The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, formerly the Living Desert Zoological and Botanical State Park, is a zoo and botanical garden displaying plants and animals of the Chihuahuan Desert in their native habitats. It is located off U.S. Route 285 at the north edge of Carlsbad, New Mexico, at an elevation of atop the Ocotillo Hills overlooking the city and the Pecos River. It is open every day except Christmas. The park has been an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2002. Exhibits The zoo features more than forty native animal species, including pronghorn, badger, bison, bobcats, mule deer, elk, kit fox, Gila monster, cougar, prairie dogs, reptiles, fourteen species of snakes, and Mexican wolves. An aviary contains golden eagles, hawks, owls, a roadrunner, songbirds, and turkeys. The gardens feature a greenhouse and hundreds of cacti and succulents from around the world, including acacia, agave, small barrel cactus, cholla, ocotillo, prickly pear, saguaro, sotol (Dasylirion wheeleri), and yucca. of self-guided trails lead through sand dunes, arroyos, and pinyon pine/juniper forest. See also List of botanical gardens in the United States References External links Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park - Visit Carlsbad New Mexico Botanical gardens in New Mexico Flora of the Chihuahuan Desert State parks of New Mexico Parks in Eddy County, New Mexico Protected areas established in 1967 Zoos in New Mexico Zoos established in 1967 1967 establishments in New Mexico