FoxPaws | Spring 2024 by the-livingdesert

foxpaws

SPRING 2024

PALM DESERT

• INDIAN WELLS

SPRING 2024

board of trustees

contents

Chairman Bill Appel*

PRESIDENT EMERITA Karen Sausman

FEATURES

Treasurer Craig McCollam*

TRUSTEE EMERITUS Curt Ealy

Secretary Sandra Cooper Woodson*

LEGAL COUNSEL Brian S. Harnik Roemer & Harnik, LLP

President/CEO & Assistant Secretary Allen Monroe*

3 From the President’s Desk 4 Collaborating to Stop a Crisis 8 A Conservation Partnership Begins 12 A Momentous Meeting 14 Growing the Gardens 16 Reconnecting with the Environment

Jon-Marc Blalock* Deborah Chapman* Marylynn Gladstein Jim Gould Candace Holzgrafe* H. Earl Hoover II Suz Hunt Michael Kiner Jaishri Mehta Jneil Nelson Peter Scheer Michael Schreter Dick Shalhoub Sally Simonds Bill Simpkins BJ Skilling Phillip K. Smith, Jr.* Mary Lou Solomon Larry Spicer Sam Spinello Nancy L. Stegehuis* Judy Vossler

ADVISORY COUNCIL City of Indian Wells Mayor Greg Sanders City of Palm Desert Mayor Karina Quintanilla and Council Member Kathleen Kelly City of Rancho Mirage Council Member Ted Weill Coachella Valley Water District Jim Barrett and Anthony Bianco Visit Greater Palm Springs Scott White and Davis Meyer Carol Wright

18 Supporter Spotlight

WHAT’S NEW 19 WildFile 21

Events Calendar

23 Wonderfully Wild Kids

foxpaws

SPRING 2024

PALM DESERT

• INDIAN WELLS

*Board of Directors

FOXPAWS EDITORIAL STAFF Managing Editor Lindsay Jarvis Designer Jim Augusto

The Living Desert is a California 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation which receives no ongoing municipal tax support (EIN 95-3385354). We are supported solely by the generosity of individuals like you — your ongoing gifts make all that we do achievable. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent possible. For more information, contact Development@LivingDesert.org or 760-346-5694.

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COVER MODEL Cordelia, the Abyssinian ground hornbill. Learn more about her story on page 3! Photo: Tara Howard

Contributors RoxAnna Breitigan Dr. James Danoff-Burg Lindsay Jarvis Jose Marfori Jared Moeller Allen Monroe Katie Shaw Angela Woods

President/CEO Allen Monroe with Cordelia, the Abyssinian ground hornbill. Cordelia was hatched (born) at The Living Desert in 2009 and has connected with many Zoo guests during special keeper connections, both on and off habitat. She is incredibly interactive with the animal care team and enjoys her enriching activities each day. Although Cordelia is currently behind-thescenes while her habitat is getting renovated, keep an eye out for her on your next visit. You never know which area of the Zoo she may be visiting.

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK I RECENTLY HAD the opportunity to take my two granddaughters, ages two and four, to their local zoo. It gave me a chance to experience again through their eyes the excitement of that first encounter with exotic animals. No longer limited to the pages of books, the animals came to life in a flurry of colors, sights, smells, and sounds.

trip as kids, their children had grown up attending ZooCamp and WildLights, and now they were visiting that day with their grandchildren. It was heartwarming to hear how three generations had enjoyed The Living Desert through the years and built family memories around the good times they had exploring our desert garden spaces and animal experiences.

This experience allowed me to relive all those memories I had as a youth visiting zoos and to relish how lucky my family and I had been to have wonderful zoological facilities that helped build empathy and understanding about the natural world.

It is a winning combination when The Living Desert can connect family members with each other and the education and conservation work that stands behind our mission. That is how a neighborhood conservation organization ensures it accomplishes its mission, one generation at a time.

It is this multi-generational aspect that caught my attention during a recent chat with guests in our Park. They shared with me the story of how they visited The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens on a school field

Allen Monroe, President/CEO foxpaws | SPRING 2024 3

Pangolins are believed to be the most trafficked mammal on Earth due to the demand for pangolin scales.

COLLABORATING TO STOP A CRISIS Zoos, aquariums, and government agencies work together to address the ongoing problem of wildlife trafficking and confiscations. By RoxAnna Breitigan, Chief Operating Officer

IT MIGHT SURPRISE YOU to know that, until recently, when illegally trafficked live animals are confiscated at the border, airports, or shipping docks, there has been no process put in place to care for those animals. There is a process in place for live plants, run by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), but shockingly not for animals. Each time an animal is confiscated, the government agencies typically have reached out to their local zoo or aquarium to provide that animal with a safe place. These zoos and aquariums have stepped up to help, time and time again — because caring for animals is a vital part of our shared mission. Over the years, organizations such as The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens have cared for these animals when there was nowhere else to turn, often without compensation, credit for their efforts, or plan in place for the future of that animal. This disjointed process has been an ongoing challenge for the animals, the government agents, and the relocation institutions involved. In August of 2019, The Living Desert received an invitation to a first-of-its-kind meeting to discuss A Framework for Managing Wildlife Seizures and Confiscations in Southern California. This meeting brought together stakeholders who rarely, if ever, are all in the same room together. For the first time zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, universities, and state and federal government agencies were all coming together to develop a framework that would allow for an efficient way to identify, medically triage, and place confiscated animals with qualified and capable holding foxpaws | SPRING 2024 5

CONFISCATED ANIMALS AT THE LIVING DESERT After being taken from the Coachella Valley, four chuckwallas and seven desert iguanas were found for sale online. Working with the Bureau of Land Management, the reptiles were relocated to The Living Desert, where they were cared for until released back into the wild. This type of success story is a rarity.

facilities that could provide care for these live animals. The work in the initial meeting helped to determine that there were three big goals to address when it comes to wildlife trafficking and confiscations. The first was implementing a process for placing confiscated animals. The second was addressing how to effectively communicate the stories and challenges to the public in the hopes of changing consumer behavior to decrease the demand for trafficked animals. And finally, how to move the legislative advocacy forward to stop — or at least slow down — animal trafficking. A PROCESS FOR PLACEMENT Over the last four years, work has continued within the Southern California Wildlife Confiscations 6 foxpaws | SPRING 2024

Network, a pilot program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, to create a cohesive process for placing confiscated wildlife — and to become a template for other regions around the country. Collaborating with the agencies to learn about what was needed helped to determine that, much like the plant confiscation network, it was clear that having one point of contact for the agents would be ideal. The network created a process that could work for the agents who needed to place the animals and the organizations who could accept the animals. A single point of contact position was created and funded along with a network of approved facilities that the government can rely on to intake these living beings. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION The Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, and the International Fund of Animal Welfare partnership has created a national campaign to address the illegal trade of live wildlife as pets as well as the risk of zoonotic diseases caused by the live pet trade. There are actions that people can take to decrease the high global demand for exotic pets that drives the illegal capture and trade of millions of animals. Many of these animals suffer and perish in the process. The ‘Not a Pet’ campaign (NotAPet.net) is an avenue to spread the word of how everyone can be an ally for animals by providing informational messages and stories that can be shared.

Corals, mollusks, seahorses, and other marine species are removed from the wild to supply the demand for the aquarium and food trades around the world.

NEXT STEPS Wildlife trafficking and confiscation of live animals is a complex challenge that could have felt overwhelming when we came together for the first time years ago. Instead, the group listened to each other, asked questions, and had hope that we could come up with viable solutions. The dedicated people who worked together to address the challenges in Southern California will now be able to roll out this solution on a national level and — together — make a difference.

HERE ARE THREE EASY WAYS TO PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT FOR WILDLIFE! 1 Be smart with your cart: Before you purchase an exotic pet, make sure you are fully informed. Be sure to ask where the animal came from and confirm the species is legal to own where you live. 2 Show care when you share: As consumers of social media, be careful about how you engage so you do not unintentionally promote illegal or harmful activities. 3 Advocate for animals: Be an advocate for wildlife and help people around you understand that certain animals do not make good pets. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Finally, providing a voice for these animals by supporting legislation that has a direct effect on this issue is essential. Wildlife trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar transnational criminal activity, ranking as the fourth most profitable crime only behind drugs, arms, and human trafficking. Your advocacy can help make a positive difference! Utilizing your voting power and writing your Members of Congress for increased penalties and fines for offenders, or making your voice heard to pass vital legislation like the S.1149 Recovering America’s Wildlife Act of 2023 are actions you can take today. These everyday efforts make a difference, as seen in the successful passing of the Big Cat Public Safety Act and the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act.

The Southern California Wildlife Confiscations Network had its official launch on October 27, 2023, at the Los Angeles Zoo. At a press conference, speakers addressed the growing problem of wildlife trafficking that we face in Southern California. The event also included an informative tour of previously confiscated animals throughout the Zoo. In December, the very first meeting of The Southern California Wildlife Confiscations Networking Stakeholders took place at The Living Desert. After four years of strategizing and coordinating efforts, the team is now able to put these plans into action. Along with an initial evaluation of the operations thus far, plans to bring the Confiscations Network to wildlife law enforcement nationwide were discussed. We will continue to work with our partners and government agencies to improve the systems and care for the animals that need our help! To learn how The Living Desert helps with illegally trafficked plants, turn to page 14. foxpaws | SPRING 2024 7

Siberian ibex (shown here), argali sheep, and black-tailed gazelle were studied during the collaborative trip.

A CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP BEGINS The Living Desert team travels to Mongolia as part of a cross-country collaboration.

Photo courtesy O. Rentsen

By Dr. James Danoff-Burg, Vice President of Conservation

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AS OF JULY 1, 2023, The Living Desert has been fortunate to partner with the Mongolian Conservation Initiative (MCI), a longterm, well-established, and successful conservation project based out of Ikh Nart Nature Reserve (INNR) in southeastern Mongolia. The MCI has successfully contributed to science-based, communityled, holistic conservation initiatives at the Reserve for over a quarter century. “I have been the leader of this long-term, and successful conservation program for more than 25 years,” says Gana Wingard, Conservation Curator-Mongolia. “Now, in partnership with The Living Desert, we want to serve as a model for how international partnerships can amplify [similar] conservation initiatives worldwide. To ensure that our many years of cross-country collaboration is sustainable for the future, we will continue to support local capacitybuilding and training initiatives [for conservation professionals] in Mongolia.” WILDLIFE VETERINARY MEDICINE Last summer, five staff members of The Living Desert traveled to Ikh Nart, where they worked in collaboration with the skilled MCI and INNR staff. “As a first-time participant in the conservation work at Ikh Nart, I had the privilege of assisting the Mongolian veterinarian, Bayarmagnai Davganyam, to ensure the safety of the argali sheep, Siberian ibex, and black-tailed gazelle [during our monitoring efforts],” says Dr. Andrea Goodnight, The Living Desert’s Head Veterinarian. The team expertly and safely captured animals in drive nets to collect data about their health and put satellite collars on each animal to understand their movement patterns across the landscape.

“Each animal was handled for less than 10 minutes, during which time we took a blood sample, monitored heart rate, respiration rate, and body temperature, and gave an injection of antioxidant vitamins,” Dr. Goodnight continues. “Additionally, we took blood samples from 100 domestic sheep and goats that may cross paths with the wildlife and could potentially infect wild populations, or in turn become infected by diseases from wildlife. All blood samples will be tested for six different infectious diseases that can cause illness in both wild and domestic hoofstock. Our goal is to determine the extent of cross-infection between the wild and domestic species so that we can help mitigate disease transfer and help improve co-existence of humans, domestic animals, and wildlife.” HABITAT RESTORATION AND PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT Because of overgrazing and climate change, ecological degradation in Mongolia is a major threat to the

RIGHT: The Living Desert’s Head Veterinarian Dr. Andrea Goodnight worked with Mongolia’s local veterinary team to learn more about wildlife disease transmission and movement patterns in Ikh Nart’s hoofstock.

Survey photo courtesy Gana Wingard Dr. Goodnight photo courtesy Dr. James Danoff-Burg

BELOW: Mongolian Conservation Initiative staff and volunteers survey plant diversity in the Gobi Desert lowlands in Ikh Nart.

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As part of Dr. Luis’ work on increasing resilience and water availability, his team marked and constructed smaller-scale restorations along the research camp canyon to increase the forage available to wildlife — a restoration technique already used in Ikh Nart. “Some of the original efforts that are already 5 to 6 years old are now showing incredible results, increasing the productivity of both perennial and annual plants that are key to native wildlife,” says Dr. Luis. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY HIGHLIGHTS As the MCI leader and Conservation Curator for Mongolia, Gana Wingard worked at

“ I have been the leader of this long-term, and successful conservation program for more than 25 years.” — Gana Wingard, Conservation Curator-Mongolia. BOTTOM LEFT: A Lesser kestrel with a toadheaded agama in Ikh Nart. Last summer, 72 lesser kestrel nesting sites’ characteristics were measured and 19,335 videos and photos from trail cameras (“camera traps”) were used to observe parental feeding rate and caring strategies. LEFT: Among the 118 small mammals tagged and logged for conservation biology research was the northern three-toed jerboa.

Ikh Nart from the summer into the fall to oversee all research efforts into conservation biology, and to operate all the visits of dozens of visiting researchers. “Among many other pieces of research with mammals, birds, insects, and plants, we captured and ear-tagged small mammals to estimate population sizes, species richness, and composition in 2023,” says Gana. “This year, we sampled small mammals at each of eight habitats, including sandy drainage, shrub, rocky, short grass, and long grass.” Avian research included the measurement, banding, and tagging of 73 juvenile cinereous vultures as well as the observation of 550 nests to gain insights into fledgling patterns. Researchers also gathered data for ecological studies involving lesser kestrel nests, parental feeding rate, and parental caring. Over 330 toad-headed agamas – a lizard that is part of the lesser kestrel’s wild diet – were surveyed to collect data on flight-initiated distances (FIDs), which measures the distance at which the reptile starts to run away when approached by a predator. Insects, an important part of any ecosystem, were surveyed throughout different habitats in Ikh Nart to estimate differences in insect abundance and species composition. The Living Desert is extremely lucky to partner with such an impressive and successful organization — one with a field station, decades of data, and deep connections with the local nomadic herding communities and government leaders. This newly minted partnership holds tremendous promise for the future. Stay tuned for bigger and better updates!

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Photos courtesy O. Rentsen and Gana Wingard

persistence of globally important wildlife species and natural resources needed to support nomadic herding families. “During my visit, I reassessed older restorations and planned for future actions,” says Dr. Luis Ramirez, Curator of Conservation at The Living Desert. “With the help of collaborators from New Mexico Highlands University, we identified and mapped several springs that have reduced their water output or stopped. This is to plan watershed-level restoration to capture more precipitation and bring those natural springs back to life.”

March 15 – Member Night SELECT NIGHTS

March 16 – April 28 6:30pm-10:00pm A Spring Lantern Festival

Advance reservations required. LivingDesert.org/Glow

Get glowing! Purchase 4 or more tickets and get 20% off with code GLOW2024*

* Offer valid for paid adult/child tickets ends March 8.

Xerophilous: A Desert Botanical Festival

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April 6–7, 2024 • Guided garden walking tours • Specialty drinks and food • Native California plant sale • Seminars and clinics with botanical experts

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A Momentous Meeting The Rhino Savanna at The Living Desert allows Jaali and Nia, critically endangered black rhinos, to live separately on the spacious habitat — as most adults of this species are predominantly solitary. The innovative design of the habitat includes special areas where Jaali and Nia can approach and greet each other through a barrier. These two black rhinos arrived at The Living Desert in 2021 as part of a Species Survival Plan® (SSP), but still had some growing to do before they could be introduced as a breeding pair. Two years after their arrival, Jaali and Nia have reached the appropriate size, weight, and maturity to meet and interact freely for the first time! Under careful watch from the animal care team, the two black rhinos have been able to engage with each other several times since late October, 2023. These introductions have gone very well — each rhino showing positive behavior. Follow along on social media with the ongoing story at #RhinoWatch! Jaali and Nia are ambassadors for their species, helping to share the story of the critically endangered black rhino with guests each day. Beyond the Zoo, The Living Desert also actively works with conservation partners across the globe to help this species in the wild. foxpaws | SPRING 2024 13

The Living Desert’s Plant Propagator Jose Marfori in the greenhouse. “Each of the three tables in the greenhouse can hold 4,650 individual 2-inch pots,” he shares. “Our goal is to be close to that capacity, especially during prime propagating season such as fall and spring.”

GROWING THE GARDENS

Construction on the propagation garden and greenhouse began in January 2022 and the gardening team is still in the process of completing the nursery. The greenhouse measures 20 feet by 60 feet, and the entire nursery is just under 0.7 acres of space.

Confiscated plants, like the ones shown here, can be kept at The Living Desert, and displayed in our living collection if the government decides that the plants aren’t able to return to the wild in terms of poaching, or they aren’t able to return to their country of origin (if cultivated).

Discover The Living Desert’s new, behindthe-scenes propagation greenhouse and garden with Plant Propagator Jose Marfori. What types of plants are you currently propagating? We propagate different types of plants from different areas, in addition to California native plants. Most plants are predictably from arid areas across the globe, but some are also native to moist, tropical locations and still do well in our hot, dry climate. Do you propagate food plants here that the animals will eventually eat? Yes! For short term needs, we typically buy browse trees at larger sizes (24-inch to 48-inch tree boxes) and let them grow out a bit more or plant them in the browse farm. Looking toward the future, I’ve just started several species of acacia in the greenhouse that will eventually be used as browse for the rhinos, though not for a few years. Can you talk about the propagation cycle within the nursery? The start of the propagation process is to collect the propagules. These are most commonly seeds we collect from the Zoo grounds or the field, but we also buy seeds of plants we wish to add to our living collection. Additionally, we collect cuttings from plants on grounds.

As plants get bigger and are placed in bigger pots, they move through the nursery. Seedlings and cuttings stay in the greenhouse in flats and 2-inch pots. At 4 inches, they can go outside if it’s fall to spring but stay in during the summer. 1-gallon pots go under the shade structures outside on the tables. They are watered by sprinklers because installing drip irrigation for that many pots is not feasible or efficient. Pots larger than that are arranged in rows out of the shade and hooked up to drip irrigation. What benefits have you already seen from having the propagation greenhouse and garden? When the greenhouse was built, we were able to limit our summer losses. This was especially true for many of our tender succulents and certain specimen plants. What’s next for the nursery? We just finished installing a third of the shade cloths we need, and now we need to rearrange our tables to go under the shade cloths and start populating the tables with plants! We would also like to start more collaborations with other botanical institutions to exchange plant genetic materials to bolster each other’s conservation efforts.

Plant Rescue Center The Living Desert is a designated Plant Rescue Center by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) program called Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ). Whenever the federal government seizes or confiscates plants — either due to suspected poaching, invalid import documentation, or other reasons — we are one of the botanical institutions that can house them while the government investigates. The Living Desert has also participated in plant rescues in the field. Collaborating with the U.S. Forest Service, California Conservation Corps, CalTrans, and California Botanic Garden, we rescued hundreds of powdery liveforevers. They are a California native succulent that is recently becoming a target for poachers to sell in Asia. The plants needed to be removed from the wild due to planned road expansion.

Visit LivingDesert.org/Blog to read the expanded interview! foxpaws | SPRING 2024 15

Torres Martinez Youth group participants harvesting white sage during a hike at Oak Glen Preserve in November. This excursion was possible thanks to the Wildlands Conservancy.

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“ I felt like I learned things about my culture that made me feel at peace and happy. Being active was more fun than I thought.” — Seanna Vega, year two participant.

Reconnecting with the Environment By Lindsay Jarvis, Staff Writer and Katie Shaw, Conservation Social Scientist FAR LEFT: During a camping trip in October at La Jolla Indian Campground in collaboration with Outward Bound Adventures, year two participants set up tents, went hiking, explored nature, and enjoyed a nighttime campfire with s’mores. LEFT: At Anza Borrego Desert State Park, participants hiked as they discussed local wildlife, plants, and geology along the way.

THANKS TO A GENEROUS GRANT from the California Natural Resources Agency, The Living Desert began a new program in July 2022 to reconnect Indigenous youth to their land and explore relevant conservation initiatives and environmental issues. In collaboration with The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Tribe, Native American Land Conservancy, Outward Bound Adventures, and Friends of the Desert Mountains, the Torres Martinez Youth Environmental Ambassador (TM-YEA) program aims to inspire a love of the surrounding wilderness to encourage more youth to become conservation leaders of the future. The excursions, presentations, and workshops in this paid program help develop conservation and environmental professional interest among the participants. Throughout the Coachella Valley, these educational outings include not only exposure to the beauty of nature, but also a connection to culturally significant history, such as traditional uses for native plants. “The Torres Martinez Youth Environmental Ambassador program is foundational to the protection of California deserts,” says Sienna Thomas, who has resided on the Torres Martinez Cahuilla Reservation for over 30 years and served as the Tribal Liaison for the TM-YEA program from its beginning. “Indigenous youth are reconnecting to their culture through land-based learning to create healthy communities and become new leaders in conservation.” Through this multi-faceted program, Indigenous youth are establishing personal goals, goals for their tribal community, learning federal and state environmental laws, and observing how Traditional

Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and western science can work together to support and protect their changing landscape. The TM-YEA program aspires to encourage Indigenous youth to consider an environmental science path in higher education and expose them to the many diverse fields of employment in conservation. Bringing the program full-circle, Maya Nunez, who completed the TM-YEA program last year, has recently joined The Living Desert team as an Assistant Conservation Scientist! It is our goal to continue to inspire program participants to connect with nature and pursue career paths in related fields, helping to improve both the representation of Indigenous people in conservation and the quality of conservation that is done. The second year of the program, with a new group of participants, began in the summer of 2023. Future trips include camping, planting pollinator gardens on Torres Martinez land, and planting in the Zoo’s Ethnobotanical Garden!

Supporter Spotlight

By Lindsay Jarvis, Staff Writer

have enhanced her knowledge and deep appreciation for the country and its species, making her volunteer role at Rhino Savanna especially meaningful. Susan supports the Zoo not only through her time and expertise, but also graciously contributes as a monetary donor. When her parents began working with Karen Sausman at The Living Desert, they were the first sponsor of the Grevy’s zebra habitat. After they retired, Susan kept the momentum going by working with Karen to renovate the zebra habitat – her first financial contribution to the Zoo. “That’s what got me hooked on supporting this place, seeing it grow, and trying to promote conservation, preservation, and education so that people have a real experience when they come here,” says Susan.

Susan Cooper at Rhino Savanna

CONNECTED WITH The Living Desert since its inception, Susan Cooper’s passion for the desert and its precious species is shown through her incredible work as a volunteer, donor, past board member, campaign manager, and trustee. “When [The Living Desert] started with Karen Sausman [former CEO of over 40 years], my parents immediately became involved and supported it, and then I followed in their footsteps,” says Susan. After taking over for her father, Susan served as an esteemed board member for over 15 years and, before rotating off, she started on a new journey within The Living Desert. “I decided I needed to have my feet on the ground to see more about what I was governing. So, I applied for interpretive training to become a volunteer,” shares Susan. Since then, she has volunteered in numerous roles, including the Kraal, the Discovery Center, and the giraffe habitat. Susan is currently a Welcome Center Host and a Rhino Interpreter Volunteer – where she shares the story of critically endangered black rhinos, Jaali and Nia, and the threats that their species is facing. Susan’s travels to Africa throughout the years

Perhaps one of Susan’s most innovative and hands-on acts of giving is her leadership and commitment to the Living Legacy Endowment campaign, working as co-chair with BJ Skilling to raise $21 million in 2015. Recently, Susan has shown her support for African lions by giving to the Pride of the Desert Capital Campaign, underwriting one of the Animal Care Outpost facilities for specialized veterinary care. The Living Desert team is incredibly grateful for Susan’s ongoing impact at the Zoo, which can be seen all throughout the park. Whether she is helping guests have a Best Day Ever experience, sharing conservation stories, or supporting future projects, Susan’s legacy at The Living Desert continues to grow each day.

For more information about supporting Lion Ridge, please call Jeff Petrovic at (760) 346-9584. For more information about volunteering, please call (760) 773-4879 or visit LivingDesert.org/Volunteer.

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WILDFILE New Arrivals Addra Gazelle Birth

On November 20, a male addra gazelle was born to sire (dad) Fossil and dam (mom) Hera. This was the second addra calf born at The Living Desert in 2023! Addra gazelle, also known as dama or mhorr gazelle, are critically endangered with fewer than 200 mature addra estimated remaining in their native habitat. The Zoo partners with organizations around the world such as Sahara Conservation, who work to repopulate addra gazelle into areas of Africa where they have disappeared. Additionally, The Living Desert team has done field work with the Sahara Conservation and the Scimitar Horned Oryx Reintroduction Project to bring them back from extinction by reintroducing the species within a reserve in Chad, ensuring the animals are safer and continually monitored.

Headstart Tortoises New Cohort

In September, a new cohort of desert tortoise hatchlings arrived at the Zoo! This cohort is part of the headstarting program, a collaboration between The Living Desert, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Edwards Air Force Base, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. These hatchlings will be cared for at the Tennity Wildlife Hospital, where they will live in a temperature-controlled environment and given a nutrient-rich diet to help the young tortoises grow larger with a thicker shell — one of their main forms of defense against predators such as ravens — faster than they would in the wild. Sadly, these tiny tortoises had a tough start. Due to the heavy rains and wet soil conditions last year, the hatchlings were slow to emerge from their eggs and suffered a fire ant infestation and flesh fly larva attack. The Living Desert and San Diego Zoo teams jumped into action, saving many hatchlings from the predation. Veterinary staff treated the new arrivals, and they have since been thriving in the safety of our care. Make sure to stop by the Wildlife Hospital to see these little hatchlings! foxpaws | SPRING 2024 19

WILDFILE LEFT: Soleil Ellen’s midshaft spiral fracture can be seen in the X-ray. BELOW: The Living Desert’s Head Veterinarian Dr. Andrea Goodnight and Veterinary Technician Jourdan Hoffman, prepare Soleil Ellen for surgery.

with people, we can’t prescribe bedrest or offer crutches to a wolf,” said Dr. Andrea Goodnight, the Zoo’s Head Veterinarian. “Considering the limitations of the other treatments, an amputation was the best choice for Soleil Ellen’s mental and physical wellbeing. This procedure will have minimal to no effect on her future and will allow her to resume normal activities with her pack as soon as possible.”

A Recovery Story

Soleil Ellen, a three-year-old Mexican wolf, recently injured her front leg after landing awkwardly from a jump. These injuries are not uncommon in Mexican wolves as they are often running, jumping, and very active. She was taken to the hospital right away, and a thorough evaluation by The Zoo’s veterinary team revealed a mid-shaft spiral fracture of the right humerus. To determine the best possible treatment plan for Soleil Ellen, The Living Desert team consulted with experts in the field, including specialists from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan® (SSP). It was decided that the best course of action for Soleil was to amputate her leg. While treatments such as surgical fixation with pins and wires or casting were considered, it is a hard recovery for active wolves — even in the wild — which involves confining them to a small area for a lengthy healing process. “Unlike 20 foxpaws | SPRING 2024

Soleil was moving around just one day after her successful surgery on November 29, and was back on habitat about two weeks later! She is being closely monitored by the animal care team as she reintegrates back with her pack, males Drew Hudson and Paul Newman. “Wolves are incredibly resilient,” said RoxAnna Breitigan, Chief Operating Officer and former Director of Animal Care. “Much like domestic dogs, wolves missing a limb learn to compensate and adapt well to walking, running, and even raising young.” Soleil is an ambassador for the endangered Mexican wolf species, helping to share their success story. “Thanks to the long-term leadership of The Living Desert, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and our many partners across the Southwest, the Mexican wolf has rebounded from near extinction from only seven animals to over 600, with over 240 living in the wild!” says Allen Monroe, President/CEO.

Travel with The Living Desert

Botswana October 31 – November 12, 2024

Namibia Fall 2026

Ecuador and The Islands of the Galapagos July 24 – August 4, 2025

Zimbabwe and Zambia May 20 – June 1, 2025

Your adventure awaits! Explore the world’s wild places with The Living Desert through exclusive, expertly led travel opportunities around the world. Senior staff of The Living Desert will be your host for each trip, bringing years of knowledge and experience of travel, animal information, and conservation that will help you make the most of your journey. Visit LivingDesert.org/Travel to learn more. Kenya June 3 – 15, 2024

EVENTS CALENDAR ONGOING

SPRING 2024

Vis LivingD it e Events sert.org/ for det ails about u pcomin g events !

Hoppy Hour

Me & You at the Zoo

New at Kookaburra Café, join us for exclusive Hoppy Hour appetizers and half-off the entire bar menu! Access is included with your membership or paid park admission; food and beverages are an additional fee. Please note that last admission to the Zoo, including Hoppy Hour, is at 4:00pm — however members can now enter the Zoo until 4:30pm on Hoppy Hour Dates. Visit LivingDesert.org/Events to learn more.

This fun, free program takes place every Tuesday until April 30, except for April 2, from 9:00am-10:00am in the Hoover Learning & Impact Department Building near Kookaburra Café. This interactive, parent participation program meets each week for an hour of guided exploration and hands-on fun, designed for toddlers and their accompanying adults. This program is free with membership or paid park admission. No advance registration is required, so drop in anytime! Visit LivingDesert.org/Events to learn more.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, 3:00pm-5:00pm

Now through April 30

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FEBRUARY

SPRING 2024

International Desert Conservation Summit February 2-4 This gathering of conservation experts from around the world includes a welcome party, guided nature walks, and a presentation by keynote speaker, Jeff Corwin. Advance registration is required, visit DesertConservationSummit.org to learn more.

Women in STEAM Career Day February 10, 10:00am-1:00pm

Students K-12 of all genders are invited to learn about careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) from professional women in the field. Join us at The Living Desert for hands-on STEAM activities, discussions, and more. This event is free for members or with paid park admission. Visit LivingDesert.org/Events for more information.

2024 Zoobilee Gala February 24

This intimate gathering is The Living Desert’s premier fundraising event! Join in helping to support the preservation of desert species and desert spaces. Learn more at LivingDesert.org/Events.

ZooCamp

Winter MiniCamp: February 19, registration now open Spring ZooCamp: April 2-4, registration now open Spring MiniCamp: May 27, registration open April 8 Summer ZooCamp: Select days June 12 through August 1, registration open April 8 ZooCampers learn about wildlife through STEM activities, arts and crafts, up-close animal encounters, and more. Visit LivingDesert.org/ZooCamp to learn more. 22 foxpaws | SPRING 2024

MARCH — APRIL

EVENTS CALENDAR

Zoo Families: Planting Memories

March 16, 9:30am-12:00pm This program invites your family to explore the wonderful world of gardens and plant memories together at The Living Desert. The event includes an up-close animal experience, planting native seeds, a craft, tram tour, and admission to the Zoo. Visit LivingDesert.org/Events to learn more.

Glow in the Park

March 15 – Member Preview Night Select Nights, March 16 through April 28 The dazzling, springtime lantern festival is back and all new for its third season. Guests will see the Zoo come to life with hundreds of illuminated, hand-painted lanterns. With photo opportunities, interactive displays, and special food and beverage options, this evening event has something for all ages. Advance reservations required, visit LivingDesert.org/Glow.

Xerophilous: A Desert Botanical Festival April 6-7

Celebrate the Zoo’s 52 gardens during the first ever Xerophilous event! Guests can tour gardens, purchase native plants, and enjoy specialty food and drinks. Visit LivingDesert.com/Events to learn more.

New Volunteer Orientation April 8, 3:00pm-4:30pm

Volunteers at The Living Desert are integral to the Zoo, helping to share our mission of desert conservation with guests each day. Join the wonderfully wild team! Visit LivingDesert.org/Volunteer to learn more.

ZooTeens

Applications open April 1-30 Students ages 14-18 are invited to apply to our ZooTeen program. ZooTeens have the opportunity to gain valuable life and job readiness skills while volunteering in a fun and collaborative environment. Visit LivingDesert.org/ZooTeens to learn more.

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DID YOU KNOW? The cheetah is the fastest land mammal on earth! How much do they weigh: 84 to 143 pounds Where are they found in the wild: Sub-Saharan Africa There are three cheetahs at the Zoo and they are sisters. The Living Desert works with several cheetah conservation organizations in Africa to help this species in the wild.

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NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO.149 PALM DESERT, CA

47900 Portola Ave. Palm Desert, CA 92260

DISCOVER THE DESERT Did you know that a membership to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens includes unlimited access to miles of trails located within The Living Desert? Reconnect with nature as you explore the pristine Sonoran Desert through the Zoo’s three hiking trails, ranging from beginner skill level to adventurous! Loop 1: Discovery Loop, 0.5 miles Loop 2: Adventure Loop, 1.5 miles Loop 3: Wilderness Loop, 5 miles Located near Bighorn Mountain, the entrance to all trails is accessible until the trailhead gate closes at 4:00pm. Access to the trails is free for members or with paid park admission until June 1 when the trails are closed for the summer. Learn more at LivingDesert.org/HikingTrails.