There was so much to see in the Coachella Valley (Indian Waters RV, Indio, CA) and we tried to see it all on our first time through!
Beautiful landscaping everywhere! Oh my, what the water bill must be like to make the desert look like this!
Of course, there was no chance we could really see everything, but we wanted to make sure we saw the Living Desert, Palm Desert, CA, a zoo that only included animals (and plants) that live in desert climates around the world.
Stop by the welcome center for $3 off the ticket price.
We had the chance to feed the giraffes. We were supposed to be quiet and stay away from the fence so we did not frighten the animals. Few people listened, but the giraffes must have been really hungry and they just kept on eating.
The tallest of all four-legged animals.
Males can reach heights of 19 feet and weigh up to 1.5 tons.
We were told their tongue can reach 18 inches.
I'm not sure about the connection between the Living Desert and the model railroad, but I was fascinated with the extent and intricacy of their layout. They even sold billboard space to sponsors. Volunteers maintained the track and operated the "G" scale trains.
They built a tiny Mt. Rushmore!
Onward to the animals! Who knew there were so many desert animals? Quite the variety of shapes, sizes and colors.
Striped Hyenas are true desert dwellers. They can live in waterless areas, relying on their food for moisture.
Bat Eared Fox
Yellow-Billed Storks rest on their knees. I wanted to see how they get up, but they never moved.
East African Crowned Crane
I actually think this big cat thought he was hidden behind the brush so that I couldn't see him. He kept a wary eye on me just in case.
African Wild Dogs - such an artistic coat!
Meerkat - the Afrikaans name for mongoose
Mexican Wolf or "lobo"
We each took the same picture, but from different perspectives.
There is a nursery with tons of cacti. I didn't get this one's name, but I loved its aesthetics!
A tee shirt at the gift shop.
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