(Carlsbad NM)
Visited the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens which had displays of native plants and animals of the Chihuahuan Desert. They’ve recreated the natural environment fairly well; but, it still felt like a zoo to me.
Black Bear at Living Desert
Mule Deer
Critters included birds, javelina, black bear, tortoise, prairie dogs, Mexican wolves, mule deer, bison, pronghorn, elk, bobcat, and mountain lions. The reptile exhibit was closed.
Prairie Dogs
Bison
Flora and fauna were in sections appropriate for their habitat. They had an aviary with lots of birds, where I got a shot of a Golden and a Bald eagle. And, a green house with succulents and other desert plants.
Bald Eagle
Young Elk
The wolves were in constant motion and behind a chain link fence, so it was very difficult to get a good photo. When I got to the mountain lion exhibit, a group of young kids arrived yelling and making a big fuss. So, of course the pumas hid on a shelf in the rocks. It was a great disappointment.
Mexican Wolf
Mountain Lions
There was a $5 entry fee and it was a nice diversion for an hour or so, with lots of spots to rest and observe. But, I went quickly as I had another stop planned for the day.
Site: Living Desert Zoo & Gardens SP
Scene: Desert flora & fauna
That’s a good price for a zoo
It’s small as zoo’s go. I don’t pay entry fees much, but once in a while it’s worth it.
After seeing bison roam free in Theodore Roosevelt NP last summer, I feel sorry for those in a fenced zoo. Too bad about the noisy kids – I’d love to see the pumas up close.
Yes, it seemed the animals were sad, and I felt sorry for them. However, the info said all critters in the zoo were rescue cases.