Vote For Living Desert Zoo And Gardens In '10 Best Zoos' Categories: Here's How

PALM DESERT, CA — It only takes a second to vote for your favorite Riverside County zoo, and the staff has asked for supporters across the county to weigh in for the USA Today's 10Best Reader's Choice Awards.

"The Living Desert Zoo has received three nominations for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards including Best Zoo, Best Exhibit for its Australian Adventures habitat and Best Zoo Membership," a zoo spokesperson said in a recent news release.

This national recognition highlights the Zoo’s commitment to providing exceptional animal care, engaging educational opportunities and meaningful conservation programs that protect species locally and globally.

"These nominations are important because they bring national attention to The Living Desert’s mission, helping to introduce new audiences to the importance of desert conservation and the Zoo’s work with threatened and endangered species," a zoo spokesperson said. "As a nonprofit that receives no tax support, every visit and every vote helps fund the Zoo’s top-notch animal care, education programs, habitat improvements and conservation initiatives."

The Living Desert is home to over 600 animals representing more than 130 species, all of which are desert-adapted or desert-specialist species.

"Each year, the Zoo welcomes more than half a million guests, providing hands-on experiences that create lifelong connections between people and wildlife," the recent news release explained. "Recently, the Zoo celebrated the birth of a critically endangered addra — a large African gazelle — exemplifying its ongoing commitment to protecting species that face extreme threats in the wild".

The Living Desert currently manages 105 active conservation projects, working with local communities in 12 countries to protect desert habitats and wildlife.

"By participating in the USA Today voting, the public helps the Zoo expand its reach and amplify its impact, ensuring it can continue saving wildlife, protecting habitats and inspiring future generations," they said. Here's how you can help!

2026 Best Exhibit Nomination: Australian Adventures

Spanning nearly an acre, Australian Adventures is an AZA-accredited, walk-through habitat where guests step into the Australian outback to meet iconic native wildlife, including the only breeding mob of yellow-footed rock wallabies in any U.S. zoo.

This exhibit has been nationally recognized for animal welfare, the exhibit features climate-controlled spaces, authentic landscapes, native Australian plants and immersive animal encounters that bring Australia to Southern California. Be sure and vote now!

2026 Best Zoo Membership Nomination
A Living Desert membership stands out as one of the nation’s best by delivering endless adventure and real value. Members enjoy unlimited daytime visits for a full year, exclusive access to members-only events and programming and receive two guest passes to introduce friends and family to the wonders of the desert.

Added perks like discounts at zoo dining spots and the gift shop make it the ultimate way to support wildlife while enjoying year-round perks and experiences.

What is a USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award?

Each year, nominees are hand-picked by a panel of experts including USA TODAY editors, 10Best.com contributors and industry specialists. The final winners are then determined by fans casting one vote per day, per category during the voting period — no email signup required.

Over the past decade, the Zoo has received multiple 10Best nominations and top honors, including four consecutive Top Zoo awards, Top Exhibit and repeated recognition for its membership program and botanical garden.

Voting is open now through Monday, March 9, 2026. To submit your daily vote, please visit: Living Desert Best Exhibit, the Living Desert Best Zoo, and the Living Desert Best Habitat.