@Ebirah766 The Sonoran Desert includes the Gulf of California. This is clearly demonstrated in the graphics for the exhibit. (There is also a small aquarium building at the museum entrance with similar explanations). However I do object to this exhibit for other reasons, but not because it is geographically inappropriate as you imply.
1) It is a cheap money making scheme (no one gets into the exhibit area unless they pay to feed the stingrays). It is a copy of something that zoos around the country (including nearby Phoenix Zoo and Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Farm) are doing because it is proven to generate revenue. In the past ASDM has always been original and avoided copying other zoos and avoided these extra fee gimmicks. It is out of character and lowers their credibility in my opinion.
2) The huge shade awnings and metal ticket counter stick out and do not blend into the surroundings at all. Historically ASDM has always done a great job of blending into the surrounding desert so that most exhibits look like they were always there (even though they are recreations). This ugly construction ruins the views and overall feeling of the museum.
