Living Desert Zoo Renews Certified Autism Center Designation

PALM DESERT, CA — The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has renewed its designation as a Certified Autism Center, requiring updated autism-specific training for at least 80 percent of its guest-facing employees and managers.

The Palm Desert zoo first earned the certification in 2022, and this renewal will help employees better communicate with and assist autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors while improving the staff’s safety awareness and response procedures, according to a recent zoo news release.

The designation matters for families who may otherwise face barriers at busy attractions, including crowds, unfamiliar environments and high noise levels. The training and available sensory resources give visitors additional ways to prepare for and manage their experience at the zoo, the release stated.

Allen Monroe, president and CEO of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, shared his thoughts on the achievement.

“We are proud to renew our certification as a Certified Autism Center,” said Allen Monroe, president and CEO of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. “This kind of training reflects the Zoo's ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where every guest and family can feel supported, understood, and able to fully enjoy their experience with us.”

The Living Desert offers sensory bags containing fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones and other resources that guests may check out during their visits.

An employee of the zoo, Elisa Escobar, senior manager of guest experiences at The Living Desert, spoke on why the training matters.

“Taking this training helped me better understand how to support autistic individuals with more patience, confidence, and respect,” said Elisa Escobar, senior manager of guest experiences at The Living Desert. “It’s given me practical tools to create a more welcoming and inclusive experience for everyone we serve.”

Other accessibility accommodations include wide, paved pathways for wheelchairs and strollers. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for daily rental.

The zoo also provides monoculars and assistive-listening devices for visitors with low vision or hearing impairments. Guests who require an accompanying aide may receive one complimentary daytime admission ticket for that person.

The certification was renewed through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, or IBCCES. The organization provides autism, sensory and neurodiversity training for professionals in travel, health care, education, public safety and other industries.

Myron Pincomb, CEO and board chairman of IBCCES, spoke on the Riverside County zoo's achievement.

“The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens’ renewed commitment to the Certified Autism Center designation demonstrates the important role that accessible and inclusive experiences play in connecting people with wildlife and nature,” said Myron Pincomb, CEO and board chairman of IBCCES. “By continuing to invest in staff training and accessibility, The Living Desert is helping ensure that more guests and families can experience all that the Zoo and Gardens have to offer in a welcoming and supportive environment.”

The Living Desert’s renewal also supports Greater Palm Springs’ designation as a Certified Autism Destination. That regional designation, led by Visit Greater Palm Springs, identifies a network of trained and certified lodging, recreation and entertainment businesses for autistic visitors and their families.

The zoo is home to more than 600 animals representing 141 species across its desert habitats.

The Living Desert is also listed on the free IBCCES Accessibility App, which provides information about certified attractions, sensory-friendly spaces and accessibility resources.

Families may also search for certified locations and professionals through AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com.