Local & Community
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Celebrates America's 250th Birthday With Special Discounts and Firework Distractions for Animals
Families looking for a unique way to celebrate the Fourth of July are invited to spend the holiday with some of the wildest residents in the Coachella Valley. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is marking America's 250th birthday with a day of patriotic-themed events, special deals, and dedicated animal care.
For this one-day-only event, the zoo is offering a historical play on admission pricing, setting ticket rates at $25 for adults and $17.76 for children. Visitors can also take advantage of "Star Spangled" meal deals throughout the day, which include a choice of a hot dog or a burger served with fries and a large souvenir cup.
The holiday festivities kick off on Saturday morning with specialized "Keeper Connections" starting early at 7:30 AM and continuing throughout the morning until 10:00 AM.
While guests enjoy the morning activities, the zoo's animal care staff will be focusing on keeping the residents comfortable. Animals—including the giraffes, rhinos, baddest monkeys, camels, and coyotes—will participate in patriotic-themed enrichment activities.
These activities serve a dual purpose. As fireworks begin to launch across the Coachella Valley, keepers will be actively monitoring the surrounding area and working to keep external sounds down. The specialized enrichment experiences are strategically designed to distract the animals from the loud noises. Zoo staff note that local pet owners can easily apply these same distraction and comfort techniques to their own nervous pets at home during the holiday weekend.
By: NBC Palm Springs
July 2, 2026
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