{"id":12597,"date":"2021-06-06T15:42:31","date_gmt":"2021-06-06T21:42:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/?page_id=12597"},"modified":"2026-01-23T15:53:51","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T22:53:51","slug":"living-desert-zoo-and-gardens-state-park","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/find-a-park\/living-desert-zoo-and-gardens-state-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;b0be57e8-45ee-425d-9b08-63b902479db3&#8243; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/HeaderBanner_LDZnG.png&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;745f0d4d-fb4a-4372-aaee-3cbaccc3b5c9&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; module_class=&#8221;vertical-align&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_post_title meta=&#8221;off&#8221; featured_image=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; title_text_color=&#8221;#030303&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_dmb_breadcrumbs font_icon=&#8221;&#x35;||divi||400&#8243; use_home_icon=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#030303&#8243; body_font_size=&#8221;18px&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#030303&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_dmb_breadcrumbs][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; specialty=&#8221;on&#8221; module_class_1=&#8221;sidebar&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;3b41d4fc-a26f-41b7-81f9-aa90b4e0af9b&#8221; inner_width=&#8221;90%&#8221; inner_max_width=&#8221;1400px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Explore Section&#8221; use_icon=&#8221;on&#8221; font_icon=&#8221;&#xe044;||divi||400&#8243; icon_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; icon_placement=&#8221;left&#8221; image_icon_width=&#8221;14px&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|on&#8221; module_class=&#8221;blurb-icon-right sidebar-toggle&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;8fc00d2c-b2f8-4f1b-97c7-9228e6c8b2e8&#8243; header_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; header_font_size=&#8221;13px&#8221; header_line_height=&#8221;1.3em&#8221; body_font=&#8221;||||||||&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;rgba(40,39,40,0.7)&#8221; body_font_size=&#8221;12px&#8221; body_line_height=&#8221;1.3em&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#1D4784&#8243; use_background_color_gradient=&#8221;on&#8221; background_color_gradient_direction=&#8221;145deg&#8221; background_color_gradient_stops=&#8221;#1d4784 0%|#0585a5 100%&#8221; background_color_gradient_start=&#8221;#1d4784&#8243; background_color_gradient_end=&#8221;#0585a5&#8243; max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||14px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;12px|4px|12px|16px|true|false&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|6px|6px|6px|6px&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#dedede&#8221; icon_font_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_sidebar area=&#8221;et_pb_widget_area_3&#8243; module_class=&#8221;sofia-light nav-side&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#212121&#8243; body_font_size=&#8221;15px&#8221; body_line_height=&#8221;1em&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_sidebar][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;421d8a1e-4ec8-46e4-9818-f662f24fd253&#8243; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/wwwapps.emnrd.nm.gov\/SPD\/ParksReportingPublicDisplay\/WebDisplay\/Detail\/16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>Park Alerts<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Announcements<\/li>\n<li>Closures<\/li>\n<li>Restrictions<\/li>\n<li>Boating Conditions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<h3>Openings<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Job Opportunities<\/li>\n<li>Seasonal Jobs<\/li>\n<li>Volunteer Positions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;c2fcccc5-ad69-4521-b1aa-af4146988fe8&#8243; border_width_bottom=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#0585A5&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Park Features<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Park Events&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/wwwapps.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/parksevent\/calendar\/Default.aspx?Park=Living%20Desert&#8221; image=&#8221;https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/events_40x40.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;the letter e&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;d59db7b5-b14d-498b-a40a-d4fb54119600&#8243; link_option_url=&#8221;https:\/\/wwwapps.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/parksevent\/calendar\/Default.aspx?Park=Living%20Desert&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Birding&#8221; url=&#8221;\/spd\/find-a-park\/living-desert-zoo-and-gardens-state-park\/birding-at-living-desert-zoo-gardens-state-park\/&#8221; image=&#8221;https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/birding_40x40.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;bird icon&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;d59db7b5-b14d-498b-a40a-d4fb54119600&#8243; link_option_url=&#8221;\/spd\/find-a-park\/living-desert-zoo-and-gardens-state-park\/birding-at-living-desert-zoo-gardens-state-park\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Hiking&#8221; image=&#8221;https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/hiking_40x40.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;hiking icon&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;on|on|on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;d59db7b5-b14d-498b-a40a-d4fb54119600&#8243; link_option_url=&#8221;#living-desert-hiking&#8221; disabled=&#8221;on&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;c2fcccc5-ad69-4521-b1aa-af4146988fe8&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;2em||1em||false|false&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#0585A5&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Maps<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Park Map&#8221; url=&#8221;\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/LivingDesert_Map_V02_20240410.jpg&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; image=&#8221;https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/compass_40x40.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;compass icon&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;d59db7b5-b14d-498b-a40a-d4fb54119600&#8243; link_option_url=&#8221;\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/LivingDesert_Map_V02_20240410.jpg&#8221; link_option_url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;c2fcccc5-ad69-4521-b1aa-af4146988fe8&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;2em||1em||false|false&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#0585A5&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Quick Links<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Volunteer&#8221; url=&#8221;\/spd\/volunteering\/&#8221; image=&#8221;https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/hand_40x40.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;hand icon&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;d59db7b5-b14d-498b-a40a-d4fb54119600&#8243; link_option_url=&#8221;\/spd\/volunteering\/&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.9.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;2em||1em||false|false&#8221; border_width_bottom=&#8221;2px&#8221; border_color_bottom=&#8221;#0585A5&#8243; global_module=&#8221;14295&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Follow NM State Parks:<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow _builder_version=&#8221;4.26.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|100%|100%|100%|100%&#8221; global_module=&#8221;14296&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=&#8221;facebook&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/NewMexicoStateParks&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#3b5998&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; follow_button=&#8221;off&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221;]facebook[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=&#8221;instagram&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/instagram.com\/nmstateparks&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#ea2c59&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; follow_button=&#8221;off&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221;]instagram[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=&#8221;twitter&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/twitter.com\/NMStateParks&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.22.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; follow_button=&#8221;off&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221;]twitter[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][\/et_pb_social_media_follow][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; specialty_columns=&#8221;3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h1 data-sourcepos=\"9:1-9:202\">Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park<\/h1>\n<p>This native wildlife zoo exhibits more than 40 species of animals and hundreds of species of plants native to the Chihuahuan Desert.<\/p>\n<p>The park provides an up-close experience for visitors, with a variety of fun interpretive programs for every season geared for the entire family. Living Desert also has beautiful hiking trails, picnic areas, and group facilities. There is no camping, and no pets are allowed.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Park Elevation 3,482 ft<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Please see the Park Alerts section for more information.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner column_structure=&#8221;1_3,1_3,1_3&#8243; use_custom_gutter=&#8221;on&#8221; gutter_width=&#8221;2&#8243; make_equal=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/500x700_LDGSP_1.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Bald Eagle&#8221; title_text=&#8221;500x700_LDGSP_1&#8243; show_in_lightbox=&#8221;on&#8221; module_id=&#8221;lightbox-img&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;898e0d0a-e308-4950-bdb5-ef16ef6ac26d&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/500x700_LDGSP_4.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Rock formation with flowers&#8221; title_text=&#8221;500x700_LDGSP_4&#8243; show_in_lightbox=&#8221;on&#8221; module_id=&#8221;lightbox-img&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;898e0d0a-e308-4950-bdb5-ef16ef6ac26d&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/500x700_LDGSP_7.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Reptiles building entrance&#8221; title_text=&#8221;500x700_LDGSP_7&#8243; show_in_lightbox=&#8221;on&#8221; module_id=&#8221;lightbox-img&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;898e0d0a-e308-4950-bdb5-ef16ef6ac26d&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column_inner][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/500x700_LDGSP_2.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Water lily&#8221; title_text=&#8221;500x700_LDGSP_2&#8243; show_in_lightbox=&#8221;on&#8221; module_id=&#8221;lightbox-img&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;898e0d0a-e308-4950-bdb5-ef16ef6ac26d&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/500x700_LDGSP_5.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Mountain lion&#8221; title_text=&#8221;500x700_LDGSP_5&#8243; show_in_lightbox=&#8221;on&#8221; module_id=&#8221;lightbox-img&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;898e0d0a-e308-4950-bdb5-ef16ef6ac26d&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/500x700_LDGSP_8.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Snake wall art&#8221; title_text=&#8221;500x700_LDGSP_8&#8243; show_in_lightbox=&#8221;on&#8221; module_id=&#8221;lightbox-img&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;898e0d0a-e308-4950-bdb5-ef16ef6ac26d&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column_inner][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/500x700_LDGSP_3.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Two wolves&#8221; title_text=&#8221;500x700_LDGSP_3&#8243; show_in_lightbox=&#8221;on&#8221; module_id=&#8221;lightbox-img&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;898e0d0a-e308-4950-bdb5-ef16ef6ac26d&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/500x700_LDGSP_6.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Black bear playing&#8221; title_text=&#8221;500x700_LDGSP_6&#8243; show_in_lightbox=&#8221;on&#8221; module_id=&#8221;lightbox-img&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;898e0d0a-e308-4950-bdb5-ef16ef6ac26d&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/500x700_LDGSP_9.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Cactus with flowers&#8221; title_text=&#8221;500x700_LDGSP_9&#8243; show_in_lightbox=&#8221;on&#8221; module_id=&#8221;lightbox-img&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;898e0d0a-e308-4950-bdb5-ef16ef6ac26d&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner module_id=&#8221;living-desert-hiking&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"style49\"><strong>Walking Tour<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"style49\">The walking tour through the Living Desert Zoo &amp; Gardens State Park is 1.3 miles roundtrip. The trail descends gradually in elevation for the first half and then climbs back to the Visitor Center. The elevation change is only 70 feet. This is the same trail that the zoo visitors take but many visitors call this a pleasant hike and a great way to experience the flora and fauna of the Chihuahuan Desert.\u00a0 Since the park is on the top of a ridge in the Ocotillo Hills there are excellent views of the Pecos River valley and the town of Carlsbad. Benches, shade, restrooms, and drinking fountains along the route make this a very civilized hike! Regular entrance fees apply.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"style49\"><strong>Ocotillo Hills Nature Trail<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"style49\">The Ocotillo Hills Nature Trail is adjacent to the Living Desert Zoo &amp; Gardens State Park. This trail is accessed from Skyline Drive or behind Southeast New Mexico College. The trail is 0.9 miles long and travels through the canyon south of the Living Desert Zoo &amp; Gardens on State Park and other public land. There is an elevation change of approximately 245 feet. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cityofcarlsbadnm.com\/parks-department\">City of Carlsbad Parks Department<\/a> maintains the trail. Directions and information may be accessed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cityofcarlsbadnm.com\/parks-department\">here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"style49\">Hiking this trail is free.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Activities<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Education Programs<\/li>\n<li>Nature Interpretive Programs for All Ages<\/li>\n<li>Picnicking<\/li>\n<li>Special Events &amp; Activities<\/li>\n<li>Trails:\n<ul>\n<li>1.3 Miles<\/li>\n<li>Hiking<\/li>\n<li>Interpretive Trails<\/li>\n<li>Accessible Trails (ADA)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Wildlife Viewing\n<ul>\n<li>Zoo Exhibits<\/li>\n<li>Birding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Prohibited:\n<ul>\n<li>Only trained service dogs permitted in the zoo (no pets in the zoo).<\/li>\n<li>There are no kennel facilities for pets &#8211; Please do not leave pets in cars on hot days when temperatures are too high.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Amenities<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Gardens<\/li>\n<li>Gift Shop &amp; Book Store<\/li>\n<li>Greenhouse: &#8220;Succulents of the World&#8221;<\/li>\n<li>Group Facilities:\n<ul>\n<li>Group Picnic Shelter<\/li>\n<li>Meeting Room<\/li>\n<li>Event Rental Space for Private Events<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Visitor Center:\n<ul>\n<li>Interpretive Exhibits<\/li>\n<li>Mineral Exhibits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Zoo Exhibits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/newmexicostateparks.reserveamerica.com\/showPage.do?name=common&amp;commonPath=\/htm\/NM_AnnualPasses.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n<table width=\"\" cellpadding=\"3\" cellspacing=\"5\" bgcolor=\"#FFFFFF\" style=\"height: 705px; width: 459px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"TextNormal10pt\" style=\"height: 48px;\">\n<td colspan=\"2\" bgcolor=\"#0F86A6\" style=\"height: 48px; width: 439px;\"><strong><span class=\"style37\">Living Desert Zoo &amp; Gardens State Park Fees<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"TextNormal10pt\" style=\"height: 56px;\">\n<td bgcolor=\"#CCCCCC\" style=\"height: 56px; width: 292.156px;\">\n<p class=\"style40\">Adult<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td bgcolor=\"#CCCCCC\" style=\"height: 56px; width: 133.844px;\">\n<p class=\"style40\">$10<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"TextNormal10pt\" style=\"height: 56px;\">\n<td bgcolor=\"#FFFFFF\" style=\"height: 56px; width: 292.156px;\">\n<p class=\"style40\">Children ages 7-12<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td bgcolor=\"#FFFFFF\" style=\"height: 56px; width: 133.844px;\">\n<p class=\"style40\">$5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"TextNormal10pt\" style=\"height: 56px;\">\n<td bgcolor=\"#CCCCCC\" style=\"height: 56px; width: 292.156px;\">\n<p class=\"style40\">Children ages 6 and under<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td bgcolor=\"#CCCCCC\" style=\"height: 56px; width: 133.844px;\">\n<p class=\"style40\">No Charge<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"TextNormal10pt\" style=\"height: 80px;\">\n<td bgcolor=\"#FFFFFF\" style=\"height: 80px; width: 292.156px;\">\n<p class=\"style40\">Adult group rates (20 or more) per person<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td bgcolor=\"#FFFFFF\" style=\"height: 80px; width: 133.844px;\">\n<p class=\"style40\">$5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"TextNormal10pt\" style=\"height: 80px;\">\n<td bgcolor=\"#CCCCCC\" style=\"height: 80px; width: 292.156px;\">\n<p class=\"style40\">K-12 School Groups<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td bgcolor=\"#CCCCCC\" style=\"height: 80px; width: 133.844px;\">\n<p class=\"style40\">$1.00 per person<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"TextNormal10pt\" style=\"height: 104px;\">\n<td bgcolor=\"#FFFFFF\" style=\"height: 104px; width: 292.156px;\">\n<p class=\"style40\">American Zoological Association members Adults<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td bgcolor=\"#FFFFFF\" style=\"height: 104px; width: 133.844px;\">\n<p class=\"style40\">$5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"TextNormal10pt\" style=\"height: 104px;\">\n<td bgcolor=\"#CCCCCC\" style=\"height: 104px; width: 292.156px;\">\n<p class=\"style40\">American Zoological Association members Children<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td bgcolor=\"#CCCCCC\" style=\"height: 104px; width: 133.844px;\">\n<p class=\"style40\">$3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span>Annual Passes\/Permits are not valid at <\/span><span>Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park.<\/span><span><\/span><span><\/span><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;\"><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;\">National\/Federal discount passes are not accepted at New Mexico State Parks. This includes America the Beautiful \u2013 The National Parks, Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass, and Golden Age and Golden Access passes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>To find a park<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/find-a-park\/\" class=\"ui-link\">click here.<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li>To purchase the New Mexico State Parks Passes online<span>\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/newmexicostateparks.reserveamerica.com\/showPage.do?name=common&amp;commonPath=\/htm\/NM_AnnualPasses.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">click here.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_divider _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner column_structure=&#8221;1_3,1_3,1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;84px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>HOURS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">9 am-5 pm<br \/>Last entry into Zoo is 3:30 pm<br \/>Gift Shop: 9 am-4 pm<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>ADDRESS &amp; PHONE<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">1504 Skyline Dr.<br \/>Carlsbad, NM 88220<br \/><a href=\"tel:575-887-5516\">575-887-5516<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][et_pb_column_inner type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; saved_specialty_column_type=&#8221;3_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||20px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>CONTACT<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">David Heckard<br \/>Zoo Director<br \/><a href=\"mailto:David.Heckard@emnrd.nm.gov\">David.Heckard@emnrd.nm.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Park Alerts Announcements Closures Restrictions Boating Conditions Openings Job Opportunities Seasonal Jobs Volunteer Positions Park FeaturesMapsQuick LinksFollow NM State Parks: Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park This native wildlife zoo exhibits more than 40 species of animals and hundreds of species of plants native to the Chihuahuan Desert. The park provides an up-close experience [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":12123,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:divi\/placeholder \/-->","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-12597","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park - State Parks<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.emnrd.nm.gov\/spd\/find-a-park\/living-desert-zoo-and-gardens-state-park\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park - State Parks\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Park Alerts Announcements Closures Restrictions Boating Conditions Openings Job Opportunities Seasonal Jobs Volunteer Positions Park FeaturesMapsQuick LinksFollow NM State Parks: Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park This native wildlife zoo exhibits more than 40 species of animals and hundreds of species of plants native to the Chihuahuan Desert. 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