Looking for an animal safari while enjoying your stay at a Palm Springs house rental? Look no further than The Living Desert, where you'll feel as though you've been transported to the savannas of Africa. From the moment you pass through the entrance, your journey begins. Experience the thrill of coming face-to-face with graceful giraffes, stare down a bird of prey or get a closer look at smaller desert residents. When leaving your palm springs house rental, head south to Palm Desert for a wildlife encounter not soon to be forgotten.
What to Expect
Arrive early to catch glimpses of animal activity before they take shelter from the afternoon heat, and to ensure you don't miss daily scheduled programs. Tennity Amphitheatre provides Wildlife Wonders shows twice daily, where you can sit back and learn about birds, reptiles and mammals that inhabit deserts worldwide. Throughout the day, Animal Encounters allow visitors to meet and greet a variety of species or take a leisurely stroll through Fanciful Flyers. This 3,000 square foot enclosed exhibit houses hundreds of vibrant butterflies and dozens of hummingbirds whizzing through the air at high speed. Additional $2 admission is required for this exhibit. Open daily October 1 to May 31 from 9am to 5pm, general admission for adults is $12.50, children (3 to 12) $7.50.
Feed the Giraffes
The highlight of your visit is the opportunity to feed long-necked reticulated giraffes who amble over to a specially designed platform to gently take food pellets from your hand with their long soft tongues. These mighty yet gentle creatures are breathtaking to encounter at close range.
Visit the Animals of Africa
Offering everything from A to Z, the African Desert exhibit is home to an impressive population of non-endangered and endangered species. Take the path toward Village Wa Tu Tu where you'll encounter brindle coated African wild dogs, nocturnal Arabian wild cats and cheetahs venturing from tall grasses midday to scour their territory.
African Village Wa Tu Tu
Lined with mud-walled, thatch roofed huts, the village is a replica of one typically found in northeast Africa. Relax and listen to rhythmical African sounds and stories of folklore. In the Petting Kraal encounter Ankole cattle, sheep and dwarf donkeys or pick up a brush to groom dwarf African goats. Circling the village are exhibits where you can view hyenas, dromedary camels, leopards and zebras in their natural habitat.
North American Desert
Featuring numerous animals native to the Colorado Desert, this exhibit lets visitors watch bobcats bask on sun-warmed rocks and playful black-tailed jackrabbits hopping around devouring anything within reach. At Eagle Canyon, view majestic golden eagles, javelinas digging for food and critically endangered Mexican wolves perched atop a ridge keeping a watchful eye on their terrain.
Eisenhower Peak Hiking Trails
In addition to wildlife exhibits, the Living Desert serves as a natural preserve of 1,080 acres of untouched Sonoran Desert, offering hikers three nature trails to explore the desert firsthand. Details are available on their website.
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