Ann T.
Yelp
As the name implies, this is a LIVING DESERT ZOO! With its location being in the DESERT, you will be subjected to DESERT-like conditions. So dress for hot weather, wear sunscreen, bring sunglasses, wear a hat, make sure you are well-hydrated and that you wear comfortable shoes because this is one of the bigger zoos that I've been to, so you'll definitely do a lot of walking, some of those off the path and on dirt trails too. With this in mind, the zoo has done a GREAT job of ensuring that there are multiple benches, tables, seats (even rocking chairs) in the shade, food vendors throughout, and vending machines too.
HUGE PRO-TIP: If you have EBT or SNAP, the admission is only $3 instead of the $30+ for general admission for adults. HUGE deal and super worth it in my opinion.
For those who are local or who may be staying in the area for a while/visit frequently, I can see the appeal of a zoo membership. They have discounts on food and merchandise for members and there was also a food truck there too with alcohol, seating, and music playing, so I assume that different food trucks cycle through and a huge trail that actually goes out into the desert. I can't imagine paying a onetime zoo admission just to go hike the trail, so I assume that's for the locals with memberships.
With all of that aside, it's definitely a large zoo with LOTS of animals and displays to look at and to learn from. Areas are divided by continent and I got the opportunity to see animals up close that I would generally have a harder time seeing at other zoos or seeing at all. This includes the meerkats, cheetahs, leopards, rhino, giraffes, and a badger! Little dude scuttled up to one of those glass windows where you can see into his den (got to see this with a coyote too). Due to an ongoing avian flu or some other avian illness, most of the outside birds (those without netting), had to be relocated temporarily.
For zoo experiences with an additional fee, there is the rhino encounter, giraffe feeding, a tram tour, a carousel for kids and much more, but you have to go earlier in the morning, at the very latest before noon for some of those experiences (best to book in advance for something like the rhino encounter). I guess the biggest qualm (although not for me), is that if you're a primate or ape or marine animal enjoyer, this isn't really the place, but I LOVED the diversity of animals I saw here.
As for fun experiences here, I did enjoy their petting corral with goats of all sizes, shapes, and ages (I think there was a donkey in there too) and the health/medical, discovery, educational and nutritional centers where visitors can see how the animals are cared for, where they're located in their natural habitat, and how people can do their best to for conservation. DEFININTELY go to the Australian section since it's an "open" enclosure where visitors can walk in where the wallabies and budgies are. Super unique and first that I've seen in California. They also have a model railroad with trains and buildings (inspired by the donors of the zoo).
By virtue of its location too, you also get to see lots of ground squirrels and lizards running around and in the enclosures like they own the place, so that's always fun. 100% want to go back here again one day, I had such a great time!
