Contractor Found Dead At Living Desert Zoo In Palm Desert: Sheriff

PALM DESERT, CA — An outside contractor was found dead Wednesday morning at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, authorities said.

Deputies responded to a report of an industrial accident at 9:05 a.m. in the 47000 block of Portola Avenue, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Deputies met with paramedics at the scene who pronounced the person dead.

"This morning, there was a 911 response to a behind-the-scenes area at The Living Desert involving an outside contractor who unfortunately was found deceased," a spokesperson for the zoo said in a statement. "The incident did not involve guests and is unrelated to our animals, animal care operations, or the Lions ridge development project."

Authorities said there were no signs of foul play, but it was unclear how the person died.

The investigation is ongoing.

No additional information was immediately available.

City News Service contributed to this report.