PALM DESERT • INDIAN WELLS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chairman
Bill Appel*
Karen Sausman
TRUSTEE
Curt Ealy
LEGAL COUNSEL
Brian S. Harnik Roemer & Harnik, LLP
President/CEO
Deborah Chapman *
Susan Cooper
Marylynn Gladstein
Phil Hasbrouck
Candace Holzgrafe *
H. Earl “Bud” Hoover II
Suz Hunt*
Michael Kiner
Jaishri Mehta
Jneil Nelson
Peter Scheer
Sally Simonds
Bill Simpkins
Phillip K. Smith, Jr. *
Mary Lou Solomon
Larry Spicer
Sam Spinello
Nancy L. Stegehuis *
Judy Vossler
*Board of Directors
Coachella Valley Water District
Jim Barrett and Anthony Bianco
Springs Scott White and Davis Meyer
Our mission is desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation.
James Danoff-Burg
Enright
Lindsay Jarvis
Allison Krupp Jose Marfori
Allen Monroe
Angela Woods PRESIDENT
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens 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.
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
AS WE CONTINUE to improve the park, we remain deeply committed to providing exceptional experiences for our guests. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is not just a place to see desert wildlife; it’s a destination that inspires and connects visitors with nature. To enhance this experience and offer a welcoming space for families, friends, and animal lovers alike, we’re thrilled to introduce two exciting new amenities, Bighorn Cafe and the Bill Gross and Pax Stengaard Gross Oasis Splash Pad.
When we began planning these additions, we focused on creating spaces that would complement the beauty of our desert surroundings while meeting the diverse needs of our visitors. Bighorn Cafe is designed to be a relaxing, modern gathering spot, offering a variety of delicious, locally sourced dining options and beverages. Whether you’re taking a break after exploring our wildlife habitats or enjoying a family outing, Bighorn Cafe provides a comfortable setting to recharge and refuel. We’ve worked hard to ensure that every detail of the Cafe reflects the unique spirit of The Living Desert, from the immersive architecture to the enhanced menu, which features healthy options for all ages.
The Oasis Splash Pad takes things a step further, offering a refreshing,
fun-filled experience for children and families. Set amid the beauty of our desert landscape, the Oasis Splash Pad offers a safe and exciting place to cool off and play. With its water features, interactive elements, and a design inspired by desert flora and fauna, it’s sure to be a favorite spot for our younger visitors. The Oasis Splash Pad aligns with our mission to create spaces that are not only educational but also encourage play and creativity, giving families the opportunity to connect with nature in new, interactive ways.
These amenities were designed with you, our valued members, in mind.
They enhance the guest experience while preserving the natural beauty of our desert home. As we continue to elevate the Zoo, we remain focused on providing spaces that enrich your visit, offer new opportunities for fun, and allow us to build lasting memories together.
Thank you for your ongoing support of The Living Desert. We look forward to seeing you and your family enjoy these new additions for years to come.
Allen Monroe, President/CEO
President/CEO Allen Monroe in front of Bighorn Cafe.
TOP LEFT: Guests at an opening event for Bighorn Cafe look out at the herd of bighorn sheep. To learn more about the new space, turn to page 4.
NOW
OPEN!
Discover the new Bighorn Cafe and Oasis Splash Pad with Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert.
What was the inspiration behind creating Bighorn Cafe and the Bill Gross and Pax Stengaard Gross Oasis Splash Pad?
The Bighorn Cafe was imagined as a way to solve three challenges. First, it would include a large, high-capacity modern kitchen to provide elevated food offerings as well as casual dining. Second, it would serve as a venue for evening rentals and catering. We do a lot of weddings and corporate events in the evenings, so the dining room can be flipped with new tables
and décor to match the needs of any special event. The final feature was to position the Cafe so its outdoor deck enhanced the proximity and viewing of our bighorn sheep and the mountain where they live.
Our current kids play area, Gecko Gulch, is a fun place to burn off some energy but at least half of the year it is a little warm to get much action. The Oasis Splash Pad was envisioned as the perfect complement for kids of all ages to chill out and have some fun. The
President/CEO Allen Monroe speaks during an opening celebration for the Bighorn Cafe.
Top left and right photos by PVG Architects
After much anticipation, the Bighorn Cafe is now open! Guests can enjoy a variety of new food options as well as breathtaking views of Bighorn Mountain.
Oasis Splash Pad is also a chance for us to tell the story of water in the desert and how there needs to be water for people, plants, and animals.
What new offerings will Bighorn Cafe bring to The Living Desert?
The location of the Bighorn Cafe was designed to be about halfway through the guest’s journey in The Living Desert, so it is a convenient location to take a break, grab a bite to eat, recharge, and get ready for the rest of the adventure. We also wanted
Adjacent to Bighorn Cafe is the new Oasis Splash Pad, offering a cool retreat for the warm weather.
to add a more modern culinary experience with better choices for healthier dining, including vegan and vegetarian choices. There are dining options that are better for the environment, so we wanted to offer an “Eat Like a Giraffe” campaign to highlight how the small changes we can each do will help the planet.
Do you have a favorite architectural feature?
There is a hidden secret in the Bighorn Cafe building that we cannot see but the avian wildlife will certainly appreciate. Large glass windows can be lethal to flying birds who do not recognize that solid surface until it is too late. It is estimated that millions of birds die each year from window collisions. To prevent this, we used a unique bird-friendly glass that has a special embedded layer in the laminate with a pattern that shows up under ultraviolet (UV) light. Since humans cannot see UV light, we cannot see the pattern in the two-story glass window. But to birds who can see UV light, that glass window is filled with vertical stripes that indicate it is a solid surface.
Are there any aspects of sustainability you would like to share about the construction of the two new spaces?
The Bighorn Cafe was built to the most modern energy standards to minimize the use of natural resources. To reduce single use packaging and throwaway plastics, we will be using reusable dining ware.
The expansive windows of the cafe allow for incredible views and are also bird-friendly!
The Bighorn Cafe offers both indoor and outdoor seating that allows guests an up-close look at the bighorn sheep habitat.
Exterior and interior Bighorn Cafe photos by PVG Architects
Supporter Spotlight
JENNIFER GROSS
The Oasis Splash Pad was built to minimize its water use as appropriate in a desert environment. The water is recirculated, filtered, and sanitized so that the actual amount of water used will be less than the monthly average for a single-family household. There are also motion sensors that will turn off the pumps and save energy when no one is present.
Fresh from the oven! The summertime menu at Bighorn Cafe includes stonefired pizzas, traditional angus burgers, and vegetarian plant-based smashed burgers. Available seasonally and returning in October, the customizable noodle, rice, or salad bowls include meat, seafood, and vegan protein selections.
Most importantly, when will your grandkids be coming to try out the Splash Pad?
I often use my two granddaughters, who are 6 and 5 years old, to remember what it was like to be a kid and to see things through their eyes. They have been following the construction with anticipation and visited at the end of April to give their splash of approval!
THE LIVING DESERT would like to thank Jennifer Gross and the William, Jeff and Jennifer Gross Family Foundation for their generous donation to the Bill Gross and Pax Stengaard Gross Oasis Splash Pad. This eco-friendly splash pad aligns with The Living Desert’s mission of desert conservation and sparked inspiration in Jennifer Gross as a way to participate in the Zoo’s ongoing efforts. “I learned a multitude of lessons traveling through Africa during the era of the Millennium Development Goals,” says Jennifer. “When my colleagues began shaping the United Nations’ Sustainable Goals, animal conservation was of course an issue that was very close to my heart.”
Jennifer Gross often visits The Living Desert with several generations of her family, including her father, William, and her son, Pax. “To have shared experiences at The Living Desert between different generations lays a foundation in our family that we must do all we can for a sustainable future for wildlife and ecosystems.”
for Partners Excellence
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums works with accredited member institutions, including The Living Desert, to advance animal care and wellbeing, increase public awareness, and conserve wildlife.
By RoxAnna Breitigan, Chief Operating Officer and Wendy Enright, Animal Care
IN 1971, in response to the nation’s growing concern for animal care, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) appointed a committee to establish a set of best practices to collectively improve professional operations among the zoological and aquarium community. Today, this is the same member organization that The Living Desert has received accreditation from for 42 consecutive years. Both AZA and The Living Desert are committed to a high quality of care to advance the zoo and aquarium field. There is also a strong commitment to being a global leader in promoting species conservation and animal
wellbeing. This is achieved through the members collectively leveraging their size, scope, expertise, and public trust.
Every five years, each organization in AZA is inspected by a team of their expert peers to ensure that the high standards are being upheld. The Living Desert has gone through this process for decades and has proudly been accredited since 1983. This accreditation inspection takes place over three days while the AZA team evaluates every aspect of the operations of the zoo. The inspection includes intensive evaluating of the following areas of operations:
experiences, conservation talks, special animal encounters, refreshments, and live entertainment.
animal care and welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education, guest services, physical facilities, safety, staffing, finance, and governing body. A final report is provided listing accomplishments and areas of concern. The items are addressed and shared at the Accreditation Commission hearing that takes place at one of the two annual AZA conferences.
The Living Desert hosted the 2025 Association of Zoos and Aquariums Mid-Year Conference Zoo Day outing. On March 27, attendees of the conference were welcomed into the Zoo for a “desert state of mind” themed day of behindthe-scenes
Operations Curator
LEADERS IN THE INDUSTRY
AZA is considered to be the gold standard in animal care and The Living Desert is proud to be a leader in this organization and amongst our peers. This allows The Living Desert to continue to grow our leadership in animal care and share our work with colleagues. Over the past year, The Living Desert has hosted a variety of conferences, welcoming those colleagues to share knowledge, strengthen connections, and advance conservation efforts.
In March 2025, the greater Palm Springs area and The Living Desert welcomed approximately 1,100 attendees to the AZA Mid-Year Conference. Throughout the week, attendees engaged in important discussions, workshops, and networking events at the Palm Springs Convention Center. A particularly meaningful moment for our team was attending the AZA Accreditation Commission Hearing, marking a final step in successfully completing the rigorous accreditation process. We also hosted a Zoo Day, where our AZA colleagues experienced firsthand our commitment to desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation. The day was filled with behind-the-scenes open houses, demonstrations, dinner, and music to end the evening.
SPECIALIZED EXPERTS
The Giraffe and Okapi Conference, done in collaboration with Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe, welcomed close to 150 attendees in January 2025. A global community of giraffe and okapi professionals came together to share innovative ideas, cutting edge research, and collaborative strategies aimed at advancing the wellbeing and
DID YOU KNOW?
Over 183 million annual visitors in the United States and over 200 million worldwide visit AZA zoos and aquariums. That is more than NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB annual attendance combined!
In addition to exclusive animal connections, AZA Zoo Day attendees were also able to tour the browse farm and visit the behind-the-scenes propagation greenhouse and nursery.
During AZA Zoo Day, zoo and aquarium professionals from around the country experienced special animal connections including a cheetah recall, giraffe barn open house, rhino encounter, and pronghorn feeding.
DID YOU KNOW?
It is estimated that there are over 2,000 zoos in the United States. However, there are only 251 AZA accredited organizations. The majority of zoos do not go through the rigorous accreditation process like The Living Desert.
conservation of these iconic species. In addition to hosting the conference, five of The Living Desert team members presented topics including animal wellbeing, World Giraffe Day Desert Style, and giraffe conservation.
The Canid and Hyaenid TAG Husbandry Course took place in October 2024. With 40 attendees, this small group focused on best practices in caring for these unique carnivores. This was the first year that small canids were included in the course material, and The Living Desert was honored to present and share our successes with small canids at our Desert Carnivore Conservation Center.
Hosting these events and being an accredited organization highlights The Living Desert as a leader in the AZA community while also allowing us to share the importance of our local desert ecosystem with our colleagues.
Attendees of the Canid TAG Husbandry Course, hosted by The Living Desert.
Animal Care Lead Keeper for The Living Desert’s African animals, Bryan Ortner, presents at the 2025 Giraffe and Okapi Conference.
AZA Zoo Day was The Living Desert’s first zero waste event with the goal of diverting at least 90% of all waste from landfills through recycling or composting. After correctly sorting and weighing all the event’s trash, an impressive 88% was successfully diverted!
Membership Moment
WHEN CHRIS CARLSON AND TERRI CARLSON , née Bolton, met as new neighbors in 2020, the two began sharing almost daily walks around The Living Desert, watching the Rhino Savanna construction progress from the beginning. After black rhinos Nia and Jaali arrived at the habitat, the couple symbolically adopted Nia through the Zoo’s Adopts! program. “On one perfect walk around the Zoo, I thought Chris had a rock in his shoe when I turned around at the Rhino Savanna and saw him down on his knees with a ring in his hand,” says Terri. With instant tears of joy, Terri said, “Yes!” while Nia was nearby on the Savanna.
After the proposal in April 2023, Chris and Terri got married in Big Bear on June 10, 2023. The couple continued to enjoy walks around the Zoo and joined the Walking Club when it began in October 2024. Terri has also recently become a volunteer at The Living Desert, where she helps to lead the Walking Club, greets guests at the Welcome Center, and assists with special Zoo Membership events.
Terri, how long have you been a member of The Living Desert?
In the 1980s, I started coming out on vacation and purchasing summer memberships and then
purchased regular memberships almost every year whether I lived here or not. It always made me feel like I was helping the animals.
Will you share more about your love for walking around the Zoo?
Walking around The Living Desert is new every time! Whether coming right as the Zoo opens or in the late afternoon, we always enjoy seeing the visiting wild [native] animals and birds as well as the resident animals.
Terri, what is your favorite part about being a member of The Living Desert?
Chris and I love thinking of The Living Desert as our “backyard.” We enjoy the people that work there and feel like we always see animals or birds doing something exciting. The exercise and relaxation of being in nature are great side benefits.
What are you most looking forward to about the opening of Bighorn Cafe and Oasis Splash Pad?
Every addition to the Zoo has offered something exciting. We are looking forward to some new favorite menu items and the fun of playing like big kids in the Splash Pad area.
Zoo members Chris and Terri Carlson on Rhino Savanna with Nia the black rhino. Nia was also present when the couple got engaged nearby in 2023.
International Desert Conservation Summit
By Dr. James Danoff-Burg, Vice President of Conservation
ON FEBRUARY 7-9, 2025 , The Living Desert hosted the fourth International Desert Conservation Summit (IDCS) with resounding success. This celebration of desert conservation was created five years ago to spread the Zoo’s conservation messages to the public by bringing together some of the world’s leading Desert Conservation Heroes here at The Living Desert.
Throughout the summit, the resounding message was that deserts are not deserted. They are instead vibrant and fragile places replete with unique animals and plants that deserve our care and stewardship. As a single event, IDCS is one of the most inspirational weekends that involved participants have ever experienced!
Speakers and Desert Conservation Heroes of the 2025 International Desert Conservation Summit.
Keynote Speaker Coyote Peterson presents to an audience of all ages at The Living Desert.
IDCS 2025 Conservation Partner Organizations
▶ Mongolian Conservation Initiative (Mongolia)
▶ Applied Environmental Research Foundation (India)
▶ Ewaso Lions (Kenya)
▶ Grevy’s Zebra Trust (Kenya)
▶ WASIMA or People, Lions, and the Environment (Tanzania)
▶ Community Rhino Conservation Initiative via Imvelo Safari Lodges (Zimbabwe)
▶ Painted Dog Research (Zimbabwe)
▶ Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit and Bush Babies Environmental Education Program (South Africa)
▶ Saving Slowpoke (California)
During the event, conservationists from around the globe explored the solutions that we are collectively developing to resolve human-wildlife conflict, animal repopulation, plant propagation, ecological restoration, and human behavioral change. Importantly, these goals must benefit human communities, species, and ecosystems.
This year, The Living Desert was thrilled to have 12 Desert Conservation Heroes telling these stories from seven different countries on three continents!
The three-day event started with a delicious dinner and captivating movie shorts on Friday night, introducing IDCS attendees to each
of the Heroes and their work. The next day was a full day of four enlightening, insightful, and enormously entertaining panel discussions including questions sourced from the attendees. As part of the event, the Desert Conservation Heroes were each awarded a plaque and collectively received $160,000 to support their vital efforts.
Headlining this year’s IDCS was keynote speaker Coyote Peterson, Award-winning host of YouTube’s “Brave Wilderness,” renowned wildlife storyteller, and conservation advocate. In addition to his riveting keynote address, Coyote capped off the
unforgettable weekend on Sunday with a lively presentation to over 1,000 people of all ages, inspiring the next generation of Desert Conservation Heroes.
IDCS started as an online event, but the last two in-person events have been truly compelling, completely selling out both years. Events like this summit help to spread the conservation messages of The Living Desert’s on-theground projects throughout 12 countries around the world, as well as the larger message that deserts are not deserted. We all can help conserve these hotbeds of unique biodiversity. See you next year at IDCS 2026!
Archana Godbole, Director of Applied Environmental Research Foundation, is awarded a Desert Conservation Hero plaque by Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert.
Dr. James Danoff-Burg, Vice President of Conservation at The Living Desert, presents during a panel discussion about communitybased conservation in Africa.
Tsakane Nxumalo was part of a panel about community-based conservation in Africa. Tsukane is the Black Mamba Sergeant & Senior Environmental Education Officer at Transfrontier Africa, Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit, and Bush Babies Environmental Education Program.
Butterfly mist (Ageratum corymbosum)
Unlike the rest of the plants featured here, this shrub is not native to the desert Southwest and requires moderate irrigation. To survive the hot summer months, it should be planted in partial sun. Though non-native, it is incredibly effective at attracting local pollinators including queen butterflies and, to a lesser extent, monarch and yellow sulfur butterflies. Butterfly mist produces an alkaloid that male queen butterflies use to produce a pheromone to attract females. This species would be a great companion to plant with milkweeds to provide both host and nectar plants in the garden.
Keystone Desert Pollinator Plants
By Jose Marfori, Plant Propagator
GARDENING WITH PLANTS
that are native to your local area is a simple yet impactful practice. Not only does a native garden conserve water, but birds, insects, and other wildlife will see your garden as a place of refuge. In the Coachella Valley, this can serve as a keen reminder that we are part of a wider, interconnected desert ecosystem. Additionally, there are certain non-native but desert-friendly plants that can be an appealing option for gardeners while still being water-conscious and habitat-minded.
We recommend the plants shown here for any desert garden. Three of the plants are native and we have also included one nonnative, desert-friendly species that benefits our local pollinators and is a great companion to certain native plants. All of these species are tolerant of typical Coachella Valley garden conditions such as regular drip irrigation, sandy soil, and neglect. Additionally, these species are all propagated on-site at The Living Desert and are seasonally available for purchase.
Rush milkweed (Asclepias subulata)
This native shrub grows as a cluster of largely leafless stems that require very little water after established. Additional irrigation is tolerated but not necessary. Monarch and queen butterflies use rush milkweed as a host plant for their caterpillars. Milkweeds produce glycosides that caterpillars use as chemical defenses against predators.
Desert lavender (Condea emoryi)
This shrub performs best in full sun where it can reach well over 6 feet and will flower profusely during spring. Desert lavender is a native plant and requires very little water, especially when established. However, regular watering will allow it to remain full of leaves during summer and avoid going dormant. Hummingbirds and bees are attracted to desert lavender’s flowers and birds use their seeds as forage. The plant’s silver foliage is also pleasantly aromatic.
Chuparosa (Justicia californica)
This native shrub gets no taller than 4 feet, especially in full sun where it can thrive. Chuparosa is drought tolerant after established but regular irrigation will allow it to forego dormancy and extend its bloom season. Its red flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and quails use it as cover from predators.
ANIMALS IN FOCUS Keeping Cool
Summertime in the desert brings extreme temperatures. While the species at The Living Desert are adapted to life and survival in the warm climate, the animal care team also provides plenty of enriching experiences for the animals to help them keep cool. From the mindful design of a habitat to refreshing summer treats, there are lots of ways for animals to beat the heat.
Memo the jaguar splashing in the pool area of his habitat. While many cats avoid the water, jaguars are strong swimmers.
Little
Girl, the sulcata tortoise, splashing in a puddle under the cool shade.
Black rhinos, like Nia, will wallow in the mud or wade through water to keep cool.
In addition to behaviors like cooling off in the water, some animals also have adaptations for warm climates. The large ears of African painted dogs help to dispel the heat.
The dromedary camels flock towards a spray of cool water that also creates a shallow mud puddle for rolling around!
Watermelon is more than just a delicious snack!
This cool summertime favorite helps the animals to stay hydrated while also being a great snack option. Watermelon is often provided for animals at The Living Desert as an enrichment opportunity — something that encourages learning and increases both the mental and physical wellbeing of the animal.
Mountain lion
Black rhino
Sulcata tortoise
Chacoan peccaries
WILDFILE
NEW ARRIVALS
Peninsular Pronghorns
First-time mom Chia gave birth to twin peninsular pronghorns in late April! The two healthy male fawns were introduced to their habitat in early May and the animal and veterinary care teams are closely monitoring them. The peninsular pronghorn is endangered as a subspecies and The Living Desert is an active partner in recovery efforts for both peninsular and Sonoran pronghorns.
Kit Fox
Hartmann’s Mountain Zebras
Three female Hartmann’s mountain zebras arrived from San Diego Zoo Safari Park and have been settling into their new habitat since January. The strikingly striped trio consists of 22-year-old Gracie, 21-year-old Vivian, and Vivian’s daughter, 12-year-old Lucy.
In late March, Jedi, a male adult San Joaquin kit fox, arrived at The Living Desert. Jedi was a wildlife rescue who was rehabilitated at the California Living Museum due to an observed mass in his throat. The issue is believed to be genetic and cannot be monitored in the wild, so Jedi is considered non-releasable. Jedi settled into his new home at The Living Desert right away and guests can see him at Eagle Canyon! In his new habitat, Jedi is an ambassador animal, helping to share the story of his federally endangered species. DID
The first animal at The Living Desert was a kit fox named Twix!
Gardens Seasons
Through the
Full Bloom
Springtime in the desert brings beautiful, vibrant blooms to the gardens! This year, guests may have noticed small desert wildflowers around the Zoo. These tiny, lowgrowing blooms — such as pygmy poppies and popcorn flowers — are made for survival in the desert with stems and leaves close to the ground. This helps the delicate plants keep cool and protects against strong winds.
Summertime Dormancy for Certain Desert Plants
As the warmer months approach, some desert plants go into dormancy to survive the intense summer conditions. Dormancy may include the dropping of vibrant florals or leaves for drought-ready stems. This allows the plants to conserve energy and reduce water consumption until the season changes and conditions improve. If you spot these resting plants during the summer, remember that they are not dead, they’re just dormant!
Simon, the desert tortoise, strolling through the spring wildflowers.
The Living Desert Scholarship
Each year, The Living Desert, in partnership with OneFuture Coachella Valley, awards thousands of dollars to support ZooTeen volunteers pursuing college majors related to conservation. This initiative underscores the Zoo's commitment to fostering the next generation of conservation professionals. ZooTeens have the opportunity to gain valuable life and job readiness skills while volunteering in a fun and collaborative environment. The recipients of the 2024 The Living Desert Scholarship for collegebound students are Alyssa Ramirez, Maddox Burr, and Madeleine Scott. During the upcoming ZooTeen End of Year Celebration event, held on June 7, the 2025 winners will be announced.
The Living Desert Scholarship has been supporting students from the Coachella Valley for over a decade. The award supports expenses like tuition, books, and other college-related costs. Past recipients have achieved significant academic milestones, including Rogelio Barajas, a 2013 scholarship winner, who is now a Life Science researcher at Stanford University.
“My future aspirations in life [are] to help all animal species, plant species, and the environment to continue living and growing.”
Alyssa
Scholarship recipient
A unique aspect of The Living Desert Scholarship is that students can reapply for funding each year for four years, regardless of whether they continue volunteering at The Living Desert or pursue other passions. This year, the organization also continues to support students from the 2023 cohort: Emily Lindemann, Kinsi Peterson, Maxwell Floyd, Mikenna Pruette, Samantha Gonzalez, and Samantha Schuessler. The nine recipients are set to study Biology, Environmental Science & Policy, Oceanography/Marine Biology, and Zoology at universities in California and Arizona. They aspire to careers in environmental law, wildlife fieldwork, veterinary medicine, and conservation education. High school students in the Coachella Valley who are passionate about conservation and education are encouraged to join the ZooTeen program this fall. Applications are accepted every April and October. Seniors in the program can apply for the scholarship to aid their college education. More information can be found at LivingDesert.org/ZooTeens.
Ramirez, 2024 The Living Desert
From left to right: Madeleine Scott, Maddox Burr, and Alyssa Ramirez.
World Desert Day
To recognize the importance of desert ecosystems, The Living Desert launched the inaugural World Desert Day celebration on January 13, 2024. This successful event was the catalyst for The Living Desert to advocate for the recognition of World Desert Day at both the local and state levels. In collaboration with Assemblymember Greg Wallis and Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, both the California Assembly and Senate have unanimously passed resolutions to officially designate the second Saturday of January as World Desert Day in the state of California!
The second annual World Desert Day was held on January 11, 2025, and was once again a successful celebration of the unique flora and fauna of the desert! These events — and the official designation of the day — serve as a step forward in protecting California’s desert ecosystems.
Desert landscapes make up one-third of the Earth’s landmass and are rich in biodiversity, but these spaces are threatened by human activity and climate change. With this strong, continued message shared by World Desert Day advocates, The Living Desert hopes to inspire guests, residents, and policy makers to prioritize desert conservation.
At The Living Desert’s second annual World Desert Day, Assemblymember Greg Wallis shared the exciting news that the resolution to recognize World Desert Day in the state of California had passed unanimously on the California State Assembly floor.
Many of The Living Desert’s conservation partners from around the area came to share their important work with guests during World Desert Day.
Collections Garden Supervisor Baltazar Pimentel shares details about a baobab leaf from a nearby tree during a garden tour. Other garden related activities at World Desert Day included a native plant sale and seed planting.
EVENTS CALENDAR SUMMER 2025
ONGOING
Summer Hours
June 1
From June 1 through September 30, The Living Desert will be open from 7:00am-1:30pm daily, with the last admission at 12:30pm. During summer hours, the carousel and hiking trails will be closed until October 1.
Walking Club: Members Only
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00am-8:30am (New Summer Hours)
Join The Living Desert’s members-only walking program and explore the world’s deserts before most people have even had breakfast! Choose between a ¾ mile stroll or a 1¼ mile journey to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Zoo, alongside your fellow members. Visit LivingDesert.org/Membership to become a member.
JUNE-JULY
Summer ZooCamp
8:00am-12:00pm
Week 1: June 11-13 (K-6)
Week 2: June 17-19 (K-6)
Week 3: June 24-26 (K-3 and 7-10)
Week 4: July 1-3 (K-6)
Registration is now open for Summer ZooCamp. ZooCampers will learn about wildlife through STEM activities, arts and crafts, up-close animal encounters, and more. Visit LivingDesert.org/ZooCamp to learn more.
New Volunteer Orientation
July 7, 1:00pm-3:00pm
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 fill out an application and learn more.
AUGUST-OCTOBER
Visit
LivingDesert.org/Events or scan the QR code for more information about upcoming events.
Teacher Open House
August 9, 9:00am-10:30am
To celebrate the teachers who make up our communities, we’re inviting you to join us for a Teacher Open House at the Zoo. Advance registration is required, visit LivingDesert.org/TeacherDay.
Season Hours Return
October 1
The Living Desert returns to its regular hours of 8:00am-5:00pm daily, with last admission at 4:00pm. At this time, the hiking trails and carousel will also return to regular hours.
Save the Date
Tequila and Mezcal Tasting
October 10
Native Plant Sale
October 11
Travel
with
The
Living Desert Visit LivingDesert.org/Travel to learn more.
Zimbabwe: “The Thunder and Roar of Africa’s True Wilderness”
June 18-30, 2026
Namibia: “Apricot Dunes and Desert-Adapted Wildlife”
August 16-29, 2026
Madagascar
May-June 2027
South Africa Immersion
September 2027
Blippi and Meekah visit The Living Desert! Kids
When Blippi and Meekah don’t know how to build a habitat for their stuffed animals at the Clubhouse, they go to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens to learn about being a Zookeeper!
“Blippi’s Job Show” is now streaming on Netflix. Be on the lookout this summer for season two to see an episode featuring The Living Desert!
47900 Portola Ave. Palm Desert, CA 92260
Make a
Splash Splash
The new Bill Gross and Pax Stengaard Gross Oasis Splash Pad is now open, and members of The Living Desert can enjoy access to this fun and refreshing space all summer long.
Children of all ages can beat the heat in this eco-friendly water play area while learning about the importance of water in the desert.