Last updated: 2/22/2012
Palm Desert, California
Address
47900 Portola Avenue
Palm Desert, CA 92260

Hours

Season Hours: Open every day October 1 to May 31
Closed December 25
Daily
9 AM - 5 PM
Last admission at 4:00pm.
Summer Hours: Open every day June 1 to September 30
Daily
8 AM - 1:30 PM
Last admission at 1:00pm

Staff

Karen Sausman
phone: 760-346-5694
e-mail:
Nyla Patzner
phone: 760-346-5694
Description

Come adventure through 1,200 protected acres of desert environments representing North America and Africa. During your visit you will encounter over 500 wild animals, live shows, our children?s discovery center, an animal carousel, tranquil gardens, hiking trails with a view of the San Andreas Fault and our G scale model train.

Tennity Wildlife Hospital

The Tennity Wildlife Hospital and Conservation Center has been open since January 26, 2002. While this state-of-the-art facility was conceived and constructed to bring the highest quality of care to The Living Desert's animal collection, it was also designed with The Living Desert's human visitors in mind. Stop by on your next visit.

Desert Plants

The defining precipitation rate for desert is ten inches. Much of the Colorado Desert of southeastern California averages less than four inches of rain in a year.

Plants must find ways to cope with the same daunting conditions that animals face in trying to survive in a desert environment - searing temperatures, desiccating winds, and most important of all - scarcity of life's elixir - water. The challenge is even greater for plants as they are literally rooted to the ground and unable to move in search of more favorable locations when times get tough. Whether it's scorching summer days, freezing winter nights, foraging herbivores or months or even years of rainless drought, desert plants have adapted multiple strategies for existing and even thriving in an arid land.

Become a Member

Become a member today and enjoy free daytime admission to The Living Desert for a full year, with many additional benefits. PLUS your membership supports The Living Desert’s mission of desert conversation through preservation, education and appreciation by providing a reliable source of income that helps us give our animals and gardens the best possible care.

Mission

The Living Desert's mission is desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation.

History

The Living Desert was established in 1970 by several trustees of the Palm Springs Desert Museum who foresaw the impact that resort development would have on their local desert ecosystem.

For almost four decades The Living Desert has been engaged in the important work of preserving, conserving and interpreting the desert and all its varied plant and animal life. Even as we take immense pride in our accomplishments over the last forty years, we remain as dedicated as ever to the goals that initially inspired us when we first began operations in March of 1970.

Facilities
Auditoriums
Lecture Halls
Performance Areas
Governance

We are a non-profit, 501c3 (exempt from taxation) organization with a volunteer Board of Trustees (40), and a paid CEO/President.

Publications

Foxpaws- Quarterly Member Magazine

Services
Thorn Tree Grill

•Thorn Tree Grill is open daily in Village WaTuTu. This patio restaurant serves American cuisine and cold refreshments including beer.

Meerkat Cafe

•Meerkat Cafe is open daily. The menu selection includes fresh, made to order sandwiches and salads, and a choice of beverages and desserts. Try a delicious date shake!

Plaza Gift Shop

•The Plaza Gift Shop is open daily and offers a variety of books, designer jewelry, apparel, art and souvenir items.

Kumbu Kumbu Market

•Kumbu Kumbu Market is a unique gift shop in Village WaTuTu, offering unique African-theme souvenirs and clothing.

Gift Shop
Restaurant
Group Tours
ADA
Wheelchair Accessible
Parking
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

February 5 - 7, 2025

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Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

February 17 - 19, 2025

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2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

Virginia Association of Museum's 2025 Annual Conference!

March 15 - 18, 2025

Blacksburg, Virginia

2025 Am Assoc for State and Local History Annual Conference

September 10 - 13, 2025

Cincinnati, Ohio

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