nominated in this category, was heralded as it "educates visitors on the challenges desert animals face to survive, through exhibits housing African wild dogs, ball python, caracal, bearded dragon, warthogs, hyena, mountain lions and sand cats.
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"Standout exhibits include a nocturnal display, walk-through aviary and the Tennity Wildlife Hospital and Conservation Center," the reviewers said. "Other guest favorites make an appearance as well – the zoo has habitats for giraffe and cheetahs, as well as a lorikeet aviary."
Other top winners in the category were:
- Saint Louis Zoo
- Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
- Fort Worth Zoo
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Dallas Zoo
- Audubon Zoo
- Zoo Miami
The Living Desert, at 47900 Portola Ave. in Palm Desert, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit livingdesert.org.
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--Image courtesy of Living Desert
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