Top Gift-Giving Ideas From Living Desert Zoo

PALM DESERT, CA – If you have an animal lover on your gift list this holiday season, some ideas from The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens in Palm Desert could fill the bill.

And the "shopping" is online, so easy! Take a look ...

ADOPT AN ANIMAL: Gift an animal adoption. You can "adopt" a colony, herd, pack. How about a pride? ADOPT INFO.

MEMBERSHIP AT THE LIVING DESERT: A wonderfully wild gift to enjoy all year and includes daily admission to the Zoo and Gardens, early entry, special member-only events and discounts on events, tours, food and store merchandise. AND ... you'll get a free drawstring backpack as a bonus gift (while supplies last)! Basic memberships start at $79.95. DETAILS

BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS: A Behind-the-Scenes experience offers up-close animal encounters, one-on-one animal-care keeper interactions and a private shuttle and guided tour around the zoo. SEE ALL THE OPTIONS.

STARRY SAFARI: Enjoy a Starry Safari adventure, a nighttime sleepover experience for the whole family. New this year: indoor and outdoor camping experiences! REGISTER and SEE OPTIONS.

MEMORIAL/TRIBUTE DONATION: If you lost a loved one this year, perhaps a memorial tribute like this would be nice. DETAILS.

MEMBERS ONLY MASSAGE*: *Available to members only and by appointment only. Did we mention these come with a champagne brunch? Sixty minutes for $250. Or go big: 90 minutes at $300. DETAILS HERE.

ZOOCAMP: Designed for children ages 4-12, ZooCamp fosters an appreciation for the natural world with science-based activities, arts & crafts and special tours. Sessions are in December, January and spring. SEE INFO.

WINEMAKER'S DINNER: Available to members only. The next event is Jan. 17 -- a wine-and-dine experience where you enjoy a four-course dinner, a sommelier presentation, prominent wineries, live entertainment and more. REGISTER HERE.

BREW AT THE ZOO: Purchase ticket for this Feb. 9 evening that melds craft beer, wines, spirits and food trucks -- could be the perfect gift to enjoy with family and friends. INFO HERE.

The Living Desert is located at 47900 Portola Ave. in Palm Desert.

• ALSO SEE: Holiday Toy Drive Underway At Rancho Mirage Gelson's Market

--Photo of Mojave Maxine, the desert tortoise, courtesy of Living Zoo