Oasis in the Desert
Head out and enjoy a day trip to an oasis in the desert at the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park. The more than 40 different species of native wildlife at the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park in Carlsbad, New Mexico, make this scenic sanctuary the ideal location for any family that wants to view many of the spectacular four-legged residents of the Chihuahuan Desert.
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park’s minor celebrities, including Bolson tortoises, Mexican grey wolves and mountain lions, all occupy their own roomy enclosures, but the park’s perennial celebrity is undoubtedly Maggie Oso, a black bear who recently celebrated her 11th birthday. Maggie was rescued as a cub and brought to the zoo – her colorful paintings, a form of behavioral enrichment, are sold at the park’s gift shop.
The visiting animals all live along a 1.3-mile self-guided tour trail, which also features hundreds of native plants. The zoo, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, makes for a perfect pit stop for anyone trekking to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, south of town. Scenic overlooks provide a great view of Carlsbad and the snaking Pecos River.
Check out the park’s new $1 million reptile house, and the kids will also love the prairie dog farm just a short stroll away. Two dedicated volunteer agencies help make a variety of educational and cultural activities possible, including star parties, holidays with the animals and Maggie’s annual birthday celebration.
“Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park is an incredibly special place,” notes Zoo Director Adrian Stiteler. “By showcasing plants and animals from the Chihuahuan Desert, our facility presents an opportunity to immerse our visitors in this very special environment. We would like to extend an invitation to everyone to come and visit this gem in Carlsbad, NM.”
An oasis in the desert, the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park is located at 1504 Miehls Rd. For more information, call (575) 885-4476.