Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park

Not to be confused with Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Palm Desert, California.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, formerly the Living Desert Zoological and Botanical State Park, is a zoo and botanical garden displaying plants and animals of the Chihuahuan Desert in their native habitats. It is located off U.S. Route 285 at the north edge of Carlsbad, New Mexico, at an elevation of 3,200 feet (980 m) atop the Ocotillo Hills overlooking the city and the Pecos River. It is open every day except Christmas.

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
View of a trail at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park in New Mexico
Location	Eddy, New Mexico, United States
Coordinates	32°26′30″N 104°16′39″W
Area	1,500 acres (6.1 km2)
Elevation	3,200 ft (980 m)
Established	1967[1]
Governing body	New Mexico State Parks Division
Website	Official website

The park was an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) between 2002 and 2023.^[2][3][4]

Exhibits

The zoo features more than forty native animal species, including pronghorn, badger, bison, bobcats, mule deer, elk, kit fox, Gila monster, cougar, prairie dogs, reptiles, fourteen species of snakes, and Mexican wolves. An aviary contains golden eagles, hawks, owls, a roadrunner, songbirds, and turkeys. The gardens feature a greenhouse and hundreds of cacti and succulents from around the world, including acacia, agave, small barrel cactus, cholla, ocotillo, prickly pear, saguaro, sotol (Dasylirion wheeleri), and yucca.

1.3 miles (2.1 km) of self-guided trails lead through sand dunes, arroyos, and pinyon pine/juniper forest.^[3]

See also

• List of botanical gardens in the United States