The Living Desert - District Commisioners House

Go Wild…
…with a private party at The Living Desert!

Experience a wild culinary adventure with a private party at The Living Desert. Whether it’s an intimate cocktail reception, a lively children’s birthday, romantic wedding or a large corporate function, The Living Desert has the menu and venue for your special event. With a newly expanded event planning department, affordable rates, and remarkable indoor and outdoor settings, our zoo and gardens can help you create the party of the year.

For special event prices and reservations, please call 760-346-5694, ext. 2681.

District Commissioner’s House
Located in our African Village WaTuTu, this extraordinary setting features east African antiques, a glass wall with intimate viewing of our Amur leopards, and can accommodate 45 seated and 55 standing. 1,033 square feet.

African Village WaTuTu
This remarkable 5-acre replica of a northern Kenyan Village offers an authentic African experience with mud-walled huts, thatched roofs, amazing wildlife, petting kraal, drumming station, and more. Ideal for corporate functions and private parties, the Village can accommodate 500 seated and 1,000 standing. Available evenings only.
5 acres.

Palm Garden Patio
Ideal for weddings, corporate dinners, and holiday parties, this lush desert garden setting was created specifically for special events and can accommodate 350 seated or 700 standing. 6,400 square feet with a 15' x 30' stage.

Tennity Wildlife Hospital & Reception Garden
Beautifully situated near our outdoor butterfly garden, this contemporary space features stunning architecture, tranquil desert garden, and outdoor foyer. Perfect for cocktail parties, the space can accommodate 40 seated and 100 standing. 900 square feet indoors plus outside garden foyer.

Irvine Patio and Wortz Demonstration Garden
Featured in Sunset magazine, this lovely area is perfect for small weddings, receptions, strolling dinners and cocktail parties. The Irvine Patio offers guests an elegant escape to the southwest with a beautifully shaded area that leads to the magical Wortz Demonstration Garden. The Patio can accommodate 80 seated, and 200 standing, and the Garden can accommodate 40 seated and 100 standing. Evening events only. 3,744 square feet

Birthday Boma
Calling all kids! Want to have the coolest birthday ever? Just run like a cheetah to the Birthday Boma, the perfect place to celebrate your big day. Check out our packages like Sunshine Safari, which features a wild ride on the Safari Shuttle, a Sunshine Story session, a private tour of the Petting Kraal, an ice cream birthday cake, a hearty lunch of hot dogs or hamburgers, and a special visit from our new birthday mascot Gina the Giraffe! Up to 20 guests. To schedule Sunshine Safari or another birthday package call 760-346-5694 ext. 2681

COMING SOON!
The Steven Chase Administration Building & Reception Garden
This spectacular new building opens in the fall of 2008 and features exquisite modern design, catering kitchen, and remarkable Board Room that opens to an outdoor Reception Garden featuring stunning desert landscaping, water features, and palm trees. The Board Room can accommodate 60 seated and 100 standing; the Reception Garden can accommodate 100 seated and 200 standing. Evening and day rentals available. Evening rental includes use of the art gallery and indoor reception area.

For affordable meeting or lecture space, please ask about the Hoover Center and Building.