Covid-19 updates

Updated October 20, 2020

Beginning Thursday, October 1, the grounds and gardens have opened at 8 a.m. for both members and non-members with full zoo amenities opening at 9 a.m. The Zoo will remain open until 5 p.m. with the last admission at 4 p.m.

The Living Desert’s three nature preserve hiking trails also have re-open on October 1. Hikers can select trails of varying degrees of difficulty to enjoy nature and the beauty of the outdoors. Hikers must observe all posted signage and stay on the designated trails, as this is a nature preserve. The trails, accessible with paid admission or with an annual membership, are open every day, except Christmas Day, through May 31, 2021.

Reopening Preparedness Plan

We’re Open and We’ve Missed You!

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is pleased to announce it has been authorized to reopen by the State of California Resilience Road Map and the Riverside County Department of Health with specific COVID-19 precautions. The Zoo and Gardens open to the general public on Monday, June 15, 2020.

We prioritize the health and safety of all guests, staff, volunteers, and animals. To that end, we would like to introduce the new Park rules and policies, which are implemented immediately now that we've reopened.

Key Modifications: 

• Limited Entry: Safety precautions require us to employ timed ticketing to pace the number of guests entering the zoo. Once you enter the zoo you are welcome to stay as long as you like or until closing time.  This limit includes both members and daily visitors. 

• Timed Ticketing for Contact-Free and Expedited Admissions: All tickets must be purchased in advance using our online system to enable us to control capacity and limit the number of guests who are inside the Zoo at any given time - including current Zoo members. Reserve your tickets online up to two weeks in advance for contact-free and expedited admissions!

• Hours of Operation: As of Thursday, October 1, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens started operating under Regular Park Hours. The grounds and gardens open at 8 a.m. for both members and non-members with full zoo amenities opening at 9 a.m. The Zoo will remain open until 5 p.m. with the last admission at 4 p.m.

• Face Coverings: For the health and safety of our animals, staff, and guests, masks that cover both the nose and mouth or face shields must be worn by all guests over the age of 3 years old while on Zoo grounds.

• One-Way Traffic: There will be a one-way traffic flow through the Zoo in a counterclockwise direction. Downloadable map will be made available soon.

• Social Distancing: All guests must maintain at least six feet of social physical distancing and refrain from congregating with others that are not within their household. 

• Indoor Spaces and Certain Experiences Closed: To maintain proper social distancing, certain indoor spaces and special experiences are closed. For a complete list of these closures, please check the FAQs down below. 

Please note that these precautions, modifications, and closures are temporary, but are subject to change at any time. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to provide the safest and best experience possible, and navigate state and local public health directives. Guests assume the liability for the potential of exposure to COVID-19.

FAQs – New Operations 

• General

  Are you open and what are the rules of entry? 

  The Living Desert grounds and gardens are open at 8a.m. with full ammenities opening at 9a.m. The Zoo will remain open until 5p.m. with last admissions at 4p.m.

  Guests are required to: 

  • Not enter if they are showing any signs of illness, including fever or flu-like symptoms 

  • Wear a face covering (mask, bandana, or neck gaiter) that covers their nose and mouth or a face shield while on grounds 

  • Maintain proper social/physical distancing of at least six feet 

  • Refrain from congregating with others that are not within their household 

  • Obey all posted signage, conditions for entry, and staff instructions 

  Guests are encouraged to: 

  • Maintain proper personal hygiene including frequent handwashing 

  • Utilize hand sanitizers available 

  Other Restrictions: 

  • Food and beverage outlets are take-away only, and guests will be required to maintain social distancing measures

  • Certain indoor and high-touch areas of the Zoo remain closed

  What can I see and do while there? 

  What’s Open:  

  • All animal Habitats located on the main path of the zoo, including the new Australian Adventures

  • Kookaburra Café and Thorn Tree Grill is offering a selection of take-away food and beverage offerings

  • The Appel Gift Shop is open in accordance with State and local public health guidelines.

  • Nature and Hiking Trails is open as of Oct. 1

  Guest Experiences Offered: 

  • Giraffe Feeding is available daily from 9a.m. to 4p.m. for an additional fee.

  • Petting Kraal will be open, but goats will be kept behind a safe barrier

  Temporarily Closed: 

  • Keeper Chats 

  • Carousel  

  • Animal Hospital

  • Camel Connection 

  • Discovery Center 

  • Gecko Gulch Play Park 

  • North American Reptile Building 

  • Wildlife Wonders Show 

  • Village Reptile Show 

  • Shuttles

  What about my Membership?

  We are grateful for the continued support of our members, and are giving current members the option to either extend their membership (for free) by the amount of time the Zoo was closed, or to donate the time back to The Living Desert in support of Mission: Animal Care. 

  Are the concession and retail outlets open?

  The Kookaburra Café, Thorn Tree Grill and Gift Show will open for take-away food and beverage offerings from 9:00am-5:00pm. 

  What should I be prepared for? 

  We are looking forward to welcoming our community back to The Living Desert, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this new normal. Given the change in the season, you are encouraged to come prepared for the heat (hat, sunscreen, water, proper footwear, cool clothing). In addition, guests should bring a face covering or face shield as they are required for guests over age 3, although a limited number of masks will be available for purchase at the Appel Gift Shop. Guests assume the liability for the potential of exposure to COVID-19.

  What is The Living Desert doing to keep me safe? 

  The Living Desert has implemented several additional safety protocols to ensure guest, staff, and animal safety. 

  • Enclosed buildings and tactile exhibits remain temporarily closed.  

  • Hand sanitizing stations are placed in 8 locations around the Zoo. 

  • Touchable surfaces including counters, doors, restrooms and drinking fountains are disinfected regularly. 

  • Food and beverage outlets are take-away only and communal seating areas have been spaced farther apart to allow for social distancing.

  • Capacity limits have been implemented – limiting guests per hour.

  • The Zoo exit has been modified. 

  • Ticketing/admissions has been moved to contact-free. Guests are encouraged to pre-purchase their tickets online or at one of the ticketing kiosks.  Each guest will then present their ticket to be scanned at the admission gate. A clear, acrylic shield has been installed at the admissions windows to minimize contact between staff and guests. 

  • Staff and volunteers are required to follow OSHA and CDC health guidelines and are not to report to work if they are experiencing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. 

  • For the safety of our guests, we will not have strollers or wheelchairs available during this time.  

  What about precautions for Animal Care?

  Animal Care Staff are taking extra precautions to keep animals healthy and safe. Staff encountering animals use additional Personal Protection Equipment, and more thorough cleaning of equipment necessary for care has been implemented. 

• Making the most of your visit

  How should we plan our visit? 

  Although your visit may be a bit different, we look forward to welcoming our community back to The Living Desert. Please come prepared for the day’s visit with either a face mask or face shield, as they will be required for guests over 3 years old.

  How do I streamline entry into the Zoo? 

  Members are asked to have their membership tickets out and ready to be scanned once they approach the gates.

  Ticketed guests are asked to pre-purchase their tickets online. You may present your mobile device with your tickets or print the individual tickets at home. Guests may also utilize the ticketing kiosks located in the Grundhofer Entry Plaza. One staffed ticket window will be available. Upon entry, each guest will be asked to hold their ticket to be scanned. 

  Will stroller and wheelchair rentals be available? 

  Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are available. Rent fee is $5 and available for first come first serve.

  Will the park shuttle be running? 

  For the safety of our guests, the public zoo shuttle will not be running. 

  Are Private Safari and Behind the Scenes tours available?  

  Private Safari Tours are available and are limited to family members living in one household (maximum of 6 people). Private Safari Tours are $69 per adult and $39 per child (ages 3-12 years of age). Discounted for members. 

  Tours must be reserved 24 business hours in advance and are available 7 days a week. Reservations can be made Monday through Friday by emailing Group.Tours@LivingDesert.org or calling 760-346-9810. 

  Behind the Scenes tours are not available at this time. 

• How to Purchase Timed Admission Tickets

  Timed tickets must be purchased in advance using the Zoo’s online system by selecting ‘General Admission’ in the purchasing categories.

  Guests may choose their date and preferred entry time for each visitor up to two weeks in advance. Entrance times have limited capacities, and tickets will only remain valid during the specified window of time. 

  After selecting the correct time/date, add the ticket purchase into the cart and complete the checkout process. An email from eGalaxy Store (estore@livingdesert.org) will arrive with the confirmation and tickets as an attachment.

  Tickets may either be printed and presented at the admission gate, or scanned from a mobile device.

  Purchase Ticket

• How to Reserve Tickets as a Member

  Members’ timed tickets must be reserved in advance using the Zoo’s online system by selecting ‘Membership Reserve Tickets’ in the purchasing categories. Members that have not reserved a timed ticket will not be allowed entry. 

  Enter the Membership ID and click ‘Validate Membership Card ID’. (Note: Membership IDs can be found on the back of the membership card beneath the barcode. If the Membership ID cannot be located, please call 760-346-5694 for assistance!)

  Choose the desired time and date of entry for each visiting member up to two weeks in advance. Entrance times have limited capacities, and tickets will only remain valid during the specified window of time.

  After checking that the time/date is correct, add the reservation into the cart and complete the checkout process. An email from eGalaxy Store (estore@livingdesert.org) will arrive with the confirmation and tickets as an attachment.

  Tickets may be printed and presented at the admission gate, or scanned on a mobile device.

  Reserve Member Ticket