Living Desert Zoo To Reopen After Lobbying Effort

Palm Desert CA

16 December, 2020

3:03 PM

Description

PALM DESERT, CA — The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, which closed last week for the second time since the start of the pandemic due to the state's stay-at-home order, will reopen Thursday after a successful lobbying effort by local officials. The cities of Palm Desert, Indian Wells and Rancho Mirage, along with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, sent letters to Riverside County officials, arguing that the Living Desert should be classified as an "outdoor recreational facility" instead of a zoo under the stay-at-home order due to its plethora of hiking trails and botanical gardens. Most of the facility's animal exhibits are also housed outside. Zoos are ordered closed under the current state order. "After legal review, the city of Palm Desert issued a determination that the Living Desert was officially classified as an outdoor recreation facility," according to a Living Desert statement. To adhere to California's outdoor recreational facility operating requirements as part of the stay-at-home order, The Living Desert will close all food and beverage outlets, areas of gathering, indoor exhibits, giraffe feeding and the carousel, officials said. Advanced reservations are required for all admissions, including members and guests. In addition, face coverings continue to be required for all guests over 3 years of age. The gift shop will remain open with a 20 percent cap on guest occupancy. WildLights, the zoo's seasonal light show, remains canceled, although officials said it may be rescheduled. "The Living Desert is known for a variety of attributes including being a beautiful place to walk and hike," said Allen Monroe, president/CEO of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. "We are grateful that we can continue to provide our community the opportunity to safely connect with nature during these challenging times." The regional stay-at-home order, spurred by an uptick in coronavirus infections, went into effect Dec. 6 just before midnight for the Southern California region and is set to remain in place until at least Dec. 28. The 80-acre zoo, located on Portola Avenue, will reopen Thursday at 8 a.m. amid similar protocols compared to its first coronavirus-related shutdown and subsequent reopening over the summer. Additional information about the zoo's coronavirus protocols can be found at LivingDesert.org/Health. —City News Service contributed to this report.