Living Desert Zoo

New Mexico State Parks

Taylor Studios delivered a comprehensive Interpretive Master Sign Plan for Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, establishing a strategic framework to enhance visitor experience and meet institutional goals. The process began with a thorough site visit and evaluation of all existing outdoor interpretive signage against the park’s mission, goals, and management objectives. Our interpretive design team identified key existing and prospective audiences, using this market research to develop final, targeted themes, subthemes, and compelling storylines.

A critical challenge was designing effective bilingual signs to serve New Mexico’s large Spanish-speaking population. To maintain a professional and uncluttered aesthetic while meeting interpretive goals, the team focused on exceptionally concise panel text and meticulous spatial graphic layout. The final plan provided a comprehensive strategy for all signage, including concepts for improved visitor flow, detailed specifications for layout, graphics, text concepts, and precise sign placement. This project showcases our expertise in delivering strategic, audience-focused interpretive planning and functional zoo and nature center signage solutions.

Area at Living Desert Zoo showing an outdoor custom-made sign providing additional information for visitors

Elk enclosure at Living Desert Zoo showing an outdoor custom-made sign providing additional information for visitors with custom illustration of the elk next to a live elk — Taylor Studios created an Interpretive Sign Plan for the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens. Soon after the plan was complete, Taylor Studios created custom maps and scientifically accurate illustrations for a plethora of habitats, as well as animal and plant species. The bilingual interpretive signs sit throughout the site, helping visitors to understand the adaptations that flora and fauna have undergone for life in the Chihuahuan Desert. Carlsbad, NM www.taylorstudios.com