Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park is an indoor/outdoor living museum displaying more than 40 native animal species and hundreds of succulent plants from around the world.  While on the 1.3 mile self-guided tour, visitors discover many faces of the Chihuahuan Desert, from sand dunes and pygmy forest to the desert floor. We are not affiliated or associated with The Living Desert in Palm Desert, CA

Birds to Bison
Inside the walk-through aviary, visitors see birds ranging from small songbirds to hawks, eagles, turkeys and owls.  Passing visitors also may see a mountain lion or bobcat perched on a rock ledge or peering through the vegetation.  Kit fox, badger, mule deer, pronghorn, elk and bison also make their homes at the park.

Never Cry Wolf
One of the park's highlights are endangered gray wolves.  Living Desert participates in the American Zoo and Aquarium Association’s Mexican gray wolf Species Survival Program, exchanging wolves with other zoological facilities to help ensure their survival.

Green House
A visit to Living Desert is incomplete without a stop at the greenhouse, where 100s of succulents and cacti from around the world show their spines and beauty.  Barrel cacti and ocotillo are a few of the plants on display.  Many cacti are for sale in the gift shop.

Getting There
Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park is on the northwest edge of Carlsbad off US 285.