Contractor found dead at living desert zoo

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) - An outside contractor was found dead Wednesday morning at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens after what authorities described as an industrial accident.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched at 9:05 a.m. to the 47000 block of Portola Avenue in Palm Desert following a report of an industrial accident. When deputies arrived, they met with paramedics who had already pronounced the injured person dead at the scene.

Sheriff's officials said there were no signs of foul play and that the investigation remains ongoing.

In a statement, The Living Desert said the incident occurred in a behind-the-scenes area of the zoo and did not involve any guests.

Zoo officials also stressed that the death was unrelated to the facility's animals, animal care operations, or the Lions Ridge development project.

"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," the zoo said in a statement.

The identity of the contractor has not been released, and authorities have not provided additional details about the circumstances surrounding the death.

"Our hearts are with everyone affected by this loss," the zoo said.

The investigation is ongoing.