Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park

This little zoo is really special… it may be tiny but I think it is better than most big zoos! The animals are all from nearby and they seem quite happy and unconcerned about being observed. This was the first place where I have seen wolves in a zoo; at most places they hide, but here there are so few visitors that the wolves will often hang out close to the fence.

The plants here are wonderful too, every time I’ve been I’ve discovered something new. They have an enclosed cactus garden, but it is small and inferior to many others I have seen… but the cacti living just outside more than make up for it!

If you are visiting Carlsbad, this is a must see stop.