Saturday, June 9, 2012

The Living Desert Zoo




is a wonderful zoo and desert gardens in 
Palm Desert, California.



We have visited it a few times, 
and every time we see something new. 
The last time we went was free as I had downloaded a
coupon off of the Better Homes and Gardens website.



First I want to share some pictures
of the wonderful desert gardens.



I don't have any thorny cactus in my home garden.



However I do see plenty of cacti every day.



They are in every store parking lot and in the median
of every road. You have to be careful where you step.



These large thorns can penetrate soft sole shoes such as flop flops and crocs.
I know this from personal experience and it required a trip to the clinic for minor surgery. 



This one is a Crown Of Thorns cactus.



It is a pretty flowering plant, until the leaves start to get sparse and you see it's real personality! 


This is a picture of my daughter and granddaughter.


Good thing she didn't take a step or two backwards or that cactus might have 'grabbed' her!


Besides the large variety of desert plants, cacti and trees 
(they ALL seem to have thorns) there are lots of animals to see. 
After all it is a zoo!


Now for a couple of pictures of the
native desert animals that are at the zoo.


The desert hills are home to Big Horn Sheep.
If you are lucky you might see some when hiking the many trails around the valley.



Recognize this guy? 
Yes... he is a real life Roadrunner.


So is this Wile E. Coyote?


Next time I will share some pictures
from the Discovery Center at the zoo.


This is a beautiful panoramic wall mural inside the Discovery Center.
It looks real, especially when viewing it in person.

I took these pictures with an IPhone.
I think it takes better pictures than my little Sony Cyber-shot. 
One of these days I may get a new camera...

I am sharing at these fun parties:

xoxo 
Bunny Jean


11 comments:

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

Such neat cacti! The blooms are always so special. My mother used to have a crown of thorns cactus. I always thought it was pretty ugly, but the only you have photographed looks pretty good.

Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...

You crack me up. Yes it is a good thing your daughter didn't step backwards! That cactus was mighty close to her. Beautiful photos! Loved the tour.

Jackie McGuinness said...

I've been there several times and just love it. I have some great photos that I'm off to dig out right now!

Anonymous said...

Hi Bunny! Oh, this is fascinating. I've been to a similar one in Arizona and mainly I remember how hot it was! :)
Thanks for popping in to see me and hope you've had a great weekend.
be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Shabby chic Sandy said...

My husband would so love this. So different from the Pacific Northwest!

My Little Home and Garden said...

As someone who lives in landscape without a cactus to be found, I find it fascinating to see these photos. It looks like a great place to visit, Bunny Jean.

-Karen

My Little Home and Garden said...

Hi, Bunny Jean
I have already stopped by this post but am back again because I wanted to mention something. I was going through some links at Little Red House and your link doesn't lead back to your blog; it just leads back to Little Red House. I just thought I'd tell you in case no one else has said anything yet.
-Karen

Little Susie Home Maker said...

Isn't the desert pretty? You have some really nice pictures. Thanks for sharing them!
Blessings,
Susie

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

While yellow cactus blossoms are lovely, red are my all-time favorite!

Old Mariachis

LV said...

Thank you for letting us enjoy this great place thorough your lens.

Sally Annie Magundy said...

Thank you for taking us along with you! I've heard about it and always wanted to go.

Happy Rednesday!



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