Spring 2026 FoxPaws Magazine

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Chairman

Bill Appel*

Treasurer

Craig McCollam*

Secretary

Sandra Cooper Woodson*

President/CEO & Assistant Secretary

Allen Monroe*

Deborah Chapman *

Susan Cooper

Jeff Elder

Marylynn Gladstein

Candace Holzgrafe *

Suz Hunt *

Michael Kiner

Justin McNulty

Jneil Nelson

Peter Scheer

Sally Simonds

Bill Simpkins

Phil Smith *

Mary Lou Solomon

Larry Spicer

Sam Spinello

Nancy L. Stegehuis *

*Board of Directors

PRESIDENT EMERITA

Karen Sausman

TRUSTEE EMERITUS

Curt Ealy

LEGAL COUNSEL

Brian S. Harnik

Roemer & Harnik, LLP

ADVISORY COUNCIL

City of Indian Wells

Mayor Toper Taylor

City of Palm Desert

Mayor Evan Trubee

City of Rancho Mirage

Mayor Lynn Mallotto

Coachella Valley Water District

Jim Barrett and Anthony Bianco

Greater Palm Springs

Scott White and Davis Meyer

the Seeds:

the Next Generation of Desert Defenders & Empowering Indigenous Voices

Our mission is desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation.

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.

COVER MODEL

Kamari, one of the newest residents of The Living Desert. Learn how Kamari, and the other three members of the patas monkey troop, came to the Zoo on page 4!

FOXPAWS EDITORIAL STAFF

Managing Editor

Jenny Lynn Robinson

Contributing Editor

Brenda Scott Royce

Designer

Phaedra Heinen

Project Coordinator

Carlie Lee

Photographers

Kait Hilliard

Isabella Insingo

Jenny Lynn Robinson

Katie Shaw

Proofreader

Angela Woods

Contributors

Mike Barnes

Renee Barnett

Zoe Bearse

Shane Bogner

RoxAnna Breitigan

Dr. James Danoff-Burg

Sean Deighan

Heather Down

Arian Noorzai

Katie Shaw

Cortney Weir

Dr. Anna Young

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

SPRING HAS SPRUNG at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, and excitement is in the air! This season highlights two incredible experiences that showcase the fun, curiosity, and conservation spirit that make this place so special.

First up, our lively new residents, the patas monkeys! Known as the fastest primates on Earth, these energetic desert inhabitants are now thriving in a newly designed habitat, customized specially for them. With wide-open spaces, climbing trees, and plenty of enrichment, the Desert Conservation Lodge is a perfect setting for guests to see their speed and personality up close. Watching them dash, leap, and play is pure joy and a reminder of the care and creativity that goes into every habitat we create.

Then get ready for a mission unlike any other: Mission: Pollination! Inspired by the classic spy adventure Mission: Impossible, this playful, larger-than-life exhibit invites you to accept a mission of your own — to become a Desert Defender and help protect the pollinators that our planet depends on. Giant replicas of bees, butterflies, beetles, and bats have taken over our desert landscapes and show just how mighty these tiny heroes are. Through interactive displays and fun challenges, you’ll discover how important pollinators are to our food, flowers, and the natural world around us.

Both of these new experiences celebrate what The Living Desert does best — connecting people with wildlife in ways that inspire wonder and action. Whether you’re cheering

on the patas monkeys or taking on the Mission: Pollination! challenge, you’re part of something bigger: a community that cares deeply about protecting desert life.

None of this would be possible without our members. Your support keeps our animals thriving, our guests learning, and our conservation work growing around the world.

So come visit this spring, see what’s new, and bring your sense of adventure. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is simple: have fun, explore, and help us make a difference for desert wildlife, one visit at a time.

Allen Monroe, President/CEO

Monkeys Bringing

to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

A MAJOR MILESTONE FOR 2025

By Heather Down Animal Care Curator

SPEED IS THE NAME of the game for the patas monkey, a ground-dwelling African species known as the world’s fastest primate. But when it came to bringing these remarkable animals to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, slow and steady won the race.

The members of Troop Ujamaa mark the arrival of the first primates in the Zoo’s history. This landmark addition was the result of months of careful planning and collaboration, and reflects our continued commitment to excellence in animal care, welfare, and conservation. ▶

FAST FACTS

► Patas monkeys are the fastest primates in the world, capable of reaching speeds of up to 34 miles per hour. For comparison, Usain Bolt, who is widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time, reached a top speed of 27.8 miles per hour.

► They have unique cheek pouches that allow them to store as much food as their stomachs can hold!

► Patas monkeys are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals (mostly insects). One of our troop’s favorite foods is mealworms!

► They are relatively quiet, communicating primarily through body language and facial expressions.

► Groups typically have one dominant male with several females and their offspring.

► They don’t spend their days high in the trees like many monkeys — they’re mostly ground-dwellers, using their long legs to move efficiently across the savanna.

Did you know?

The first step in bringing this new species to the Zoo was to partner with our colleagues from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). We worked closely with experts from the African-Eurasian Monkey Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) — a specialized AZA committee that helps guide management, husbandry, and conservation planning for these monkeys. TAGs also ensure that transfers and breeding decisions follow best practices grounded in science and shared professional expertise. As a result of these deliberations, a troop of patas monkeys — consisting of one male, two adult females, and an infant female — was recommended for transfer to The Living Desert from a facility in central Florida.

Planning for the first primates in our care was a true multidepartmental effort that began with the reimagining of an existing animal space in Village WaTuTu. The habitat was redesigned over the summer with the specific wellbeing needs of patas monkeys

The name for the troop, “Ujamaa,” was inspired by the Swahili word for community and cooperation — an especially fitting name for these highly social primates.

in mind, from ground access to elevated vantage points. Meanwhile, our Animal Care team conducted in-depth research on patas monkey behavior, social dynamics, and group structure.

When the troop arrived in early October, they initially settled into a behind-the-scenes space, allowing for a gradual acclimation to their new home. During this time, their care team focused on building trust, observing social interactions, and establishing consistent daily routines. Strong relationships quickly formed over the monkeys’ favorite treats — mealworms, yams, and split peas.

The Animal Care keepers began foundational positive reinforcement training, enabling the troop to voluntarily participate in husbandry behaviors such as willingly entering crates. This training made it possible

for the veterinary team to conduct comprehensive physical examinations with minimal stress.

When the troop experienced the habitat for the first time, their response was one of confident exploration and discovery. Each monkey quickly claimed a favorite tree or rock, selecting ideal lookout points and comfort zones as they encountered Zoo guests for the first time. Curious glances, swift movements, and confident perches offered visitors a glimpse into the troop’s dynamic social structure, while the keepers observed closely to ensure the animals remained comfortable and engaged. This milestone marked a successful transition from behind-the-scenes acclimation to life on habitat — and the beginning of a meaningful new connection between the patas monkeys and our community.

Patas monkeys are adapted to the savanna and dry environments, with long limbs that enable them to run with surprising speed. Seeing these dynamic, grounddwelling primates up close and learning about their species enables guests to make meaningful connections between the arid landscapes of Southern California and the distant savannas these monkeys call home. Visitors also have the opportunity to learn about the threats these and other primates face, building empathy and inspiring action.

By bringing these unique and energetic newcomers to The Living Desert, we celebrate the collective effort — across teams, partners, and supporters — that made it possible. The arrival of patas monkeys is more than a new chapter for our Zoo — it is a powerful reflection of our shared dedication to inspiring conservation through connection.

Patas monkeys form highly social groups and adult females will collectively look after young troop members.

Here Naledi (center) stands

her daughter

Not a Pet

Remember that exotic animals, like monkeys, do not make good pets. Monkeys require specialized, complex diets and medical care — both of which can be difficult and expensive to provide. You can be a good neighbor to wildlife and share the habitat by leaving wild animal care to the experts!

Here’s how you can help!

► Be cautious of social media content that romanticizes the illegal ownership of monkeys, including images or videos of animals dressed in clothes or engaging in other unnatural behaviors. Engaging with this type of content — by liking, sharing, or commenting — can unintentionally fuel demand for trafficked animals and amplify the reach of the illegal pet trade. If you encounter these posts, choose to unfollow, unsubscribe, and report them to help limit their influence.

► The same awareness applies while traveling. If you see monkeys dressed in costumes, used as photo props, or made to perform, these are often signs of animal exploitation and trafficking. Travel responsibly by avoiding these attractions and businesses, which depend on the mistreatment of wildlife.

Every step we take to protect primates all over the world matters, and as animal ambassadors for the patas monkey, the troop here at The Living Desert will help millions of visitors understand the vital role primates play in their ecosystems and encourage guests to create a better future for all desert wildlife.

We are

DESERT DEFENDERS!

By RoxAnna Breitigan, Chief Operating Officer

THE LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS was founded 55 years ago because several champions of the desert anticipated that someday the Coachella Valley would evolve into a bustling resort town. Today, we continue that work to preserve and protect; to defend the deserts of the world and the one we call home. Whether you live here or are just visiting, you quickly understand the exceptional beauty of the desert and the way the cool night air or the warm sunny days can fill your soul.

Some may ask why deserts are important. Is it the rich biodiversity that encompasses so many unique species, or the way these resilient species adapt and thrive in harsh environments? Or is it because they are full of valuable minerals and potential for solar and wind energy? ▶

If you spend any time at all in the desert, you may have your own reason why they are important. To us, here at The Living Desert, the answer is all of it. We are here to defend it all, for all of us today and for future generations tomorrow. We are Desert Defenders!

The Living Desert invites you to join us in this movement and take action where you live, shop, eat, and explore. We are stronger together and can make a real difference with the choices we make each day, big or small.

Being a Desert Defender is at the heart of The Living Desert’s mission, representing our dedication to protecting desert ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. Through conservation, sustainability, and education, we empower individuals to take meaningful action to safeguard the desert’s future. Our goal is to strengthen our efforts by building a passionate community of advocates, amplifying our impact through collective action, and championing coexistence between people and wildlife.

We know we cannot do this by ourselves; we need everyone to join us in this exciting new conservation initiative. Through small, consistent steps, we can all be Desert Defenders — allies for wildlife, water, and wild places.

The message of Desert Defenders is that conservation is for everyone. The Desert Defender themes each have practical tips and tangible actions so everyone can help protect desert ecosystems.

Being a Desert Defender is a commitment to positive change. At The Living Desert, we are demonstrating this commitment to individual-based actions in many ways:

• Our plant sales in the fall and spring are helping people understand the importance of planting native.

• By cultivating native pollinator gardens with local schools across the Coachella Valley, we are inspiring the next generation of Desert Defenders.

• The Bighorn Cafe now offers Zoo guests more plant-based options than ever before.

• To combat illegal plant and wildlife trafficking, we are educating and mobilizing

individuals to vote for stronger wildlife protections.

• Our team members are each committed to our sustainability efforts, with 100% of staff waste being sorted into landfills, compost, or recycling.

Each one of these actions is making a positive difference for the desert environment.

The Living Desert invites you to join us in this movement and take action where you live, shop, eat, and explore. We are stronger together and can make a real difference with the choices we make each day, big or small. Whether it is the unique ocotillo, the iconic desert tortoise, the abundant sunshine, or the resilience of the harsh elements that inspire you to defend the deserts, we ask you to join us.

DESERT DEFENDERS

Join Us! Become a Desert Defender Today

PLANT NATIVE

Grow native plants in your home or business.

Native plants use less water, provide food and shelter for local wildlife, and reduce the spread of invasive species. This action also encourages avoiding chemical pesticides and transforming home gardens into thriving native habitats that support local biodiversity.

EAT LIKE A GIRAFFE

Swap one meal a week for a plant-based option.

While the phrase “Eat Like a Giraffe” is playful, its impact is powerful. Swapping even a few meals per week for plant-based options can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Supporting local farms and growing food at home further reduces packaging and transportation — healthier for both the planet and us.

DESERT DEFENDERS

SHARE THE HABITAT

Stay on trails, respect nature, and practice wildlife-friendly actions like switching to bird-safe coffee.

Sharing the habitat is a reminder that our daily habits impact the world around us. Sharing the habitat means coexisting with wildlife through respectful recreation, mindful outdoor behavior, and responsible pet ownership — ensuring our actions keep natural spaces safe for all species.

MANAGE YOUR MESS

Reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost to keep our deserts clean and healthy for generations to come.

Managing your mess means taking responsibility for what we leave behind (our trash!). Recycling, composting, and reducing single-use plastics all contribute to cleaner, healthier environments for desert wildlife and communities.

Supporter Spotlight

By Cortney Weir Senior Manager of Development

WHEN RICK WADDELL AND HIS WIFE, LESLEY HALVERSON, moved to the Coachella Valley in 2010, one of their first outings was to The Living Desert. “The Living Desert does an excellent job of involving the community in their mission,” Rick shares. A former manager at Microsoft — where he met Lesley, who worked in the corporate legal department — the couple shares a blended family of four adult children and seven grandchildren, all of whom have enjoyed memorable experiences at The Living Desert.

In 2024, Rick and Lesley, who split their time between their home in Indian Wells and a new home they are building in Prosser, Washington, made a significant gift to The Living Desert. They also became Diamond Sponsors for the 2026 Zoobilee Gala. “We are huge believers in education, and we are also very passionate about the animals, plants, and

ecosystems on our planet. Too many species have been lost to extinction, and we believe the education and conservation programs that The Living Desert provides are truly impactful,” says Rick.

When asked why The Living Desert became the center of their philanthropic focus, Lesley explained, “We believe that donating time and resources to conservation programs is crucial to the health of our planet. Many organizations exist to support the human population, but Rick and I feel strongly that someone must speak for the animals and ecosystems that cannot advocate for themselves. We don’t want to imagine a time when our grandchildren and future generations can experience the natural world only through books and films. The Living Desert is working to ensure that never happens, and we are proud to support that effort.”

WILDFILE

COATI CHALLENGE

Be part of the Coati Challenge — and give our coatis a beautiful new home!

To celebrate a new member joining The Living Desert’s band of coatis, we have launched a special fundraiser to renovate and modernize the coati habitat in honor of our Desert Guardian Society — The Living Desert’s most prestigious membership program.

Through the Coati Challenge, any Desert Guardian who upgrades their membership or makes an additional gift will directly support this exciting habitat renovation.

To make a donation or upgrade your membership level, please contact us at 760-286-7379 or Guardian@LivingDesert.org

WILDFILE

Giraffe Births

The Living Desert’s giraffe herd grew by two last September! On September 7, 2025, Vicki Lou gave birth to a female calf. Then just two weeks later, Shellie gave birth to a male calf. Kelley, the herd’s bull giraffe, is the proud papa to both.

Today the calves are growing in stature and confidence and can often be seen exploring the habitat together. As seen here, the female calf (front) most often takes the lead and the male (back) follows.

Awesome ’Possums

By Renee Barnett Animal Care Curator

MEET SALT AND PEPPER, two Virginia opossums who recently arrived from the Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Orphaned at a young age, these marsupial siblings are stepping into an important role: connecting people with one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures.

Opossums have long been part of the Zoo’s animal ambassador team because they’re the perfect mix of surprising, impactful, and unfairly underappreciated. While some folks wrinkle their noses at them, these gentle night wanderers are actually doing us — and the planet — a huge favor.

Often called “environmental engineers,” opossums spend each evening patrolling the landscape in search of food — all kinds of food. Cockroaches? They’ll take care of those. Snails? Absolutely. Mice and rats? They’re on the menu, too. They’re also reported to have an insatiable appetite for ticks and thus help reduce the spread of tick-borne illnesses, like Lyme disease.

Salt and Pepper are already charming guests with their curious sniffs, quiet nature, and irresistible

faces. They remind us that heroes don’t always wear capes — sometimes they waddle on tiny pink feet, carry their food in their mouths, and lend a hand simply by being themselves.

As Wildlife Connection ambassadors, these newcomers are helping rewrite the opossum story, one tick-eating, myth-busting moment at a time.

WILDFILE

RATS TO THE RESCUE

By Renee Barnett, Animal Care Curator

IN AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH to combating illegal wildlife trafficking, scientists in Tanzania have turned to an unexpected ally — the African giant pouched rat. Known for their extraordinary sense of smell and intelligence, these large rodents (roughly the size of a small house cat) are being trained to detect wildlife contraband hidden in shipments moving through airports and seaports such as rhino horn; giraffe hide, hair, and bone; elephant ivory; pangolin scales; and African blackwood. Building on their previous success in detecting landmines and tuberculosis, these “HeroRATs” are proving to be highly effective in identifying illegal wildlife products, offering a promising new tool in the global fight against wildlife crime.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is proud to announce a new partnership with APOPO, the organization behind the HeroRAT training program. As part of this collaboration, guests will now have the unique opportunity to experience daily HeroRAT demonstrations, bringing visitors face-to-face with

these remarkable animals. Through these interactive demonstrations, the HeroRATs play a central role in our animal connections program, helping to share the critical story of wildlife trafficking and the innovative efforts underway to stop it.

This groundbreaking project highlights not only the amazing abilities of rats but also the power of creative conservation solutions. Lightweight, quick, and highly trainable, HeroRATs offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional detection methods like sniffer dogs and X-ray technology. Their work is helping to disrupt trafficking networks and protect some of the world’s most endangered species.

By showcasing the incredible work of HeroRATs, we hope to inspire guests to become Desert Defenders — champions for wildlife who carry the message forward and help create a future where all species can thrive.

Visit LivingDesert.org/Visit for the latest schedule of Keeper Connections to plan when you can meet these mighty heroes!

AFTER VISITING PALM SPRINGS for the first time in January 2020, Steve and Mary Moore fell in love with the area and kept returning for extended stays. They are now part-time Coachella Valley residents, splitting their time between homes in the desert and St. Louis, Missouri.

“What an escape from St. Louis to wake up in the morning and see palm trees, mountains, and sun,” Mary shares. Not wanting to leave their kitten behind on longer vacations, they began looking for property here to call their own. In 2024 they found a place in Palm Desert, not too far from the Zoo.

When they are not strolling around the Zoo during Walking Club, the Moores participate in many of the Valley’s unique activities. They enjoy the local farmer’s markets and culinary scene, which has allowed them the opportunity to meet many people and forge new relationships. The Valley’s rich culture and history provide ample opportunity to engage in another of the couple’s favorite pastimes: local museums and historical tours. Through their personal garden, which Steve tends, the couple are great representatives of our new Desert Defender actions by eating locally grown and raised food.

For this couple, The Living Desert is just another part of their everyday life when in the Valley.

What inspired you to become a Zoo member?

Obviously, membership is a bargain for a regular user. We joined the members’ Walking Club. We are particularly impressed by the knowledge and friendliness of the volunteers.

Membership Moment

How often do you visit, and do you have a must-see stop every time?

We come for the walking group twice a week and also often on a weekend day. We love the bobcats, who are most entertaining. Another favorite spot is the Giraffe Savanna, where we first met Daniel as a young calf. Now that he has grown up, he has moved to the Saint Louis Zoo, and we love that we can visit him there!

Do you have a special Zoo experience or fond memory you will never forget?

Learning about the feeding schedule for the animals and seeing the live feeding of the painted dogs. We also liked going to the special event, Wine and

Whiskey with the Wallabies. At Coffee and Conservation, Gana Wingard, Curator of Conservation –Mongolia was inspirational speaking about the preservation of species, like the cinereous vultures.

How has the Zoo experience inspired your curiosity or interest?

It has made us more aware of the various factors affecting the survival of species and the necessity of their conservation.

What would you tell someone who’s thinking about becoming a Zoo member?

It is well worth it on so many levels. You meet interesting people, learn about desert habitats, and get to know the animals and the friendly, informative volunteers — all while having a great time.

Safeguarding Seedlings:

The Zoo’s New

Conservation Greenhouse

By Sean Deighan, Assistant Conservation Botanist, Shane Bogner, Coordinator of Conservation Biology, & Dr. James Danoff-Burg, Vice President of Conservation

AT FIRST GLANCE, the Coachella Valley can seem like a landscape of extremes, where seeds must be capable of withstanding scorching heat with minimal water in order to grow. But behind every healthy desert plant is an intricate story of germination, timing, and adaptation. With the addition of The Living Desert’s new Conservation Greenhouse, we’re able to protect young native plants by easing their journey from seeds to thriving, outdoor-ready plants.

Desert plants exhibit a wide range of germination requirements. Some need months of cold exposure (or “stratification”) before they crack their seed coat; others demand heat and humidity mimicking a

summer monsoon; still others require scraping or “scarification” (weakening or breaking a seed’s coat to coax germination), or precise moisture cycles that can give even the most skilled propagator a headache.

Our new Conservation Greenhouse is focused solely on propagating plants that will be transplanted in natural areas across Southern California. Inside the greenhouse, native plant species are allowed to flourish in a controlled environment designed to mimic the desert’s unique environmental conditions. Sensors track temperature and humidity in real time, and we have technology that allows us to control heat, moisture, and ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

Seeds begin their journey in a variety of different pots or flats, depending on their species-specific preferences. From there, they’re allowed to grow at their own pace. For some, this is a relatively quick process. Others can take months or even years to reach reproductive maturity. When at last they do, our plants transition to open-air “hardening zones.” At this stage, we gently introduce the plants to fluctuating temperatures, water scarcity, and shifting sun intensity. The goal isn’t just to grow plants, but to prepare them for the realities of desert life.

When established plants are eventually moved out of the

Our new Conservation Greenhouse is focused solely on propagating plants that will be transplanted in natural areas across Southern California.

greenhouse into a temporary location to get them used to our dry, hot desert air, they are placed into protected plots where they are monitored for vigor, drought tolerance, and pollinator interaction. Many will eventually be replanted in restoration sites across the California desert region or in urban pollinator gardens throughout the Coachella Valley. Others will provide seed stock for future conservation work, ensuring that native populations remain genetically diverse and resilient.

We are glad to join with our many other partners dedicated to protecting and restoring the unique plants and ecosystems of

our arid home, including the Bureau of Land Management, Coachella Valley Conservation Commission, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as a dozen local land conservancies. Before the new Conservation Greenhouse, we routinely lost huge numbers of plants to heat and exposure, losses that will no longer happen! We would like to thank all our native plant-loving partners, especially our generous grantors at the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, whose contribution made our Conservation Greenhouse possible and will enable us to conserve desert natives on an even greater scale.

Spring Blooms at the Zoo

By Arian Noorzai, Gardens Curator

IN THE DESERT , the vernal season springs to life with all sorts of fascinating flora. The horticultural stage transforms from neutral beiges and tans into a vibrant display of life, as some of our favorite botanical denizens put on their spring best. Take a stroll, and return again and again throughout the season, to fully experience the ever-changing bounty of the Zoo’s gardens.

Our first stop is the Tribute Garden, where butterflies are bound to be seen flitting about the blooming plants. Within these winding paths you can find Parry’s beardtongue (Penstemon parryi). This Sonoran native has stunning pink flowers that rise up from the ground on stalks, called pedicels. Did you know? You can honor a loved one or celebrate a joyful occasion with a commemoration in the Tribute Garden. Visit LivingDesert.org/Support to learn more.

Just a short walk away in the Chihuahuan Garden, one can expect to find Texas bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis) in bloom. These plants are annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one season — so see them while you can! Collection Gardener Olivia Cebreros caringly sowed bluebonnet seeds during the recent rainy season. If they survive the eager teeth of our local rabbits, these striking blue flowers should be quite a jovial sight.

In the Wild Americas section of the Zoo, ocotillos around our Baja Garden bloom during the late spring and continue into summer. Fouquieria splendens is a well-known representative of this plant family and features bright crimson flowers at the top of their waxy whip-like stems. The common name ocotillo comes from the Nahuatl word “ocotl,” meaning torch, a reference to these scarlet blooms.

Just across from our carousel, one can anticipate all sorts of regional forbs to pop up in our wildflower berm. Its name may sound like a financial magazine, but in botanical science, a “forb” is a broadleafed flowering plant whose stem never turns woody. These plants are zealous contributors to biodiversity and are essential for supporting pollinators with nectar and pollen. Stunning orange swaths of California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) are set to adorn the desert floor in this garden, intermingling with purple owl’s clover (Castilleja exserta), a personal favorite of mine.

A little further up the path leads to our bighorn habitat and garden, which features many plants that these amazing animals would eat out in their natural habitat. You may also find the beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris), which is native to our region and reliably blooms in the spring with a brilliant magenta flower. These prickly pears might not be the first choice for a hungry bighorn, but they haven’t escaped taste tests from the sheep!

Our last stop takes us to our wonderful Nature Trail, where the smoketree (Psorothamnus spinosus) resides alongside other native plants. This iconic desert tree is actually a member of the pea family. It has the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by plants and plays a vital role in enhancing soil fertility. It is particularly beneficial to native bees, its primary pollinators. Standing as a herald of the heat, multitudes of clustered purple flowers ornament the otherwise wispy branches as spring passes once again, giving way to summer.

A New Volunteer Program Desert Pathways:

By Zoe Bearse, Volunteer Coordinator

VOLUNTEERS have played an essential role in The Living Desert since our founding in 1970. From guest relations and interpretation to animal care, conservation, and office support, they can be found yearround in almost every department.

Over the years, we have expanded our volunteer community to better reflect the diversity of the Coachella Valley. One of our newest initiatives focuses on ensuring that adults with accessibility and accommodation needs have meaningful opportunities

to contribute their time, talents, and passion to The Living Desert. In response to the growing demand for supportive spaces, the Desert Pathways Program was established.

Desert Pathways is designed for adults who may benefit from additional accommodation or individualized approaches. Its purpose is to ensure that every volunteer, regardless of need, can fully participate and thrive as part of The Living Desert community.

One of our valued Desert Pathways volunteers who makes this program possible is Mathew, who joined the team in October 2022. An adult with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome, Mathew approaches every shift with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a determination that inspires everyone around him. He has become a valued presence at the Goat Kraal, the Discovery Center, and now the Wildlife Hospital, where he engages guests, supports his fellow volunteers, and takes on new responsibilities with confidence.

When challenges arise, Mathew takes a moment, resets, and comes back stronger — showing resilience and heart, qualities that make our team better every day.

By opening doors for every individual to contribute in meaningful ways, we are strengthening both our mission and our connection to the community. As Desert Pathways blossoms, we look forward to welcoming new voices, talents, and perspectives that will help shape the future of volunteering at The Living Desert.

“As Mathew’s life skills coach, I’m grateful

for the opportunity to support him as he serves his community. Volunteering at The Living Desert has been a meaningful experience for him. It has helped him practice social skills, build confidence interacting with guests, and learn more about animals which genuinely interests him.”

— ERIKA, MATHEW’S COACH

Desert Pathways offers support tailored to each volunteer:

A one-on-one onboarding process customizes training, tasks, and learning to the individual’s strengths and interests.

Volunteers have the ability to work alongside their own coaches and mentors while on site.

Flexible scheduling options, including shorter or modified shifts, make volunteering more accessible to more people.

Open communication among volunteers, coaches, caregivers, and partner organizations ensures emerging needs are met, fostering a truly inclusive and supportive environment.

the Planting Seeds

AT THE LIVING DESERT , conservation isn’t just about protecting wildlife — it’s about inspiring people to become advocates for nature. Through a variety of initiatives, we are working to empower young people to see themselves as the next generation of conservation leaders.

Building the Next Generation of Desert Defenders

By Dr. Anna Young, Vice President of Learning and Engagement

THE LIVING DESERT has partnered with the Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) to create hands-on learning opportunities that merge education with impact. Through Career Technical Education programs, CVUSD students combine classroom learning with real-world experiences that prepare them for purpose-driven careers. One example is Desert Mirage

High School’s Green Academy, which focuses on sustainability and environmental science, helping students turn their passion for the planet into professional pathways.

Last year, Green Academy students participated in a 20-week jobshadowing program alongside the Zoo’s Sustainability and Behavior Change team. Together, staff and students dug into real-world projects like compost management and waste audits — work that connects directly to creating a more sustainable future. They showcased their findings in a presentation at the mid-year conference of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, demonstrating the power of collaboration between students and conservation professionals.

Building on that success, the Zoo partnered with Storyliving by Disney to launch the Desert Defender Career Exploration Camp, an immersive one-day camp designed to give students a behindthe-scenes look at the wide range of careers that make conservation happen. From animal care to horticulture, guest engagement to marketing, students discovered that saving wildlife takes a full team of passionate people. They also met Disney scientists who shared their own career journeys. Students were empowered to see themselves as Desert Defenders: young changemakers who understand how their talents and choices can shape a better future for the desert and beyond.

We’ve expanded the Green Academy job-shadowing experience this year, giving students the opportunity to learn about native planting and habitat care alongside our expert Gardens team. Together, we’re growing more than plants — we’re cultivating the next generation of conservation leaders.

Empowering Indigenous Voices

By Katie Shaw Conservation Social Scientist

IN PARTNERSHIP with the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, The Living Desert has extended its Youth Environmental Ambassador (YEA) program for a third year, thanks to ongoing support from the California Natural Resources Agency through California Proposition 64 and the Heimark Foundation. The YEA program aims to develop future conservation leaders in part by reconnecting youth with their ancestral land. YEA participants visit regional nature sites (including overnight camping trips) and take part in local conservation projects.

The Zoo also completed the second year of the Native American Conservation Workforce Development (NACWD) program, which aims to enhance career opportunities for local Tribal members. A generous grant from the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy (CVMC) Climate Resilience and Community Access Grant program enabled

Firsthand experiences in nature can reconnect youth with their ancestral land — and spark a commitment to its conservation.

the NACWD program to provide 9-month paid conservation workforce trainings.

Now, with ongoing support from CVMC, NACWD has transitioned into a 6-month paid internship program for NACWD and YEA graduates. Eight new internship positions were created at The Living Desert to provide in-depth training and hands-on experience, further developing conservation job skills. We currently have three interns working on developing a Youth Environmental Ambassador Program with the Soboba Tribe, creating a native plant garden at the Torres Martinez Senior Center, and conducting plant surveys to inform desert tortoise conservation.

The field of conservation urgently needs more Indigenous voices. Lasting conservation success is only possible when people from every community are empowered as ambassadors, advocates, and leaders. Through programs like YEA and NACWD, we are fostering an ethic of land stewardship among the next generation — and helping to bring Indigenous perspectives to local conservation projects.

Surprising Desert Pollinators and Seed Spreaders

By Mike Barnes, Director of Animal Care and Health

WHEN PEOPLE ENVISION desert pollinators, they usually think of bees flying into cactus blooms or butterflies fluttering between wildflowers. But, while bees and butterflies get all the buzz, other hardworking plant propagators are often overlooked. These less-celebrated species, large and small, are just as important in maintaining thriving desert ecosystems.

Surprising Pollinators

Long-Nosed Bats

These nectar-feeding bats hover over blooming agaves and saguaro cacti, dusting their faces with pollen just as — and often more effectively than — bees do.

Pollinators and seed spreaders are two types of plant propagators — organisms that help plants create new plant life.

Beetles

Many desert shrubs depend on beetles climbing across and through their flowers to spread their pollen far and wide.

Ants

Often seen as more of a nuisance than a helper, ants are small but mighty pollinators. They are often the only insects able to penetrate the dense foliage that may surround low-growing flowers.

Seed Spreaders

Coyotes

Larger animals rarely get recognition for the role they play in plant propagation. Coyotes will eat fruit from the prickly pear or desert hackberry and then deposit the seeds miles away in a nutrient-rich package (their scat!).

Bighorn Sheep

While bighorn sheep are browsing on shrubs, they pick up sticky seeds in their fur, often carrying these hitchhikers several mountain ridges away to start new life.

EVENTS CALENDAR SPRING 2026

ONGOING

Me & You at the Zoo

Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:30–10:30 a.m.

This interactive, parent participation program is 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!

Happy Hour

Mondays through Thursdays, 3–4:30 p.m.

Join us at Bighorn Cafe for exciting Happy Hour appetizers and 50% off the entire bar menu! Access is included with your membership or paid park admission; food and beverages are an additional fee.

Walking Club

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8–9:30 a.m.

Lace up and set off on an exciting, members-only walking adventure at The Living Desert! During this 2-mile journey, you’ll uncover fun Zoo facts and trade your favorite wildlife stories. Afterwards, refuel with a complimentary iced tea and coffee at Bighorn Cafe.

Coffee and Conservation

First Saturday of each month through May, 9–10 a.m.

At this members event, you’ll hear firsthand stories about conservation projects and infield adventures from the teams leading the charge — while enjoying a complimentary coffee and pastry!

Yoga at the Zoo

Select Saturdays through May, 9–10 a.m.

Zoo members are invited to join us throughout the spring for a relaxing group yoga session. No pre-registration required, all yoga experience levels are welcomed.

FEBRUARY –APRIL

Mission: Pollination!

Now through April 30

events.

Pollinators are responsible for producing one-third of the food we eat, and we are enlisting you to join our mission to celebrate and protect these incredible species!

This brand-new experience features an interactive educational maze, largerthan-life pollinator sculptures, and engaging activities for all ages. This immersive experience highlights the vital role pollinators play in sustaining ecosystems all over the world.

Mission: Pollination! is included with your membership or paid park admission.

Wild at Heart: ZooCamp for Adults

Select Fridays, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

February 20

March 20 – SOLD OUT

April 17

The Living Desert is thrilled to offer ZooCamp for the young and wild at heart. Participants will explore the amazing world of wildlife like never before! Registration is now open; visit LivingDesert.org/ZooCamp to learn more.

2026 Zoobilee Gala

February 28 – SOLD OUT

This swanky soiree is The Living Desert’s premier fundraising event! Your support allows the Zoo to continue our mission of desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation. Visit LivingDesert.org/Gala for more information.

EVENTS CALENDAR

SPRING 2026

ZooTeen Applications Open

March 1–April 10

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.

Xerophilous: A Desert

Botanical Festival

March 28

Xerophilous plants are adapted to hot, arid climates. Celebrate the Zoo’s 1,000+ plant species and 52 gardens at this fabulous festival of desert flora! Guests can purchase California native plants, attend intimate talks with botanical professionals, and tour gardens with the experts. To learn more visit LivingDesert.org/Events.

Travel with The Living Desert

Adventurers wanted! Explore the world’s wild places with The Living Desert through exclusive travel experiences led by senior staff and local guides. Learn about the remarkable species you will see along your journey, and the conservation efforts to protect them and their habitat. Each trip is hosted by knowledgeable experts and limited to only 16 travelers, making every excursion intimate and informative.

NEW: Baja California, Mexico has been added to our schedule. There’s still time to join us. Visit LivingDesert.org/Travel or scan code to learn more.

Spring ZooCamp

April 3, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (K-6)

April 6, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (K-6)

April 21–23, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (K-3)

Spring is the perfect time for young explorers to connect with nature! Our Spring ZooCamp invites kids to learn through hands-on activities, up-close animal experiences, and creative projects inspired by the natural world. Whether joining us for a one-day camp or a multi-day experience, campers will enjoy an engaging and memorable spring adventure. Book your child's space today at LivingDesert.org/ZooCamp.

Kids The Fastest!

The Living Desert is home to three of the world’s FASTEST animals! Trace the path to the center of the maze to help each animal reach the finish line.

PATAS MONKEY

Erythrocebus patas

The Fastest Primate on Earth!

They can run over 34 miles per hour! Patas monkeys rely on their speed to hunt for food and water and to escape predators.

PENINSULAR PRONGHORN

Antilocapra americana

The Fastest Land Animal in North America! They can run at speeds of 40 to 60 mph for long periods of time, a useful adaptation that allows them to evade predators.

CHEETAH

Acinonyx jubatus

The Fastest Land Animal on Earth!

While running as fast as 70 mph, the cheetah’s flat-shaped tail acts like the rudder of a boat, allowing swift turns midair with superior steering and balance.

Solution: