SECTION E
Narrative
1. physical description Australian Adventures, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens’ newest habitat, immerses guests and animals in dynamic and engaging experiences. The 15,000+ square foot habitat was renovated from a retail plant nursery and gift shop space that was underutilized, underperforming, overlooked by guests, and understated in sharing The Living Desert’s mission of desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation. The nursery and shop closed in late 2017, and this area sat empty while the plans to create Australia came to fruition, as outlined in the Zoo’s Master Plan. Designed to transport guests to the red-rock deserts of the Australian outback, guests are immediately welcomed by the iconic red dirt and Australian gardens. Navigating through native Australian bottlebrush and ecalyptus, guests are guided through the
24 THE LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS | Australian Adventures
winding garden pathways by interpretive elements highlighting the similarities between the deserts of Southern California and the deserts of Australia, while being introduced to the effects of climate change on our world. Built to inspire guests and encourage change through action, each turn of this Australian journey brings new experiences, connections, and delights. The welcoming trio of emu are the first animal species guests will discover along the path into the main habitat. Peering out from the eucalyptus trees or bathing in their 315 gallon pond, the emu can greet each guest or watch from afar in their 3,755 square foot habitat. Guests then formally enter Australian Adventures through the first set of automatic sliding glass doors that begin the double containment area. It is there, guests enter a special slow space where they can sit and watch the excitement of the Outback without entering the habitat. Relaxing Adirondack rocking chairs await under a cooling and misting system and kids of all ages can size themselves up with life-sized Australian marsupial cut-outs that line the expansive wall behind them. Once the outer door closes, the next set of automatic doors open into the main habitat where a Bennett’s wallaby may greet with a bounding welcome. Free to explore at their leisure, guests are met with Conservation Ambassador Volunteers and
