Annual Report 2022-2023

TH E L IV ING D E S E RT ZOO A ND GARD ENS

Annual Report 2022/2023

GREY CROWNED CRANE

2022-2023 Annual Report 1

OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM Allen Monroe President/CEO

PRESIDENT EMERITA Karen Sausman

RoxAnna Breitigan Chief Operating Officer Dwight Middendorf CFO/Vice President of Information & Innovation Jeff Petrovic Chief Development Officer James Danoff-Burg, PhD Vice President of Conservation Allison Krupp Vice President of Marketing & Communications Terrie Terrell Vice President of People & Culture Anna Young, PhD Vice President of Learning & Impact

TRUSTEE EMERITUS Curt Ealy

LEGAL COUNSEL Brian S. Harnik Roemer + Harnik, LLP

THE LIVING DESERT BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2022/2023 ADVISORY COUNCIL

Chairman: Bill Appel* Treasurer: Craig McCollam* Secretary: Sandra Cooper Woodson* President/CEO & Assistant Secretary: Allen Monroe* Jon-Marc Blalock*

Michael Schreter

Deborah Chapman*

Dick Shalhoub

Marylynn Gladstein

Sally Simonds

Jim Gould

Bill Simpkins

Patti Grundhofer

BJ Skilling

Candace Holzgrafe*

Phillip K. Smith, Jr.*

H. Earl Hoover II

Roger Snoble

Suz Hunt

Mary Lou Solomon

Sis Jackson

Larry Spicer

Michael Kiner

Sam Spinello

Jaishri Mehta

Nancy L. Stegehuis*

Jneil Nelson

Van Tanner

Peter Scheer *Board of Directors

City of Indian Wells Mayor Donna Griffith City of Palm Desert Mayor Kathleen Kelly and Council Member Gina Nestande City of Rancho Mirage Mayor Richard Kite and Council Member Ted Weill Coachella Valley Water District Jim Barrett and Anthony Bianco Wayne Connor Associates Wayne Connor Visit Greater Palm Springs Scott White and Davis Meyer Judy Vossler Carol Wright

A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT/CEO & CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

T

he annual report reminds me of the lyrics to the song “Seasons of Love” (Jonathan Larson, 1996) from the musical Rent: “How do you measure, measure a year?” For The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, we measure our impact in how well we accomplish our mission of desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation.

We measure success in the school field trips that are returning to record numbers after a total shutdown over the last several years due to COVID-19. We measure the number of teachers who utilize our educational campus and resources to motivate and engage their students in the learning process — and the look on children’s faces when they see an endangered animal for the first time.

Our conservation projects are easy to measure in numbers; more than 60 projects in 12 different countries benefit from our expertise and commitment to endangered species. But we look at projects like our Building Community Conservation Success social science workshops as planting seeds that help to create the conservation leaders of tomorrow. The value and benefits of these programs will not be known until sometime in the future.

Allen Monroe, President/CEO

When reflecting on the past year, it also prompts a look forward to what is on the horizon. An incredible new gathering place, our Marketplace/Café, is set to open in the spring of 2025. This special restaurant will overlook Bighorn Mountain, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery as they dine. We are also eagerly anticipating our new splashpad — sure to be a fun and cool retreat for both children and adults. Roaring onto the scene in the fall of 2026 is our cutting-edge Lion Ridge habitat, which will be home to a pride of African lions. Sharing the story of this vulnerable species with our guests will be a vital measurement in future successes for The Living Desert as we expand and deepen our conservation efforts.

With your support, we have achieved great accomplishments in the past year. Because of our caring community, we can continue toward our core goal of desert conservation. Every gift and every visit to the Zoo makes a difference! As we look ahead, let’s measure our future successes in saving wildlife and wild spaces. This is how we measure a year.

“In sunsets, in fieldtrips, in family memories In heat, in rain showers, in habitats protected.”

Thank you for making a difference!

For the endangered species in our care, we measure success like the recent fledging of waldrapp ibis chicks or the rehabilitation of mountain lion cubs that had been negatively impacted by human activity. Success is helping the critically endangered desert tortoise get a head start in life. Every guest that learns about a species from one of our connection animals is how we measure our impact.

Allen Monroe, President/CEO

2022-2023 Annual Report 3

Bill Appel, Chairman of the Board

OUR IMPACT

53 616,800+

Years in Operation

2021

VISITORS TO THE PARK

625 ANIMALS IN OUR CARE 48,000 127 152 52 1,200 15,884

508

VOLUNTEER HOURS

VOLUNTEERS

ANIMAL SPECIES

SPECIES ON THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES

GARDENS

60+

432

PLANT SPECIES

CONSERVATION PROJECTS IN 12 COUNTRIES

ZOOCAMP PARTICIPANTS

70+

26,359

FIELD TRIP PARTICIPANTS

MEMBER HOUSEHOLDS

GLOBAL CONSERVATION PARTNERS

50

COACHELLA VALLEY SCHOOLS OF WHICH 70% ARE TITLE 1 SCHOOLS, PLUS 177 REGIONAL SCHOOLS

40 YEARS OF AZA

International Union for Conservation of Nature

ACCREDITATION

PUBLIC OPINION

As of October 6, 2023

USA TODAY’S

10 BEST VOTED #7 BEST BOTANICAL GARDEN

#1

THING TO DO IN PALM DESERT

4.7 STARS

BEST OF THE BEST ATTRACTION READERS’ CHOICE #2 ALL-TIME FAVORITE ACTIVITY

TOP 20 BEST U.S. ZOOS 4 2022-2023 Annual Report

4.5 STARS THE 26 BEST ZOOS IN THE U.S.

SAVING THE DESERT TORTOISE HEADSTART PROGRAM

California’s state reptile, the critically endangered desert tortoise, plays an essential role within desert ecosystems. To help improve their chances of survival in the wild, 69 desert tortoise eggs and hatchlings were reared in a safe, temperaturecontrolled environment at The Living Desert as part of a collaborative headstart program with San Deigo Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Edwards Airforce Base, and United States Geological Survey. Incubators at The Living Desert’s Tennity Wildlife Hospital allowed the tortoise eggs to hatch safely. Thanks to a nutrient-rich diet, these hatchlings were able to quintuple in size and grow thicker shells — helping them to survive predation by ravens and coyotes once re-released back into the wild. With all 69 tortoises cleared for the next phase of the program, a new cohort of eggs and hatchlings has arrived and the team is already caring for them — setting the juvenile tortoises up for future success in the wild!

HABITAT RESTORATION

In order to save species, it is imperative that their habitats are saved as well. Over the last year, The Living Desert has led numerous habitat restoration projects to benefit native wildlife and wild places.

To help the critically endangered desert tortoise, the conservation team has restored approximately nine acres of tortoise habitat near the Orocopia Mountains in the Sonoran Desert of California by creating rock structures that improve water retention for native plants and wildlife. Essential food plants, such as the beavertail cactus, have been propagated on-site at the Zoo to be outplanted back into the landscape. This initiative was funded by the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, the Bureau of Land Management, and United States Fish and Wildlife.

Looking ahead, The Living Desert is thrilled to expand habitat restoration work after receiving a grant for ecological restoration projects across Southern California, funded by the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, the Bureau of Land Management, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the Department of Defense, and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

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Your generosity supports the Zoo throughout the year! The Living Desert’s incredible successes in conservation, animal care, and education would not be possible without the gifts and support from foundations, grants, partnerships, Zoo members, and donations.

RHINO SAVANNA: TWO YEARS LATER After opening in November 2021, the animal residents of the innovative, four-acre Rhino Savanna have shown us the outstanding success of the cutting-edge habitat. The Living Desert’s extensive research during the habitat’s design phase indicated that critically endangered black rhinos could thrive with other species in the same habitat.

Two years later, Nia and Jaali have proven just that to staff and guests alike as they graze alongside eight other species, including springbok, waterbuck, helmeted guineafowl, and pelican. The positive impacts of the Rhino Savanna — which

came to fruition thanks to the generous gifts and support from our community — can be seen throughout all facets of The Living Desert, from animal wellbeing and research to conservation initiatives and new volunteer opportunities.

Sharing the story of the critically endangered black rhino has been the heart of Rhino Savanna since its inception. Jaali, the male, and Nia, the female, came to the Zoo as part of a Species Survival Plan® (SSP) and are ambassadors for their species, which is threatened primarily by poachers in search of rhino horns. To help combat 6 2022-2023 Annual Report

illegal wildlife trafficking, The Living Desert works with the all-female unarmed Black Mambas AntiPoaching Unit (BMAPU). The BMAPU has a conservation education program for local school children to further involve and empower the surrounding communities. The Living Desert works directly with both programs, conducting in-the-field research to inform and improve future community-based efforts in this area. Here at the Zoo, our dedicated animal care professionals and over 50 Rhino Interpreter volunteers support our international efforts by educating guests on our work.

SAVANNA BIRTHS

The other animal inhabitants of Rhino Savanna have also been thriving in their new home. Two male springbok calves were born in June, marking the first births on Rhino Savanna and the first springbok to be born at The Living Desert. The two young springbok are doing well and can be seen pronking throughout the habitat. Joining in on the June milestones was a litter of dwarf mongoose born in the Life Underground portion of the habitat. Surprisingly, the adult mongoose did not move the young underground and out of sight but felt comfortable in keeping the playful babies visible and even venturing to the outside section of the habitat.

RHINO RESEARCH

The addition of Rhino Savanna has allowed The Living Desert to contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of rhinos in human care.

Nia and Jaali, along with their team, began participating in an ongoing, national study to increase the collective knowledge of both black and white rhinoceros. This threeyear study, done in collaboration with the American Institute of Rhinoceros Science (AIRS), includes 63 institutions and over 190 rhinos.

As part of the study, a fitted anklet device monitors the rhinos’ activity levels over a 24-hour period.

RHINO RUNDOWN

WHAT IS BROWSE?

Jaali

Nia

weight upon arrival

1389 pounds

1810 pounds

currently

1900 pounds

2293 pounds

How much browse do they eat? ~ 70 pounds per day How much does it cost to feed both rhinos?

“Browse” refers to the woody stems, leaves, twigs, and shrubs that rhinos and other herbivores eat.

Providing the animals of Rhino Savanna with browse also helps to encourage the natural behavior of browsing or grazing as they would in the wild.

FAVORITE FOODS

Alfalfa Jaali and Nia both love alfalfa; they receive it as a training reward.

~ $250 per day

Pellets This compacted pellet, composed primarily of timothy hay, is used to supplement nutrients and both rhinos enjoy them.

CONSERVATION IUCN Status: Critically Endangered Sharing the Story Daily: 4-6 Animal Care team members and 2 Rhino Interpreter Volunteers

Browse Ficus, sicklebush, and thornless mesquite are the rhinos’ top choices!

2022-2023 Annual Report 7

ENGAGING PROGRAMMING & INITIATIVES INSPIRING GIRLS FOR A FUTURE IN STEM

To foster the next generation of conservation heroes, The Living Desert hosted a STEM career day in February. At the event, The Living Desert’s If/Then® grant display, The STEAM in Me: Sparking STEAM in Young Innovators, was unveiled, showcasing eight posters that highlight women in STEM careers ­— including two of The Living Desert’s team, Head Veterinarian Dr. Andrea Goodnight, and Assistant Conservation Social Scientist Sienna Thomas — and how they are making a difference in the world.

10,000 SEEDS: A POLLINATOR PLANT PARTY

Benefitting both local and migrating pollinators such as bees and butterflies, The Living Desert called upon the community to help plant 10,000 seeds of native, pollinator-friendly plants — with the end result being over 16,000 seeds planted!

During the event, which spanned two weeks in April, visitors to the Zoo were invited to pot their own pollinator seeds to take home — in the hopes of creating more home pollinator gardens. Additional seeds potted during the event went on to be propagated on-site, helping to establish pollinator gardens at the Zoo and across the Coachella Valley at partner locations. This exciting initiative, funded through an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Party for the Planet® grant, culminated in a conservationthemed Earth Day Celebration.

A CONVERSATION WITH DR. ANNE INNIS DAGG

It was an honor for The Living Desert to host an educational book discussion in January with Dr. Anne Innis Dagg, pioneering zoologist and author of Pursuing Giraffe and Smitten by Giraffe: My Life as a Citizen Scientist. The Living Desert also partnered with Rancho Mirage Library for a screening of The Woman Who Loves Giraffes, a documentary that examines Dr. Dagg’s work in giraffe biology, including her 1956 groundbreaking journey to study wild giraffe in South Africa.

ADVENTURES FOR ALL

To broaden access to more guests, The Living Desert has implemented a special, reduced rate for Zoo admission to SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders as part of the Museums for All program, an initiative of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. And, thanks to a generous donation from The Tappan Family Foundation, cardholders can also receive a substantial discount for education programs such as ZooCamp. For the summer of 2023, 59 campers registered through SNAP/EBT! Because of these important gifts, The Living Desert continues its mission to increase the accessibility of our Zoo, allowing more guests to experience the wonder of connecting with and learning about wildlife and the surrounding deserts.

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WONDERFULLY WILD MOMENTS EISENHOWER HEALTH PARTNERSHIP

Rocko, the wallaby In November 2022, Rocko, a Bennett’s wallaby, began having unexplained seizures. The Living Desert’s animal care and veterinary teams immediately worked to diagnose and treat what might be triggering Rocko’s seizures — including physical exams, blood draws, and anti-seizure medications.

Unfortunately, his condition continued to worsen, and an MRI was needed to get a better picture of what was going on inside Rocko’s brain. The on-site Tennity Wildlife Hospital doesn’t have an MRI machine, so the team looked to

one of their specialist partners for help — Eisenhower Health. Through a valued and trusted partnership, Eisenhower’s Chief Medical Officer Alan Williamson, MD, and Eisenhower Imaging Center’s Director of Radiology Services Brad Johnstone helped coordinate access for the Zoo to utilize the hospital’s state-ofthe-art equipment and expertise to take an MRI of Rocko’s brain.

The MRI took place after-hours when Eisenhower’s bipedal patients had departed for the day. Rocko was transported from the Zoo to Eisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center

by Head Veterinarian Dr. Goodnight, Animal Care Curator Heather Down, and Veterinary Technician Jourdan Hoffman. The team carefully anesthetized and placed Rocko in position, then Eisenhower MRI technician Jake Tsuhako proceeded to complete a full scan of Rocko’s brain. Once the MRI was complete, Rocko quickly recovered from his anesthesia and was transported back to The Living Desert.

veterinary neurologist to be read and interpreted. The results came back showing that Rocko had inflammation in his ventricles and some brain atrophy. Further diagnostics were performed at The Living Desert to understand if the inflammation was genetic or from an infection. Though these results were inconclusive, Rocko’s seizures are now well-managed with medication and his health is stable.

On your next trip, be sure to visit Rocko in Australian Adventures.

The MRI images were then sent to a veterinary radiologist and

ENDANGERED WALDRAPP IBIS CHICKS Three waldrapp ibis chicks joined The Living Desert’s flock in late April! Also known as northern bald ibis, there are only 200 to 249 estimated mature adults left in the wild. These births are the result of a recommendation from the northern bald ibis Species Survival Plan®, and the arrival of each endangered bird is significant.

2022-2023 Annual Report 9

Our Global Field Conservation Reach 60+ projects, 12 countries, 70+ global conservation partner organizations

CV SW BC

C S

K T

N

The Living Desert works with the following partners on projects across the world.

C CHAD

Z

SA

• Black Rhino African Parks • Scimitar-Horned Oryx Sahara Conservation

CV COACHELLA VALLEY

• Casey’s June Beetle U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) • Desert Pupfish USFWS, CDFW, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) • Desert Tortoise USFWS, United States Geological Survey (USGS), CDFW, BLM, California Energy Commission, Joshua Tree National Park, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) • Desert Willow BLM • Smoketree BLM • Sonoran Pronghorn USFWS, Arizona Department of Fish and Game, CDFW, BLM, Department of Defense • Western Pond Turtle USGS, CDFW, BLM

B

N NAMIBIA • Cheetah Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), University of Namibia (UNAM)

• Peninsular pronghorn Peninsular Pronghorn Recovery Project, BLM, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, San Diego Natural History Museum, Ministry of the Environment in Mexico • Vaquita Pesca ABC, Vaquita SAFE, Marine Mammal Care Center, Museo de la Ballena in La Paz

SA SOUTH AFRICA • Greater Kudu Transfrontier Africa (TA), Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit (BMAPU), Bush Babies Environmental Education Program (BBEEP) • White Rhino TA, BMAPU, BBEEP • Black Rhino TA, BMAPU, BBEEP • Cape Parrot Cape Parrot Project (CPP)

SW SOUTHWEST

B BOTSWANA

• Mexican Wolf USFWS, Endangered Wolf Center, California Wolf Center

• Cheetah Cheetah Conservation Botswana, Botswana Wildlife Training Institute

BC BAJA CALIFORNIA

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African Painted Dog Zimbabwe

M

Vaquita Baja California

I

Desert Tortoise Coachella Valley Z ZIMBABWE • African Painted Dog Painted Dog Research Trust (PDRT), Painted Dog Conservation, National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Lupane State University (LSU) • White Rhino Imvelo Safari Lodges, NUST, LSU

Argali sheep photo courtesy O. Rentsen

T TANZANIA

• Black Rhino Wild Nature Institute (WNI), College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka (CAWM) • Elephant WNI, CAWM • Giraffe WNI, CAWM K KENYA • Black Rhino Ol Pejeta Conservancy • Cheetah Action for Cheetahs in Kenya, COOL Crafts

• Grevy’s Zebra Grevy’s Zebra Trust • Lion Maasai South Rift Association of Land Owners (SORALO), African Conservation Centre, Ewaso Lions S SOMALILAND • Cheetah Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) I INDIA • Giant Endangered Trees Applied Ecological Research Foundation M MONGOLIA • Argali Sheep Mongolian Conservation Initiative • Siberian Ibex Mongolian Conservation Initiative 2022-2023 Annual Report 11

Argali Sheep Mongolia

BUILDING THE FUTURE OF CONSERVATION COMMUNITY CONSERVATION SUCCESS

Photo courtesy Chris Llewelyn

The Living Desert’s community-based work truly addresses the root of species decline, focusing on how humans can change their behavior to benefit nature and wildlife. On a recent trip to Zimbabwe, the conservation team led three Building Community Conservation Success (BCCS) social science workshops for different groups of African conservation biologists and their colleagues.

These training workshops, created by Vice President of Conservation Dr. James Danoff-Burg, are transforming the way that conservation work is being done around the world. To date, Dr. DanoffBurg has completed 15 different workshops with participants from 29 different countries, developing social science skills among 389 conservationists.

INDIGENOUS YOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL AMBASSADORS

The Living Desert, Outward Bound Adventures, and the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian tribe have partnered on an innovative conservation collaboration to reconnect Indigenous youth with their ancestral homelands in the Coachella Valley. The TorresMartinez Youth Environmental Ambassador Program (TM-YEA) is a youth-led, paid-work learning program that introduces participants to the various fields of conservation, hoping to stimulate a passion for wildlife and wild places among these young environmental leaders. Throughout the last year, the 24 youth ambassadors have participated in 24 workshops and nature excursions including hiking at La Quinta Cove, harvesting white sage at Oak Glen Preserve, pulling invasive Sahara mustard at Whitewater Preserve, and camping at Mission Creek Preserve. This exciting new program is funded by the California Natural Resources Agency.

ZOOTEENS SCHOLARSHIP

Furthering education support for the next generation of conservation professionals, The Living Desert, in partnership with OneFuture Coachella Valley, selects a handful of applicants every year based on their academic performance in high school and their contribution to the community. The Living Desert Scholarship awards ZooTeen volunteers thousands of dollars each year to assist with their pursuit of a college major related to conservation. This year’s recipients have plans to study biology, environmental science, and zoology throughout universities in California and Arizona. The Living Desert looks forward to seeing these bright, young conservationists grow in their field. Congratulations to the six recipients of the 2023 The Living Desert Scholarship Fund for college: (from left to right) Samantha Schuessler, Samantha Gonzalez, Emily Lindemann, Maxwell Floyd, Mikenna Pruette, and Kinsi Peterson (not pictured).

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THANK YOU FOR GENEROUSLY SUPPORTING THE LIVING DESERT For more than 53 years, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has been a leader in the conservation of the world’s deserts. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that receives no on-going municipal support, we rely on the generosity of donors like you to sustain our operations. Your gift to the Zoo will enable us to continue providing the highest level of care for our animals, educating the next generation about the world’s deserts, and inspiring our guests to care for the world’s wildlife and wild places.

There are many ways to support The Living Desert — and important reminders when making your gift.

Making a direct financial gift is the easiest and most effective way to support The Living Desert.

Donate stocks — donating shares of appreciated stock can offer opportunities to save on capital gains and income taxes. Please do let us know when your advisor forwards stocks to our bank. The financial institutions do not give us your name with the transaction, so we are unable to determine whom to thank for the gift.

Donate cryptocurrency to save on capital gains taxes. We use a trusted third party for processing.

Name The Living Desert as beneficiary of your retirement assets such as an IRA or 401 (k) plan account.

Make a planned gift by naming The Living Desert as a primary beneficiary in your will or trust.

Participate in your employee giftmatching program.

Create a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) — your assets go into an investment account from which you can recommend grants to The Living Desert. As a reminder, these funds cannot be used to gain any benefits such as event tickets or buying a membership.

Donate funds from your IRA account directly to The Living Desert — a Qualified Charitable Distribution or QCD — at age 70.5 and older. As a reminder, these funds cannot be used to gain any benefits such as event tickets or buying a membership. Donors cannot receive benefits for making a qualified distribution to a charity.

A QCD to The Living Desert also counts towards “withdrawing” your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) at age 73 which is not counted as taxable income. As a reminder, these funds cannot be used to gain any benefits such as event tickets or buying a membership. Donors cannot receive benefits for making a qualified distribution to a charity.

For More Information If you are considering a gift of any size and would like more information, please contact us at Development@LivingDesert.org or call (760) 346-9071.

2022-2023 Annual Report 13

DONOR SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Bill Appel and Mike Kelly

David McGrath and JoAnn McGrath

Marcia and Max Messmer

Mary Jo and Al Means

The Baltzell Sunrise Safari

Vicky Ruff and Sandy Petersen

Roger and Judy Anderson

Wayne and Rachelle Prim

Mary Lou Graziadio and Friends

14 2022-2023 Annual Report

Allen Monroe, Lori and Aubrey Serfling

Bob West, Cynthia Claytor, Gayle Whittemore, and Alexandra Glickman

DONOR SPOTLIGHT A.C. and Shaughne Warnack

Shaughne Warnack and Friends

Suzan and Bill Appel

Allen Monroe with Fuego

Lori Serfling, Jan Salta, and Linda Swortwood

“The Living Desert’s mission resonated strongly with A.C. and me,” says Shaughne Warnack. “For 30 years, we have been members of the Zoo and have fond memories of bringing our grandchildren and great grandchildren for unforgettable visits. It was my honor to contribute to the Lion Ridge project to preserve the lives of all wild animals, especially our favorite lions! Now that A.C. has passed, it has been my privilege to continue his generous spirit of giving. It was through A.C.’s hard work and long hours that he was able to create The Warnack Foundation, which supports over 25 charities that are near and dear to our hearts. Please join us in contributing to this amazing lion habitat. The Living Desert grows in sharing the conservation story of the many endangered animals that call The Living Desert their home.

A.C.’s legacy will live on as we welcome the lions to the Coachella Valley.”

For more information about supporting Lion Ridge, please call Jeff Petrovic at (760) 346-9584.

Judy Evers, Brooke Koehler, Steve and Anne Furgal, Sheila Cockerell, and Danielle Ryan

2022-2023 Annual Report 15

LIFETIME GIVING VISIONARY CIRCLE ($10,000,000+) Dorothy L. and Max Weber CORNERSTONE CIRCLE ($5,000,000 - $9,999,999) Jeannik and Edmund Littlefield Connie L. and Robert A. Lurie Marilyn and Bill Tennity LEADERSHIP CIRCLE ($2,500,000 - $4,999,999) The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation Stephen B. Chase Mary and Lawrence A. Cone Susan E. Cooper Patti and Jack Grundhofer John F. Grundhofer Charitable Foundation Miriam U. and H. Earl Hoover Maxine W. Poyas Mary and George Storer CHAIRMAN CIRCLE ($1,000,000 - $2,499,999) Mary Ann Altomari Living Trust Suzan and Bill Appel Sharon and Dean Baltzell Peggy and Hal Bernthal Bebe Bowen Kelly and J. Allen Carmien City of Indian Wells City of Palm Desert Gloria and Vernon B. Clinton Mildred B. Cosgrove Rita Stec and Lance Eldred Mary and Robert H. Flint Dorothy and James E. Frank Wayne N. Garwood and Pamela W. Garwood Ethelmae and James E. Haldan Mary Lou and Leonard Hoeft The H. Earl Hoover Foundation RD and Joan Dale Hubbard Foundation Louise and Ray Knowles Lynn and Edward Little Herbert R. Mayer and Jeanne C. Mayer Foundation Edeltraud McCarthy Foundation Patrick M. McCarthy Foundation Marie B. and Vic Regin Frances L. Rich Janet R. Selland BJ and Van Skilling STEWARD CIRCLE ($500,000 - $999,999) The Annenberg Foundation Ruth G. Applegarth Marian Miner Cook Daphne and Tom DeMartino June Johnson Dickson William Fries II Joy and Harry Goldstein Susan and Jim Gould Joan and Richard Hamilton Polly and Nelson Hester Candace and Jon Holzgrafe James Irvine Foundation Margaret and Eugene M. Kay Janet and A. Kirk Lanterman Harold Matzner The McCallum Desert Foundation Diana “Mousie” Powell Richard Brooke Foundation Rachel and Richard Sidenberg Patricia Ann and Terry E. Simmons

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens shows our appreciation to our major donors for their generosity and lifetime of giving.

The A.C. and Shaughne S. Warnack Foundation Peggy Fouke and James Wortz Billie F. and E. Eugene Yeager BENEFACTOR CIRCLE $250,000 - $499,999) The Ahmanson Foundation Bank of America Monique M. and John D. Barr Keleen and Carlton Beal Dorothy and Philip Boyd The Brinson Foundation The Carr Foundation, Inc. The Chaiken Family / Dana Chaiken and Susan Roll Tracey and Mike Clark Ellen Hegwer Foundation Kay and Ralph E. Hemingway Herman Foundation / Richard L. Herman Highland Street Foundation / JoAnn McGrath Ironwood Country Club Mary Jane and Paul Jenkins Elaine B. and Jerrold Jerome Sandy and George Kachlein III The Koehler Mahlstedt Family Foundation Patricia and David Lamb Drew A. Leander Michael W. McCarthy Foundation Sharon and Craig McCollam Susan and Caleb “Mac” McCormick Kathy and John McGovern Sandy and Seward Prosser Mellon R. K. Mellon Family Foundation Lee Miller Lois M. Milroy Mary and Ray Mithun / Mithun Family Foundation Irene Ethel Nelson Revocable Trust Adele Ruge and V.W. North Carol Petrie Wayne L. Prim Foundation The Reserve Club Susan R. Rogowski The Rosso Family Foundation Stacy Schlinger, CPA The Scott Family Lady and Sherman A. Smith Kit and Roger P. Snoble State of California Beryl and Robert Sturtevant Virginia H. Terry Betty P. Thibodeau Marilyn and Bruce Throckmorton Marcy Tonkin Union Bank, The Private Bank John and Martha Wilson Charitable Fund, a donor advised fund of The U.S. Charitable Gift Trust Carol and Howard Wright PATRON CIRCLE ($100,000 - $249,999) Ronnie and Byron Allumbaugh Cyndi Andrews Katherine J. Andrews Foundation Anonymous (4) Argyros Family Foundation Patricia G. and C. Dennis Ashby Associated Foundations, Inc. Anne and Walter Auberger Susan and James A. Baker III Bighorn Development, LLC The Eugenia Mayer Bolz Family Foundation Wendy and Gary Broad / Gary Broad Foundation Nancy and James L. Burke

Cindy V. and Ely Callaway Pam C. and Rick G. Carlson Eric Carson Dorothy P. and James C. Castle Clark Foundation Lenore and Harry Clow Jean Crummer Coburn The Sirpuhe and John Conte Foundation Joyce and Joe Stein, Stephanie and Michael Landes Deborah L. Cooper Roy E. Crummer Foundation William E. de Recat Joseph Drown Foundation Carole B. and Edmund W. Dumke Tom Eakin Lola F. Edmiston Elaine Green Eldridge Myrle and Jack Farley Shirley and Jack Farley Marcia and Robert French William M. Fuller Foundation Marylynn and Andy Gladstein Dorothy B. and Courtney Gould Mary Lou Graziadio Irene and Herbert Hansen Libby and Edward G. Harshfield Jan and Jim Hawkins Kae A. Hensey E. Kay and Robert Hillery Jackie Lee and Jim Houston Suz Hunt Institute of Museum and Library Services Judith Woolsey Isaac Sis and Keith Jackson Kathy and Bob Jaunich Ursula and Gordy Johnson Carol and Larry Jones /Larson Jones Family Trust Mary Lou Kieffer and Vicki Palmer Karla Kjellin-Elder and Jeffrey Elder Joan B. Kroc Mary Lester / Lester Family Foundation Donna and Cargill MacMillan Jr. The Gilbert J. Martin Foundation Geraldine and Michael Masterpool Gayle and John C. McDonald Marjorie and Loring Merwin Sandi and Ralph Miller Jack Moore Sonia S. Moran Cherie and John Morris Jneil Ludwick Nelson Newman’s Own Foundation Patty and Arthur Newman JoAnn and Mark Nickerson Evelyn R. and Lester Nienhuis John F. Outcault Pat and Ray Paige Norma Petersen Sandy Petersen DeDe and Bill Pitruzzelli The Muriel Pollia Foundation Gwen F. Randall Helen and Harry Reinsch Marjorie B. Salter Eileen and Steve Scheel Sally and Michael Schreter Hilda Shaw J. Richard Shelley Elizabeth B. and Mitchell Simon Shirley Smith SoCal Edison Nancy S. and Richard A. Spelke

16 2022-2023 Annual Report

Barbara C. and Stuart K. Spencer Patty and Larry Spicer F. M. “Steve” Stevenson Judith D. and S. Jerome Tamkin Connie Faith Thomas U.S. Bank Ruth and C.J. Venuto Vintage Properties Visit Greater Palm Springs Jana M. and Frederick Wacker Elaine and Frank White Cynthia and James Williams Robert S. Wilson Sandra Cooper Woodson James E. Wright Jr. SPONSOR CIRCLE ($50,000 - $99,999) Scarlett N. and William J. Adams Eric Affeldt / Carolyn and Clara Forman Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Kay Horn and L.E. Alford Irene W. and Guy L. Anderson Children’s Foundation Anonymous Robert Archer and Charles Hilliar Barbara and Timothy Arnstein Association of Zoos and Aquariums Auen Foundation Emily M. Baker Linda Jo and Allan Bankus Jr. Lu Barnes Sheila and Ed Benson Betty and Paul Boshard Kim and George Brace Mimi and William Brett Eleanor and Doug Butler Karen and Bryan Casier Janet Schneider-Cate and Tony Cate Lillian and David Chase City of Rancho Mirage Irene Rich Clifford Confidence Foundation Carol and Jesse Couch Glenn A. Cramer Nancy and Donald de Laski Cathy and Bill Dickson Edenhurst Gallery The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation Jane and John Evans Rose M. Federico Christel and Phelps Fisher Martha Berry and John Fraim Barbara and Albert Garlinghouse Jr. Ann and Samuel Ginn / The Ginn Family Foundation Tom Gleitsman and Taylor Jaeger Alexandra Glickman and Gayle Whittemore Tina and Dennis Godecke Godecke Clark Maudella and Harold Green Laura and Joseph Gregorio Rosalind and Stanley Hack Nan and Reed Harman Jan and Brian Harnik Mae and O.J. Harper Rebecca and David Harrison Susan and Wayne Harvey Lynn and Roger L. Headrick John Herklotz Patricia and Brian Herman Jean Ann Hirschi Barbara and H. Earl Hoover II The Miriam U. Hoover Foundation

Dolores and Bob Hope Laura and Amory Houghton The George and Evelyn Howard Family Trust Tim Jochen and Lee Erwin / Contour Dermatology Helen and Edwin Johnsen A.D. Johnston Elizabeth Fuller Jones Virginia and P. J. Keeley Maria and Michael Kiner Paige Kiner Sami and Tom H. Lang Katherine and David Lawrence Susan and George LeBlanc Michael A. Leppen Ellis Lewis Patricia A. Lyon Manilow Fund For Health & Hope Sharon Mattern June and Harold Mayer The Oscar G. & Elsa S. Mayer Foundation Mary Jo and Al Means Marcia and Max Messmer Jr. Sharon and Howard Miller Deirdre and Allen Monroe Rena C. Muzzy Anne and Harry Newman Carol-Ann and Alan Olson Warner Otto Palm Desert Foundation Penske Automotive Group, Inc. Pepsi Beverage Company Linda Phipps and Elaine Allen Phyllis S. Poehler and Walter E. Stremel Charitable Trust Phyllis and C. Davis Poehler Tom Pogue and Boris Rose Carolyn and John Radebaugh Linda and Manny Rider Elizabeth Hutchins Riggs John and Yvonne Royan Jan Salta Judy and Bob Sanders Peter Scheer and Matthias Scheer Elmina B. Sewall Foundation Richard Shalhoub Family Mary Sue and Mike Shannon Marisa and James J. Shea Jr. Sally and Kenneth Simonds Louise Sloneker-Maison Roswitha Smale Annette and D. William Smith Becky and Phillip Smith Jr. Faye Moore Snelling Gillian and Wilbur F. Snelling Mary Lou and Dick Solomon Grace Helen Spearman Charitable Foundation Amber and Sam Spinello Karen and Nick Steffanoff Anne Sutherland-DeRosa Ettore Richard DeRosa, Jr. Foundation Joy Svenson Bette and Jack Swain Marianne Armanino and Harry Timmins Arthur Underwood Lois and John Veneri Jocelyn and Richard Vortmann Mary and Gordon Watson Frank Wiskowski As of June 30, 2023 We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this listing.

Please notify Development@LivingDesert.org of any omissions or inaccuracies.

HERITAGE SOCIETY MEMBERS The Heritage Society recognizes those donors who have made arrangements for deferred gifts in their estate: a bequest in a will, a charitable remainder trust, a life insurance policy with The Living Desert named as the beneficiary, real estate property, appreciated stock, and more. Members of the Heritage Society are a unique group of people who share the same vision as Karen Sausman, President Emerita, and the original Board of Trustees. Heritage Society members understand the need to provide for the sustainable future of The Living Desert and the incredible and often endangered plants and animals found in the world’s deserts.

Elaine Allen Gerald and Wendy Anderson Anonymous Bill and Suzan Appel Phyllis Ardary Dr. C. Dennis and Dr. Patricia G. Ashby William and Mary Baker Michael Baran and Rai Scime Robert G. Berg, Jr. Kerry Berman Peggy and Hal Bernthal Karen E. Casier Joan and Jim Chedester John and Margaret Cleveland Carol and Jesse Couch Barbara R. Dadanian Deanna “Dee” Daneri Ernest and Jan Demarbiex Daphne K. DeMartino Linda Dempster Jim and Cindy Eshleman Carlotta Flink Judy Fogt George and Elaine Foster Kristine Martin-Gula Marilyn Hahn Jeffrey T. Hall James P. and Linda L. Hamm

Candace Clark Holzgrafe Melinda Joyce Nahin-Iuster Lois Henning Kahn-Feuer Linda Karas Marisa Y. Katnic’ Ronald E. Iehl Kirstin Lane Barbara and Paul Lenburg Nancy and Bud Lenzer Betty Callies and Bonny Light Patricia A. Lyon Jaci and David Mach Sharon L. Mattern Kenneth F. Maxwell and Richard L. Redman Charles and Candace McBrayer Vicki McConnell Barbara J. Merrill Joseph Migliore Lee Miller Sharon and Howard Miller Fera Mostow Jneil Ludwick Nelson Sandra Norman Dr. David E. and Marge Perkins Dale A. Perry Linda Phipps Richard and Georgina Polizzi Kerstin B. Pollack

2022-2023 Annual Report 17

Joseph A. Rangus Connie Rickords Sandy Rosenberg and Don Thompson Marcus F. Rosenstein Lynne L. Rudnick Karen Sausman Louise E. Schulz Angelo and Sheryl Sciacca Bill and Pamela Simpkins Brian and Jean Slavin Sandra Smith Lady Smith Mary Lou and Dick Solomon Barbara Storms and Sarah Gonzales Carla Sullivan-Dilley Kelly Taylor William S. Tetsch J. Bruce Tominello and Larry E. Kirchner Sarah S. and John P. Tyler Raymond and Elizabeth Welch Susan Westphal Catherine Hayes and Mark Wiesel Cynthia K. Williams Dr. Raymond and Mrs. Shanna Winters Rita D. Wood Sandra Cooper Woodson Billie F. Yeager

2022-2023 ROLL OF DONORS OVER $1,000,000 Janet R. Selland $500,000 - $999,999 June Johnson Dickson Rita Stec and Lance Eldred The A.C. and Shaughne S. Warnack Foundation $250,000 - $499,999 Kelly and J. Allen Carmien City of Palm Desert John F. Grundhofer Charitable Foundation Ellen Hegwer Foundation Carol Petrie Wayne L. Prim Foundation Susan R. Rogowski Beryl and Robert Sturtevant $100,000 - $249,999 Suzan and Bill Appel Sharon and Dean Baltzell The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation The Chaiken Family Dana Chaiken and Susan Roll City of Indian Wells Tom Eakin Mary Lou Graziadio Joan and Richard Hamilton Highland Street Foundation JoAnn McGrath Sandy and George Kachlein III Karla Kjellin-Elder and Jeffrey Elder Edeltraud McCarthy Foundation Patrick M. McCarthy Foundation Jack Moore Sandy Petersen Marjorie B. Salter Stacy Schlinger, CPA $50,000 - $99,999 Eric Affeldt / Carolyn and Clara Forman Anonymous Argyros Family Foundation Bank of America Corporation Tracey and Mike Clark Susan E. Cooper Cathy and Bill Dickson Lola F. Edmiston Laura and Joseph Gregorio Patricia and David Lamb Susan and George LeBlanc Sharon and Craig McCollam Sally and Michael Schreter BJ and Van Skilling Cynthia and James Williams John and Martha Wilson Charitable Fund, a donor advised fund of The U.S. Charitable Gift Trust $25,000 - $49,999 Karen Alton Association of Zoos and Aquariums Auen Foundation The Brinson Foundation Clark Foundation Tom Gleitsman and Taylor Jaeger Rosalind and Stanley Hack The Koehler Mahlstedt Family Foundation Marcia and Max Messmer Jr. Jneil Ludwick Nelson

Linda and John Seiter Grace Helen Spearman Charitable Foundation Marcy Tonkin $10,000 - $24,999 Anonymous Robert Archer and Charles Hilliar Chelsea Armstrong and Ryan Landels Suvina Mah and Peter Armstrong Barbara and Timothy Arnstein Bighorn Development, LLC Chris and John Blair Wendy and Gary Broad Gary Broad Foundation Shelley Gordon and Thomas Camp Dottie Castle / The Castle Foundation Deborah Chapman Sarah and Roger Chrisman City of Rancho Mirage Margie and Roy Clark Candace and Jon Holzgrafe Cynthia Claytor Suzanne and David Etheridge Mary Jean Gierthy Marylynn and Andy Gladstein Alexandra Glickman and Gayle Whittemore Karen and Robert Gober Susan and Jim Gould Jan and Jim Hawkins Kay Hillery Barbara and H. Earl Hoover II The Miriam U. Hoover Foundation Debbie and Art Jacobson Kathy and Bob Jaunich David Kowalczyk and Curtis Johnson Ursula and Gordy Johnson Paige Kiner Jahanna and Tom Knight Drew A. Leander Jessica Ledbetter and Ranee Barsanti Connie L. and Robert A. Lurie Patricia A. Lyon Tiffani and Joseph Magri The Gilbert J. Martin Foundation Martin/Brattrud Inc Justin McNulty and Brad Korell Sandy and Seward Prosser Mellon R. K. Mellon Family Foundation Karen Miles Lee Miller Handel’s Deirdre and Allen Monroe Mildred Moore-Voll and Dick Voll Anne Christensen and Arne Ness Adele Ruge and V.W. North Tom Patrick and Steve Rulo DeDe and Bill Pitruzzelli Jebby and Thomas Potter PVG Architects Trudy and Pat Ritz The Rosso Family Foundation Judy and Rick Rowe Jan Salta Lynn Parazak and Cliff Schneider Mary Sue and Mike Shannon Sally and Kenneth Simonds Becky and Phillip Smith Jr. SoCal Edison Carole and Del Stagg

Jennifer and Robert Stephen Bill O’Donnell and Rick Farris US Bank Foundation Ellen Vahan David Verity Carol Wright $5,000 - $9,999 AbbVie Inc Anonymous API Office Solutions Association of Science and Technology Centers Karen Dennis and Miles Auslander Rai Scime and Michael Baran Mary Reisher and Barry Berlin Joyce and William Biffar Richard Billings Carrie and Rich Breeswine RoxAnna and Jamie Breitigan Cindy Callaway Linda Cheever Classic Escapes Pat Clinton Sharon and James Danoff-Burg Diane and Neal Denkler Janet and Robert Dryden Jackie and Curt Ealy Judy Fogt Marcia and Robert French William M. Fuller Foundation Teresa and Timothy Gamble Galaxy Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc. Jeannie Gilbert and Janice Campbell Ann and Samuel Ginn The Ginn Family Foundation Judy and Richard Guggenhime Susan and Wayne Harvey Timothy Hohmeier and Charles Diodosio Suz Hunt Jill and Dale Hurd Christine and Al Johnsen Norma Jones and Jim Strode Angie and Squire Junger Tanya Karn Connie and Dennis Keller Margy Klayman Ramona and Mark Kline Nancy Knowlton Gail and John Kretchmer Jacquelyn Lester Mary Lester / Lester Family Foundation Ellis Lewis Mary Jo and Al Means Joanne and Myron Mintz Diane and Mike Morrison Dennis Murphy Sandy Myerson and Michael Gailus Scott Nevins and Philip Hodges Jason and Rob Ollander-Krane Carol-Ann and Alan Olson Pacific Coast Heavy Truck Company Marcia and Bill Pade Nancy and Iain Parsons Carol Pavlick Linda Phipps and Elaine Allen Phyllis S. Poehler and Walter E. Stremel Charitable Trust Sandy and Harvey Platt David Pollart Maureen and Bob Renner

18 2022-2023 Annual Report

Gifts Received from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023

Suzi Richards Anne Rittenhouse Lynne Rudnick Judy Sanders Peter Scheer and Matthias Scheer Carrie and Nick Schrup John Schumacher and Joseph Rodriguez Linda and Bill Scott Laura and Chris Seyfarth Nancy and Malcolm Slack Theresa and Roger Snoble Mary Lou and Dick Solomon Joan and Charles Spainhour Amber and Sam Spinello Barbara and James Stuart Thalassa Journeys LLC Sarah and Ed Thayer The de Vos Family Foundation Gloria Tipton U.S. Bank Visit Greater Palm Springs White & Case LLP Linda Jo and Allan Bankus Jr. Cherry Whitley Kathy and Jim York $2,500 - $4,999 Betsy and Mark Adams Bill Adams and Jim Dinse Art Laboe Foundation Kristi and Brian Bailey Miles Benickes Sheryl Benoit Bond Consulting Services Diana and Dennis Brandt Brenda and Mark Brown Marybeth and Roger Burpee Patricia and John Campbell Tiffany and Nino Capobianco Leslie Carothers Diane Clarke Gail Commagere Janice Vincent and William Courtney Wendy and Kevin Cox Alan B. Cox Charitable Lead Unitrust Holiday Dapper and Jeb Bailey Lavon and Jim DeGraw Diane and Norman Delaterre Linda Dempster Digonex Joel Douglas Steve Duffy Lynn Elliott Lisa Brenner and Lee Elster Zurich Esposito and Brian McCormick Mary and John Ferlin Christel and Phelps Fisher Lori and Andrew Forthmann Mary and Torrey Foster Larry Fry and Jeff Garatea Susan and Warren Gelman Frank Goldstin and Paul Clowers Renee Hall Tracy and Steve Hanson Kristine Harris and David Rosner Lynn and Alan Hendershot Lorna and Robert Houck Mary Jacobs Maren and Adam Jaffe Julie Jensen

Chantel and Stacey Johnson Gail and Fred Jubitz Suzanne and Tom Kanarian Suzanne and Travis Keeler Stuart Kent and Mark Pellegrino Kind World Foundation Maria and Michael Kiner Bradley R. Kirk & Associates, Inc. Jeanette Kleist Kathryn and William Lane Lane | Terralever Lori Lindell Dave Lippert Cindy and Eric Lissol Richard Longmire Sharon Mattern Mary McCarthy and Warren Platt Fay McClung Barbie McMahan Dorothy and Albert Milauskas Nancy and Brad Miller Fern Miller Dori and Andy Moshier Betty Nelson-Lahti and Gordon Lahti NFP Property & Casualty Services, Inc. NFP Retirement Phillips 66 Pioneer Solution, Inc Ana and Greg Pringle Ralphs Grocery Company Maureen and Phil Ramer Anita B. & Howard S. Richmond Foundation Patricia and William Ritter Lori and Murray Rudin Adele Ruxton Marilyn Sabin Desert Ron Terry and Bill Schmidt Lori and Aubrey Serfling Richard Shalhoub Family Pamela and William Simpkins Patty and Larry Spicer Jan Starr and Billy Siegel Barbara Storms and Sarita Gonzales Chris Strand Linda and Don Swortwood Shirley and Peter Tart Robin Thede Sheila and Rick Vitelle Jocelyn and Richard Vortmann Judy Vossler Nancy and Bob Wagman Carol Walker Molly Walters Watermark Estate Management Services LLC Paula Weiss Art Williams and Gene Leone Marilyn Yaeger

We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this listing. Please notify Development@LivingDesert.org of any omissions or inaccuracies.

FINANCIALS FOR FISCAL YEAR *

Ending June 30, 2023 (UNAUDITED) 0.37% 0.45% 0.06%

REVENUE

12.34% 41.69% 12.35%

14.21% 18.59%

Admissions Contributions Special Events Memberships Park Services In Kind Education Other

$9,330,122 $4,160,154 $2,761,759 $2,762,881 $3,179,722 $82,391 $87,270 $14,086

Total Revenue

$22,378,386

Programs Fundraising Administrative Costs

$17,403,696 $1,442,946 $580,292

Total Expenses**

$19,426,934

EXPENSES

2.99% 7.43%

89.59%

* The Living Desert is a California 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation.

(EIN 95-3385354). ** Total Excludes Depreciation

Living Legacy Endowment Report Year ending June 30, 2023 Fiscal stability is an important marker for an organization’s success. The Living Desert is fortunate to have a healthy endowment in place that was started by our leaders a number of years ago. Campaign managers and trustees Susan Cooper and BJ Skilling wrapped up the Living Legacy Endowment campaign in 2015 at $21,000,000. With careful investments, we are happy to report the total value of the fund for the fiscal year-ending June 30, 2023, is now a robust $55,871,348.

Every year, the Board of Trustees votes to take an annual distribution from the endowment

that comes from investing the fund. These annual distributions have strengthened us as an organization in many ways such as balancing the budget, adding new visitor features (the past butterfly exhibit was a popular guest experience before Covid-19).

More recently, we have expanded staffing, strengthened employee benefits, handled emergency repairs such as downed trees and damaged habitats from Hurricane Hilary, and offered educational programs to help under-resourced populations of children. The endowment distributions bridged part of the gap in operating expenses when COVID-19 forced us

to close our gates for three months — the fund has been invaluable in making us a strong and successful organization.

The Living Legacy Garden was created to honor all the endowment supporters who had the foresight and passion to understand the importance of preparing for a rainy day — as well as bolstering programs, operations and purposes specified by our Board of Directors. We are grateful to those who contributed to this transformational legacy, and we continue to accept on-going gifts toward the endowment to help sustain our future.

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage

PAID 47900 Portola Ave Palm Desert, CA 92260

ROSE AND SAGE Through a collaborative effort, two orphaned mountain lions came to their forever home at The Living Desert in September 2022. Rose, the female, was emaciated and malnourished when the four- to-fivemonth-old was spotted by hikers in April 2022. After extensive monitoring from California Fish and Wildlife and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Rose was transported to Oakland Zoo’s veterinary hospital where she received round-the-clock treatment. Just two months later, Rose was joined by Sage, a male mountain lion who was discovered in a classroom. Unfortunately, the two juvenile mountain lions had missed out on a critical time of early life usually spent learning from their mothers. As Rose and Sage were not able to be released back into the wild, Oakland Zoo worked with The Living Desert for transport to their new home after the mountain lions had been rehabilitated. The (non-breeding) pair have been settling into their habitat at Eagle Canyon ever since, where they continue to be ambassadors for their species by helping to share their story with guests each day!

Palm Desert Permit No. 12