You can hear us across the zoo when we use our cackling laughter-like call. Our favorite item to munch on is mice, so you will always like having us around.
Bettong: Meetthesoilengineers
People will also call us brush-tailed rat kangaroos or woylies. We love to dig and use our prehensile tails to collect items for our nests. We have been known to move about six tons of soil a year and never need a drink of water while doing so.
Emu: Meetthesecond-largestbirdsiblings
Little brother, Fazie - Birthday is March 14, 2018
Big sister, Elle - Birthday is March 15, 2018
We love to lunch on lettuce and bugs. We love water, playing in it, swimming in it and drinking it.
THE LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS CELEBRATES THEIR GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY GALA!
Join The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens for the party of the half-century as the Zoo celebrates 50 years of desert conservation by honoring the past and building for the future. The wonderfully wild evening takes place on Saturday, March 7, 2020 with a Golden Opportunities Cocktail Reception, 24K Fine Dining and Entertainment. All proceeds benefit building the Zoo of the Future and the next phase of our $34 million Pride of the Desert Capital Campaign. This includes the new Crossroads of Conservation lion and rhino habitats, bringing these iconic African species to the Coachella Valley.
The dazzling cocktail reception, underwritten once again by Shirley Smith, will abound with animal encounters along with a Winoceros Wine Pull, opportunity drawings for unique onsite experiences, and entertainment by the Citrus College Blue Note Orchestra and DJ Baz. Guests will then be dazzled by 24K Fine Dining and Entertainment in tented opulence where “paws” will be raised to support lions and rhinos. The celebration will be capped off with a performance by The Midtown Men, from the original Broadway cast of “Jersey Boys”.
The Golden Anniversary Celebration’s honorary chairs are Harold Matzner and Shellie Reade, along with event chairs Patti Grundhofer and Dennis Flaig-Moore. Presenting Sponsors Harold Matzner and Shellie Reade, are joined by Platinum Sponsor Edie McCarthy and the Patrick M. McCarthy Foundation; Gold Sponsors Sharon and Dean Baltzell, the City of Rancho Mirage, Susan and James Gould; Silver Sponsors Bright Event Rentals, Jan Salta, and BJ and Van Skilling; and Bronze Sponsors Suzan and Bill Appel, Lu Barnes, Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau, Sharon and Craig McCollam, and Karen Miles.
Golden Anniversary Gala tickets are $550. Table sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are also available. Supporters may also consider a Tribute Ad in the Gala Program to commemorate the 50th Anniversary or to honor those who have generously contributed to our growth over the years.
Go for the Gold and learn more about event support and marketing opportunities by contacting Greg Murphy at (760) 346-9584 / Gala@LivingDesert.org or visiting LivingDesert.org/Gala.
Sponsors
PRESENTING SPONSORS
Harold Matzner and Shellie Reade
PLATINUM SPONSOR
Edie McCarthy and the Patrick M. McCarthy Foundation
GOLD SPONSORS
Sharon and Dean Baltzell
City of Rancho Mirage
Susan and James Gould
SILVER SPONSORS
Bright Event Rentals
Jan Salta
BJ and Van Skilling
BRONZE SPONSORS
Suzan and Bill Appel
Lu Barnes
Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau
Sharon and Craig McCollam
Karen Miles
MEDIA SPONSORS
Palm Springs Life
The Desert Sun
COCKTAIL RECEPTION PATRON
Shirley Smith
ENTERTAINMENT PATRONS
Candace and Jon Holzgrafe
WINE PATRONS
Rita Stec and Lance Eldred
Dick Shalhoub
GIFT BAG PATRONS
Patti Grundhofer
Dennis Flaig-Moore
INVITATION PATRON
Donna MacMillan
TABLE CENTERPIECE PATRON
Whitewater Rock & Supply Co.
“RAISE THE PAW” PADDLE PATRON
Aristotle Capital Management, LLC
PHOTO PATRON
J. Squire Junger
ZOONEWS
CAMEL CONNECTION
Camel Connection at The Living Desert is the new must-do activity at the Zoo! Generously sponsored by Edeltraud McCarthy, Camel Connection offers guests the opportunity to get up close to our herd of four camels, feed them, take a selfie, and more. Available daily from 9:00am-4:30pm, $5 for members and $7 for non-members.
2019 WILDLIGHTS A SUCCESS!
The 27th Annual WildLights delighted over 30,000 guests this holiday season with new light displays and synchronized light zones. Generously presented by the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, WildLights showcased the new Dazzling Gift, a 15’x15’ lighted present that proved to be a great photo op! The Living Desert is grateful for the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation’s nearly twentyyear commitment to supporting this beloved holiday tradition.
#SAVINGSPECIES MURAL
Have you seen it? The Living Desert is home to a new art mural in the Living Legacy Garden. Muralist Jonathan Martinez (@art_ofthe_endangered) created a unique and engaging mural featuring a black rhino and an African lion as a prelude to our upcoming expansion projects, Crossroads of Conservation. During your next visit, take a moment to snap a photo in front of this beautiful work. The mural is sponsored by long-time supporter Lu Barnes, who wanted a unique way for Zoo guests to share their experience at The Living Desert on social media.
As part of The Living Desert’s ongoing effort to make smart conservation decisions, foxpaws is now printed on 30% post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled paper. The Living Desert is committed to reducing our footprint, sharing conservation action steps; and inspiring our guests to help do their part. Every choice, even the small ones, can add up to a big difference and big impact.
Camel Connection
Dazzling Gift
Rhino and Lion Mural
WILDFILE
WINEMAKER DINNER SERIES
The Living Desert’s Winemaker Dinner Series kicks off this January. Returning by popular demand, our exclusive Winemaker Dinner Series is held from 6:00 – 9:00pm at various venues throughout the Zoo. Don’t miss this curated opportunity to enjoy some of the best wines, paired with a four-course chef-prepared dinner of culinary delights. These events will sell out. Tickets are now on sale at LivingDesert.org or by calling (760) 346-5694, ext. 2128.
Individual event: $150
January 16, 2020 – Twomey/Silver Oak Cellars - SOLD OUT
February 13, 2020 – Flora Springs Vineyards
March 19, 2020 – Trefethen Vineyards
April 16, 2020 – Far Niente Vineyards
JOIN US FOR BRUNCH AT THE ZOO
| 10AM-12PM
Share your Saturdays with us and enjoy a delightful brunch with animal encounters. Every Brunch is different; we hope you’ll join us for all of them!
January 18 - Meet the Vet! Meet the Zoo’s veterinarian and visit with some of our animal ambassadors.
Location: Tennity Wildlife Hospital and Conservation Center
February 22 - Leopard and Hyena Enjoy exclusive hyena and leopard keeper chats and learn more about these special species.
Location: District Commissioner’s House in Village WaTuTu
March 21- Australian Adventures
A special keeper chat with a preview of the new Australian Adventures habitat.
Location: The new Kookaburra Café Overlook
Individual Brunch: Adults: $30 | Children: $25
Call us at (760) 346-5694 to buy your tickets today! Members only. Programming subject to change.
WineMaker’s Series
Brunch at the Zoo
ZOO BIRTHDAY PARTY | JANUARY 11TH
Join The Living Desert as we kick off our 50th Anniversary Celebration. On January 11th, join the fun and experience special birthday themed activities and treats.
To learn more, visit LivingDesert.org/50.
PRIVATE SAFARI AND BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS
Private Safaris and Behind-the-Scenes tours are a memorable way to experience The Living Desert. Aboard your private shuttle, your tour guide will offer a curated experience and delight you with informative stops as you make your way around the zoo. You’ll make stops at all the major habitats, walk through the Tennity Wildlife Hospital, and have an exclusive viewing of our Amur leopard. All tours are based on availability and must be scheduled in advance. Private safaris require a 48-hour lead time, and behind-the-scenes tours require a 12-day lead time. Book your private tour today by calling (760) 346-5694.
ZOOCAMP
Save-the-date for Spring ZooCamp April 14-15 and 16-17. If you’re a budding naturalist and animal lover, you’ll want to participate in the fun. Learn how The Living Desert staff care for the amazing plants and animals at the Zoo, you may even be asked to help! Classes are from 8:30am-12pm and begin in the Education Center before venturing out on the grounds.
Registration for members and general registration begins January 4, 2020. Register online at LivingDesert.org or by calling (760) 346-5694.
EARTH DAY CELEBRATES 50 YEARS
Be part of the movement and attend the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and join The Living Desert as we Party for the Planet. On Saturday, April 25, 2020 from 9am-12pm, The Living Desert will host various activities for the entire family. Assist with various conservation projects, take a guided pollinator or nature walk, or even a guided trail hike. Participate in native plant revegetation of the Discovery Loop Trail, and visit the many exhibitors stationed at the Discovery Center.
Private Tour
ZooCamp
Earth Day
EVENTS CALENDAR SPRING 2020
WEDNESDAY, 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Me and You at the Zoo
9:00am - 10:00am Me and You in the Garden 10:00am - 10:30am
THURSDAY, 2
Winter ZooCamp
8:30am - 12:00pm
FRIDAY, 3
Winter ZooCamp
8:30am - 12:00pm Starry Safari 5:00pm - 9:00pm
SATURDAY, 11
The Living Desert’s 50th Birthday Celebration 9:00am - 12:00pm
THURSDAY, 16
Winemaker Dinner Series 6:00pm - 9:00pm
SATURDAY, 18
Brunch at the Zoo
10:00am - 12:00pm
WEDNESDAY, 5, 12, 19, 26
Me and You at the Zoo
9:00am - 10:00am Me and You in the Garden 10:00am - 10:30am
FRIDAY, 7
Starry Safari
5:00pm - 9:00pm
SATURDAY, 8
Fairytales and Frog Day 9:00am - 12:00pm
THURSDAY, 13
Winemaker Dinner Series 6:00pm - 9:00pm
SATURDAY, 22
Brunch at the Zoo 10:00am - 12:00pm
WEDNESDAY, 4, 11, 18, 25
Me and You at the Zoo
9:00am - 10:00am Me and You in the Garden 10:00am - 10:30am
FRIDAY, 6
Starry Safari
5:00pm - 9:00pm
SATURDAY, 7
50th Anniversary Gala 5:30pm - 8:30pm
THURSDAY, 19
Winemaker Dinner Series 6:00pm - 9:00pm
SATURDAY, 21
Brunch at the Zoo 10:00am - 12:00pm Australian Adventures Grand Opening
WEDNESDAY, 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Me and You at the Zoo
9:00am - 10:00am Me and You in the Garden 10:00am - 10:30am
FRIDAY, 3
Starry Safari
5:00pm - 9:00pm
SATURDAY, 4
Palm Desert Brew at the Zoo
6:00pm - 9:30pm
TUESDAY, 7
Spring ZooCamp 8:30am - 12:00pm
WEDNESDAY, 8 Spring ZooCamp 8:30am - 12:00pm
THURSDAY, 9 Spring ZooCamp 8:30am - 12:00pm
SATURDAY, 11
Spring Eggstravaganza 9:00am - 12:00pm
TUESDAY, 14
Spring ZooCamp
8:30am - 12:00pm
Spring Eggstravaganza
Palm Desert Brew at the Zoo
WEDNESDAY, 15
Spring ZooCamp
8:30am - 12:00pm
THURSDAY, 16
Spring ZooCamp
8:30am - 12:00pm Winemaker Dinner Series
6:00pm - 9:00pm
FRIDAY, 17
Spring ZooCamp
8:30am - 12:00pm
SATURDAY, 25
Earth Day 50th Anniversary
9:00am - 12:00pm
MAY 2020
FRIDAY, 1
Starry Safari
5:00pm - 9:00pm
WEDNESDAY, 6, 13, 20, 27
Me and You at the Zoo
9:00am - 10:00am
Me and You in the Garden 10:00am - 10:30am
SATURDAY, 9
Train Day 9:00am - 12:00pm
SUNDAY, 10
Mother’s Day Brunch 9:30am - 1:00pm
SOCIALBUTTERFLY
We love seeing how our members spend their time at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, whether it’s at a “members only” event, or just a fun day at the zoo.
When you tag a photo on social media that features The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens with the hashtag #TLDmember, we notice! Share your photos and experiences while you’re at The Living Desert. Use #TLDmember in your post, and you may see your photo in the next issue of foxpaws!
For more information, please visit LivingDesert.org/tldmember.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
Fairytales and Frog Day
EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH THE LIVING DESERT
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Travel Club offers unique and memorable adventures that put you in the middle of the wild places we love and face to face with the animals that call it home. All our trips are small groups and offer intimate, one of a kind experiences. You will travel with expert conservationist and wildlife interpreter Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert.
Each year we offer two trips. Our upcoming trips for 2020 and 2021 include:
• Kenya and Uganda, June 2020— SOLD OUT
• Amazon River, Iguassu Falls and Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, October 6 – 18, 2020
• Antarctica, January 3 – 17, 2021
• Botswana and Namibia, October 2 – 13, 2021
Visit our website to see itineraries and pricing for each of the trips: LivingDesert.org/Travel.
Join The Living Desert Travel Club by calling Amy Crabb at (760) 340-4954 or email Travel@LivingDesert.org. You will be invited to Travel Nights and receive “first dibs” opportunities on upcoming trips.
We hope you can travel with us soon to experience your trip of a lifetime!
