Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park |
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View of a trail at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
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 Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
Location in New Mexico
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| Location | Eddy, New Mexico, United States |
| Area | 1,500 acres (6.1 km2) |
| Elevation | 3,200 ft (980 m) |
| Established | 1967 |
| Governing body | New Mexico State Parks Division |
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park is a special place in New Mexico. It used to be called the Living Desert Zoological and Botanical State Park. This park is both a zoo and a botanical garden. It shows off the amazing plants and animals that live in the Chihuahuan Desert.
You can find the park near Carlsbad, New Mexico. It sits high up on the Ocotillo Hills, about 3,200 feet (980 m) above sea level. From here, you get fantastic views of the city and the Pecos River. The park is open every day of the year, except for Christmas Day.
Since 2002, the park has been a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This means it follows high standards for caring for its animals and educating visitors.
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Discover Animals and Plants
This park is home to more than 40 different kinds of animals. All of these animals are native to the Chihuahuan Desert. You can also explore hundreds of desert plants from all over the world.
Amazing Desert Animals
Get ready to see some incredible creatures! The zoo has many mammals, including pronghorn (fast runners!), badgers, and large bison. You might also spot sneaky bobcats, graceful mule deer, and powerful elk. Look out for the small kit fox and the mighty cougar.
The park also has a special area for smaller animals. Here, you can see Gila monsters, which are venomous lizards. There are also playful prairie dogs. If you like reptiles, you'll find many different kinds, including 14 species of snakes. A very special resident is the Mexican wolf, an endangered species.
Birds of the Desert Sky
The park has an aviary, which is a large enclosure for birds. In the aviary, you can see majestic golden eagles and various types of hawks and owls. Don't miss the famous roadrunner, known for its speed! You'll also find many beautiful songbirds and even turkeys.
Unique Desert Plants
The botanical gardens are full of fascinating plants. There's a greenhouse where you can see many different species. You'll find hundreds of cacti and succulents. These plants are experts at storing water in dry places.
Some of the plants you can see include acacia trees and agave plants. Look for small barrel cactus, spiky cholla, and the unique ocotillo with its long, whip-like branches. There are also different kinds of prickly pear cacti and tall saguaro cacti. Other interesting plants include sotol (Dasylirion wheeleri) and various types of yucca.
Explore the Trails
The park has 1.3 miles (2.1 km) of self-guided trails. These trails let you explore the natural desert landscape. You'll walk through sandy areas, dry riverbeds called arroyos, and forests of pinyon pine and juniper trees. It's a great way to experience the Chihuahuan Desert up close!
Images for kids
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A friendly robot, representing technology and learning.
