WINTER/SPRING 2018

T H E L I V I N G D E S E R T P A L M D E S E R T / I N D I A N W E L L S

YEARof the GIRAFFE

One of the inspiring things about The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is that it is always improving as we look for the best ways to engage with our members and guests and tell encouraging stories about protecting threatened desert animals and habitats.

As we celebrate the Year of the Giraffe, improvements have been made to the Giraffe Savannah to help us share the increasing peril these amazing animals are facing in the wild. A new Tanzanian school house will serve as a venue for telling the conservation story as seen through the eyes of a school child from that country. A new Giraffe Care and Conservation Center will allow guests to see what goes into caring for the world’s tallest animal and the role The Living Desert plays in protecting these animals with projects in Namibia, Tanzania and Uganda.

If getting close to animals is something you enjoy, then our new Lorikeets: Winged Wonders experience is just for you. This walk-thru aviary is filled with brilliant green, blue and red patterned parrots who are specialized nectar feeders. The lorikeets eagerly await your visit and the chance to fly down to your hand and use their specialized brush-like tongues to slurp up a little flowery treat from a small nectar cup.

The view from my office window changes every day as the construction crews move at a rapid pace to complete our new Crossroads of Conservation entry facility. The concrete building foundations and steel infrastructure are in place as the new buildings rise and take shape. By this time next year, our former and much smaller park entrance will be transitioned to a new facility that will allow us to provide better customer service and a more welcoming guest experience.

Although we have our own remarkable stories to tell about animal conservation, we like to showcase our partners from distinct parts of the world to share their experiences, as we did with our recent Desert Conservation Speaker Series. On successive weekends, the audience listened to exciting narratives on how to move a group of giraffes across the Nile river, the role guard dogs can play in protecting cheetahs in Namibia or the plans to reintroduce the Scimitar Horned Oryx (extinct in the wild) to a part of its historic range.

At The Living Desert, we will continue to showcase our commitment to conservation and to educate how all of us can make the world a better place for the plants and animals that we share on this planet. Every time you visit The Living Desert, you help us protect threatened and endangered species.

Thank you for your support,

Chairman: Larry Spicer*Treasurer: Bill Appel*Secretary: Mary O. Cone*President/CEO & Assistant Secretary: Allen Monroe*

President Emerita Karen Sausman Trustee Emeritus/Emerita Curt Ealy Miriam U. Hoover Sherman A. Smith

Legal Counsel Brian S. Harnik Roemer & Harnik, LLP

Advisory Council City of Indian Wells – Mayor Richard Balocco City of Palm Desert – Mayor Pro-Tem Sabby Jonathon Coachella Valley Water District – Jim Barrett & Anthony Bianco Wayne Connor Associates – Wayne Connor Greater Palm Springs CVB – Scott White & Davis Meyer Bill PowersJudy Vossler Carol Wright

On the cover Animals: Giraffes

Foxpaws editorial staff Project Manager: Erin Scott Contributors: Cynthia Buckner, Wendy Enright, Eileen Gill, May Guzman, Jan Hawkins, Christine Janson, Kathy Lambert, Allen Monroe, Dawn Petrick, Angela Woods, Mike Chedester, Michelle Moe, Larson Ankeny, Emily Ojeda Design: Mark Duebner Design

Peggy BernthalSusan E. Cooper*Marylynn GladsteinHarry M. Goldstein*Patti Grundhofer*Candace HolzgrafeH. Earl Hoover IISuz HuntSis Jackson*Michael Kiner*Janet Lanterman*

JoAnn McGrathPeter ScheerDick Shalhoub*Bill Simpkins*BJ Skilling*Phillip K. Smith, Jr.Roger Snoble*Mary Lou Solomon*Sam Spinello*Van TannerSandra Cooper Woodson*

Ex-Officio – Carla Sullivan-Dilley, Volunteer Council

BOARD OF TRUSTEES, 2017/2018

*Board of Directors

IN THIS ISSUE

1

1

2

4

6

8

10

11

12

14

15

16

17

WHAT’S NEW AT THE ZOO

THE LIVING DESERT SUPPORTSENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATIONIN TANZANIA

CARING FOR THE LIVING DESERT’S GENTLE GIANTS

CROSSROADS OF CONSERVATION – JANUARY 2018 UPDATE

OUR TOWER OF GIRAFFES:GET TO KNOW OUR HERD

CONSERVATION CONNECTIONS

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

ANIMAL UPDATE

ZOO NEWS

WILD FILE

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT OF THE LIVING DESERT

WINTER/SPRING 2018 CALENDAR

Allen Monroe, President/CEO

WHAT’S NEW AT THE

ZOO

While in Tanzania, our hosts Monica Bond, wildlife biologist, biodiversity activist and principal scientist of the Wild Nature Institute, and Derek Lee, founder of the Wild Nature Institute, highlighted schools and facilitated visits with students and teachers participating in and using the giraffe conservation curriculum. I visited five schools to see the curriculum in action and had the chance to interact with students and ask questions about their knowledge of giraffe and other mega-herbivores in Tanzania. I was delighted to learn that the teacher training we supported paid off – the students were well-versed in giraffe topics and presented a program on giraffe ecology and conservation – which made us all very proud. You can see this curriculum, both in English and Kiswahili, in our replica Tanzanian Schoolhouse, built at our giraffe savannah for Year of the Giraffe. The Living Desert’s conservation ambassadors will share daily chalkboard lessons and activities related to giraffe conservation in the schoolhouse. Guests are encouraged to visit and learn about the wonderfully unique features of giraffe and how you can help save them.

Education is an essential component of The Living Desert’s mission, and we are thrilled to be able to support education programs around the world, like Wild Nature Institute’s mobile education outreach program in Tanzania. Through creative education curriculum, we’re able to inspire and instill empathy in children about wild animals and wild places, reaching over 5,000 schoolchildren each year. As a member of The Living Desert, you can be proud of the conservations efforts here at The Living Desert and abroad to help save the giraffe from extinction.

32

There are a multitude of ways The Living Desert is celebrating and engaging with our Year of the Giraffe initiative and we are working to highlight our giraffe conservation efforts in many ways. On October 1st, we welcomed over 1,500 members and guests to The Living Desert for our official Year of the Giraffe Launch Party. Zoo staff and volunteers worked to spread awareness about the plight of the giraffe and highlight the important work The Living Desert and our conservation partners around the world are undertaking to save this majestic animal. The day was filled with activities promoting giraffe conservation, including our “Giraffe Spot Challenge,” which included learning activities about giraffe ecology and conservation efforts. The Living Desert also highlighted the care and wellness efforts we employ here to keep our giraffe healthy and active while in our care. We also welcomed David Brown, conservation geneticist and Wild Nature Institute representative, to share his knowledge and experiences about giraffe research and environmental education efforts in Africa supported by The Living Desert.

In September, I had the opportunity to travel to Tanzania to experience The Living Desert’s support of the Wild Nature Institute first-hand. As one of the Year of the Giraffe focus projects, The Living Desert financially contributed to an innovative environmental education program for classrooms in Tarangire and Manyara National Parks in Tanzania.

THE LIVING DESERT SUPPORTS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN TANZANIA

WILD NATURE INSTITUTEJuma the Giraffe Juma the Giraffe is the second installment in a series of educational materials that teach ecological and social lessons, build national pride in Tanzanian wildlife and motivate children to learn about the natural world. Juma the Giraffe is a story about how every individual is unique and special, both on the inside and the outside.

Project GIRAffe The Wild Nature Institute’s Project GIRAffe Facing Fragmentation Effects is working to understand how natural and human environmental factors affect giraffe demographics and populations across a landscape that humans are further fragmenting wildlife habitats.

BY MIKE CHEDESTER DIRECTOR OF EDUCATIONTHE LIVING DESERT

Secondary school Assembly presentation

Tanzanian students receiving school books

Masai Giraffe Research Through the use of pattern recognition technology, The Wild Nature Institute is monitoring more than 3,000 individual giraffe across a 4,000 sq km area. The technology recognizes each individual giraffe’s fur pattern. This is the largest giraffe research study ever undertaken and one of the biggest large mammal demography studies in history.

Volunteer Karen Nelson reading Juma the Giraffe book on YOTG launch party.

Mr. Chedester with the Environmental Club Students from Tangire Ranch school outside of Arusha.

Giraffe Poster provided by The Living Desert

As part of the Year of the Giraffe initiative, a formerly unused portion of the giraffe habitat has been redesigned to allow for the animal care team animal keepers to highlight this incredible giraffe training and wellness initiative in a public way. At the new Giraffe Conservation and Care Center, guests will have the opportunity to observe keepers train and work with the giraffe herd in an entirely new way. In addition to hoof care, guests may also observe a giraffe stepping on a scale, x-ray procedures, injection training for vaccinations or blood draws, and/or facial checks. By showcasing the level of care our animals receive and fostering close interactions with the animals, we’re able to continue to raise awareness about the conservation crisis facing these gentle giants of Africa.

The Living Desert is also committed to the continued professional development of the animal care staff. The Zoo regularly sends staff to conferences and workshops that will help build upon their knowledge base so the quality of care can continually improve. Recently, one of the giraffe animal keepers, Ashley, attended a giraffe care workshop, which gave her the opportunity to network with other giraffe care professionals from all over the country, learn new advances in healthcare and hear about the important conservation field work being done. When asked about attending, Ashley recalled, “I was able to gain hands on experience in hoof care and giraffe training concepts that will help me contribute to our current training program at The Living Desert and will allow us to continue to make significant advances in our giraffe herd health.” The Living Desert’ animal care staff are a committed team who work tirelessly in the heat of the summer to the chilly days of the winter to provide the highest level of care for the animals. They are enthusiastic and engaged every day and work routinely to improve the care of the animals and share their important stories with guests.

The giraffe care team is no exception and has the unique job of caring for The Living Desert’s largest animals. These keepers do not let the size of these gentle giants intimidate them and they work diligently to form strong relationships with the animals, which allows them to train the herd. All training at The Living Desert is through what is known as ‘positive reinforcement training’. This type of training uses a cue (asking the animal for a behavior,) a bridge (telling the animal it did what was asked) and a reinforcer (a reward item, typically a favorite food item). Positive reinforcement training allows the animal to voluntarily participate – the animal determines if and when they will participate in a training session. For all of the zoo’s animals, including the giraffe herd, the goal is for the herd to voluntarily participate in their own healthcare, including hoof care, through this positive reinforcement training.

The Living Desert’s animal care staff consists of dedicated, passionate experts that apply their years of experience to ensuring the best possible well-being for the animals in their care every day. The staff’s specialized education, training and experience enables them to give the highest quality care to all of our animals. Animal care staff, also known as animal keepers, are well-rounded and versatile in many aspects in their role as the primary care takers of these amazing, wild animals. The specialized knowledge they possess includes topics such as the natural history of the species, natural behaviors, nutritional needs and habitat design. They are also efficient in positive reinforcement training, creative in their enrichment ideas and artful in public speaking skills.

44

CARING FOR THE LIVING DESERT’S

GENTLE GIANTSBY ROXANNA BREITIGAN DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL PROGRAMS THE LIVING DESERT

5

For giraffe, hoof care is very important. On the savannahs of Africa, giraffe can walk miles to find a food source. The Living Desert’s herd does not have to travel quite as far for their food, so it is up to the animal care staff to ensure the giraffes’ hooves stay healthy. You can think of it as a routine pedicure for the giraffe. The hoof care training sessions begin with a keeper asking the giraffe to place their hoof on a block, which allows the keeper to visually inspect each hoof and trim as needed. This proactive hoof care process ensures that the giraffes are at their optimum wellness.

If you’ve visited The Living Desert recently, you’ve seen the steel beams and wood framing rising steadily in the middle of the main parking area. Come next October, it will have a 30-foot-high tower aligned with Eisenhower Mountain, and will welcome visitors into the heart of the park.

The Grundhofer Entrance Plaza will feature convenient and accessible drop-off points, a designated Members’ Services booth, new admissions ticketing desks, automated ticketing kiosks, and an interior plaza that will welcome the ever-increasing number of guests flocking to The Living Desert each year.

The Grundhofer Entrance Plaza will open officially in October 2018, but as construction continues apace, we anticipate the Plaza will be ready for testing with a “soft opening” in the summer of 2018.

To learn more about The Living Desert’s plans for the future and to find out how you might support it, contact the Development Office at (760) 340-5865 or email thepride@livingdesert.org.

JANUARY 2018 UPDATE

CROSSROADS OF CONSERVATIONC e l e b r a t i n g Ye a r s o f Z O O B I L E E !

SA T URDAY, MARCH 3 , 20 1 8

5 : 3 0 PM COCK T A I L S& S I L E N T AUC T I O N

7 PM D I N N ER

DR ESS : SA F AR I CH I C

T I C K E T S : $ 500

T H A N K YO U T O O U R 2 0 1 8 G A L A C O M M I T T E E

HONORARY CHAIRPERSONSJoy & Harry Goldstein

Patti & Jack GrundhoferJoAnn McGrath

CO-CHAIRSBarbara SpencerNancy Stegehuis

DIAMOND SPONSORJoAnn McGrath

PLATINUM SPONSORSJoy & Harry Goldstein

Candace & Jon HolzgrafeHarold Matzner

GOLD SPONSORBJ & Van Skilling

BRONZE SPONSORSSusan & Bill AppelKit & Roger Snoble

Barbara & Stuart Spencer

For table sponsorships & event underwriting opportunities, please contact:Greg Murphy, Special Events Gift Officer at gmurphy@livingdesert.org or 760.346.9584

6

98

OUR TOWER OF GIRAFFESGET TO KNOW OUR HERD

SHELLIEBorn Aug 27, 2017

Female 5’11” 143lbs

Offspring of Hesabu and Dadisi

TWIGA Swahili for “Giraffe”

Born January 20, 2016

Male 5’7” at birth

Weighed 130 lb at birth

Has a white “+” on chest

Offspring of Hesabu and Dadisi

AYO Nigerian for “Happiness”

Born July 2, 2015

Male 5’6” at birth

Weighed 150.7 lb at birth

More reddish in color than the other males

Offspring of Hesabu and Tuli

HAROLDBorn April 28, 2017

Male 6’3” at birth

Weighed 186 lb at birth

Offspring of Hesabu and Tuli

KOPANO Born October 14, 2014 at Dallas Zoo

Thinner, more narrow face

Two full oval patches on chest

Adopted by our herd from the Dallas Zoo

DADISI Swahili for “She Brings Joy”

Born February 8, 2001 at the Oakland Zoo

Female

Smallest of adults

Dark spot on right inner thigh

HESABU Swahili for “Arithmetic”

Born March 30, 2001 at the San Diego Wild Animal Park

Breeding male

Darker in color of the adult males

“Lumpy” ossicones

Half-brother of Pona

TULI A city in Ethiopia

Born April 14, 2011 at the San Diego Wild Animal Park

Female

Lighter and more reddish in color of the adult females

Conservation is a practice. Restoring habitat, managing a breeding program, designing reproductive technologies for endangered species and crafting community education programs are all practices of conservation – and they are also practices of STEAM.

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) encompasses an educational philosophy that emphasizes these high skill and knowledge disciplines. For effective conservation to be possible, STEAM professionals are required. These professionals are not born from advanced degrees, but rather get their spark from impactful experiences, especially in childhood. No significant learning happens without significant experiences. Those memories of playing in the dirt to learn how plants grow, throwing paper airplanes to mimic the physics of bird flight and making colorful drawings of animals and their adaptations have a lifelong impact of inspiring children to pursue careers in STEAM and promote conservation behaviors. These memories and more are fostered in our educational programming.

Starting as early as toddlers, our Me & You at the Zoo and Me & You in the Garden free member programs encourage young children to explore the world around them with their caregivers. Featuring specially selected manipulatives, animal encounters and a chance to plant seedlings (and get dirty!) in our special outdoor garden space, we see these faces light up with new discoveries at every session!

CONSERVATION CONNECTIONSBY MICHELLE MOE & LARSON ANKENY

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY!We love to share with the world our amazing animals, beautiful gardens, special promotions, and more! Be the first to know our latest happenings and connect with us on social media. We love hearing from you too! Share your photos and experiences while you’re at The Living Desert. Tag us or use #thelivingdesert, and you may see your photo in the next issue of foxpaws!

We can’t wait to hear from you!1110

With our School Field Trip programs, we interact with tens of thousands of Southern California students that come through our gates every year. There is no better place to experience desert animals and plants. Teachers are provided with thought provoking pre- and post-visit materials, as well as field trip worksheets aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards and a STEM based scavenger hunt – all designed to encourage thought and further actions.

With our ZooCamp programs, we introduce the concepts of food chains, endangered species, adaptations, habitats, ecology, and more – all in an atmosphere of fun and discovery! ZooCampers come to appreciate the complex and beautiful interconnectedness of nature, and how each new discovery leads to more questions to be fathomed and problems to be solved.

New this season, we’re bringing ZooCamp parents into the picture, with our monthly Family STEAM workshops. These engaging two hour programs have families working together at interactive stations that will fascinate, educate and inspire.

Many of these programs include the assistance of teenagers in the ZooTeen volunteer program – some of them started out with us as ZooCampers, themselves! These young professionals are the future of conservation and with STEAM education will be prepared to make informed decisions and be outstanding agents of conservation.

1312

ANIMAL UPDATE

While many people are taking it easy during the heat of summer in the desert, The Living Desert staff and animals stay busy. One of those busy places was the African wild dog habitat. Staff took advantage of the opportunity to make some renovations for the newest arrivals and for the guests. On the guest side of things, new viewing opportunities were expanded to allow for observing the African wild dogs in new ways. On the dogs’ side of things, the habitat’s topography was changed to give the dogs more usable space, a new pond filter was installed, new grasses were planted and a training panel was installed for the keepers to use at the front of the habitat. The training panel allows the keepers to do positive reinforcement

training at the glass viewing window while guests can observe and sometimes even participate. Behind the scenes, a second yard was renovated, replanted and an additional set of enclosures were added. All of these renovations were completed in time to welcome two young female dogs to The Living Desert, Beatrix and Marble. The females will soon be joined by two young males and the four of them will establish a new pack, as recommended by the Species Survival Plan (SSP) overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The addition of new areas and animals will allow a new breeding group to be established and make room for future African wild dog pups. These future generations of pups will not only help ensure these animals will be around for future generations, but will also act as ambassadors for their species inspiring zoo guests and others to help keep these amazing animals from extinction.

Don’t hide your head in the grass or you might miss the newest additions to the African savannah at The Living Desert. While you are watching the giraffe and greater kudu roam, you may see or hear the newest additions to the savannah habitat. Pisa, the resident ostrich, has two new roommates – two young females have been added to the flock, so keep an eye out for them on your next visit. Ostrich are not typically very noisy, but you may hear some unusual calls from the savannah from the new helmeted guineafowl who have also taken up residence in this multi-species habitat. One can usually hear them before you see them, so be listening for the ruckus from this flock of twenty that are often called the alarm callers of Africa.

14

ZOONEWSLorikeets: Winged Wonders Now Flying! Experience a free-flying colorful spectacle

at our new Lorikeets: Winged Wonders exhibit. Roam alongside more than 60 lorikeets and lories in our 2,500 sq. feet aviary that features a variety of perches, trees and bushes. This new aviary allows guests to interact directly with the lorikeets as they observe their natural behaviors while they fly freely with the chance to feed

them with the purchase of a nectar cup: let them come to you!

The aviary is open daily, weather permitting, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Entrance to the aviary is $2 for members and $3 for non-members and allows all day access. Guests are encouraged to feed the lorikeets with the purchase of a nectar cup for $3 per feeding cup.

Jeffrey Woodyard The Future of Conservation It was over a year ago now that we all got the extreme pleasure of meeting one of our youngest “agents of conservation,” 12-year-old Jeffrey Woodyard. Last year, Jeffrey took it upon himself to do what he could to help not just share the plight of the cheetah with others, but to also raise funds to help. With the help of his school and school mates, Jeffrey raised $500 in honor of the Year of the Cheetah, and donated it in person to the zoo during our Breakfast with the Cheetahs event.

This year, Jeffrey is at it again. At the ripe old age of 13, Jeffrey has become a voice for all desert wildlife in need of our help. Again, with the help of his school mates at Cubberly Elementary School in Long Beach, CA, Jeffrey went to work and put together an interactive fundraising event where he raised $1,558 for both cheetah and giraffe conservation. Jeffrey was at hand at our Breakfast with Santa event on December 16th to generously donate a giant check to CEO, Allen Monroe in person.

With this young man as a representative of what conservation efforts by our youth can look like, our wildlife just might have a much better future.

Our sincerest thanks to Jeffrey and the Cubberly Elementary School for all of their efforts!

Jaguar Book Donations To celebrate Mema’s 6-month birthday, Donna and Board Trustee, Patti Grundhofer, decided to throw Mema a summer NON-baby shower. This clever idea meant no one had to get dressed up, buy a present, drive in the July heat or play those silly parlor games. However, what Donna and Patti did request was a donation to purchase enough new jaguar conservation books for every single classroom that comes through The Living Desert on a school field trip. The NON-baby shower was so popular it raised $15,000 - enough to purchase 400 books! Hostesses Donna and Patti hope these books will inspire the next generation of conservationists.

The Magic of WildLights Celebrates 25 Years The Silver Anniversary of the Coachella Valley’s favorite holiday tradition continued to dazzle and amaze guests of all ages. The 25th Annual WildLights, presented by the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation welcomed over 35,000 members, locals and visitors and all were delighted by the park’s majestic and festive holiday displays, visits with Santa, reindeer encounters, the Polar Express Train ride, keeper chats, holiday entertainment and more. On members’ night, November 22nd, Palm Desert Mayor Jan Harnik and Indian Wells Mayor Richard Balacco, along with clients from DesertArc were on hand to help ‘flip the switch’ and light WildLights for its 25th season. The Living Desert expresses its deepest gratitude to the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation and other sponsors for their generous and continued support of WildLights.

15

Individual Breakfasts: $28 adults | $21 children (3-12 years old)

Breakfast with the Mountain LionSaturday, January 20, 2018 | 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Breakfast with the Lorikeets Saturday, March 17, 2018 | 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Members Only Winemaker’s Dinner SeriesExquisite wine-themed evenings await guests at this intimate members only event. Winemakers and sommeliers from California wineries will lead the wine-tasting perfectly paired with the evening’s themed, chef-prepared dinners. Held from 6:00-9:00pm at various venues throughout the zoo, don’t miss this curated opportunity to enjoy some of California’s best wines and chef-prepared culinary delights. Each evening is $125 per person and these events will sell out. Make your reservations early at www.livingdesert.org/event/wine-makers/Thursday, February 15, 2018 – Red Wine and ChocolateThursday, March 22, 2018 – La Crema WineryThursday, April 19, 2018 – Cambria Wines

The Living Desert App and Audio Tour Did you know… the size of a giraffe’s tongue correlates with its height? If a giraffe is 18 feet tall, its tongue could be up to 18 inches long! If a giraffe is 12 feet tall, then its tongue could be up to 12 inches long!

What do meerkats and Tony Soprano have in common? They both hang out in mobs and could do with a little less cholesterol.

The world record for the 100-meter dash is held by Usain Bolt at 9.58 seconds – the cheetah can run it in almost half that. Even if the cheetah gave Bolt a 40-meter head-start, they would still tie at the finish line. The cheetah is built to run.

Don’t miss out on the extra fun! Download The Living Desert’s FREE app for access to fun facts and special features! Plus, behind-the-scenes peels at some of your favorite animals, as well as learning about what makes The Living Desert such an important place for conservation. The FREE app is perfect for kids and adults, and features:

- Fun Audio Tour Stops

- Behind-the-Scenes video

- Step Tracker

- Location-aware map

- Augmented Reality experiences, and more!

Download the app for FREE today! In the App Store/Google Play, search: The Living Desert

The Total Adventure Package – Your Unlimited Fun Pass! You asked, we listened! On January 1, we launched our very first Total Adventure Package that guests may choose to purchase on top of their admission ticket. The Total Adventure Package allows guests unlimited access to all of our attractions. Enjoy unlimited camel rides, giraffe feedings, access to our lorikeets exhibit as well as unlimited carousel rides. This add-on is only available on a first-come, first serve basis based on availability and will only be valid the day of purchase. Long gone are the days of having to pay your way through each attraction as you make your way through the park. With the Total Adventure Package purchase, guests are now able to wander through the park with ease

Brew at the ZooSave wildlife one beer at a time at this year’s 9th Annual Brew at the Zoo! Craft beer fans will appreciate the selection of tasting from some of the finest specialty breweries around. In addition, there will also be premium wines as well as non-alcoholic beverages available. Join us April 7th from 6:30-9:30 pm as you enjoy animal encounters, live entertainment, and more! An expanded footprint will include the African section of the park, so guests can enjoy animals like our giraffe, zebra and oryx. Bring your friends and come celebrate for a cause. Purchase your tickets now before they sell out: LivingDesert.org/brew

Breakfast with the AnimalsDon’t miss your chance to have breakfast with the animals – only at The Living Desert. These wild mornings return for members only and will feature a warm breakfast buffet, animal encounters, special keeper chats, ample photo opportunities, crafts and more! Every morning is different, so join us for the last two. Tickets available at LivingDesert.org or at Admissions.

WILDFILE

growl!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEMA!

The Living Desert relies on incredible members and friends, just like you, for its annual operating support. Kind and generous donations, whether one-time, recurring or annual gifts, help the zoo and gardens continue to thrive.

Every gift counts, no matter the size. There are a multitude of ways you can contribute:

- Via your smartphone. Simply text “DESERT” to 444999.

- Through our website at LivingDesert.org/Donate.

- By mail. Send your gift to The Living Desert, Attn: Development, 47900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, CA 92260

- By phone. Call the Development team at (760) 346-5694, ext. 2166.

- By purchasing or renewing your membership: LivingDesert.org/Membership or (760) 346-5694, ext. 2133.

- By adopting an animal: LivingDesert.org/Adopt or (760) 346-5694, ext. 2126, or adopt@livingdesert.org.

DO YOU KNOW? Direct transfer of appreciated stock or rollover of IRA distributions can help you make a bigger gift and a greater impact and get tax advantages as well. And it can all be done electronically: call Eileen Gill at (760) 340-5865 for additional information.

AS WE CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE GIRAFFE, JOIN US IN THE RACE AGAINST EXTINCTION. GIVE BIG. GIVE WITH YOUR HEART. GIVE NOW SO FUTURE GENERATIONS CAN BE INSPIRED BY ALL THE DESERT HAS TO OFFER!

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT OF THE LIVING DESERT

JANUARY 2018TUESDAY, 2 ZooCamp Session E8:30 am – 12:00 pm

WEDNESDAY, 3 ZooCamp Session E 8:30 am – 12:00 pm

WEDNESDAYS, 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Me and You at the Zoo 9:00 am – 10:00 am Me and You in the Garden 10:00 am – 10:30 am

THURSDAY, 4 New Volunteer Orientation 9:00 am – 11:00 am

SUNDAY, 7 Living Desert UniversityTour: Smoke Tree RanchGeology, Local History & Luncheon9:00 am – 1:00 pm

THURSDAY, 11 Member’s Only Bird Walk 7:30 am – 9:30 pmMeet at Admissions Deep Canyon Lecture Series at UCR/Palm DesertEndemic Lizard & Tortoise Species of Namibia, Africa 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

SATURDAY, 13 STEAM Adventures ZooCamp for Families 9:00 am – 11:00 am

MONDAY, 15 STEM Scout Day 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

THURSDAY, 18 Member’s Only Winemaker Dinner Series Freemark Abbey Winery Dinner6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

FRIDAY, 19 Adult Park After Dark Bourbon Tasting 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

SATURDAY, 20 Living Desert University Trip: Salton Sea Birding #1 Carpool Trip7:45 am – 5:00 pm Breakfast with the Mountain Lion 8:00 am – 9:00 am

CALENDAR OF EVENTS WINTER/SPRING 2018

TUESDAY, 13 Living Desert University Class: Invertebrates of The Living Desert 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

THURSDAY, 15 Member’s OnlyWinemaker’s Dinner SeriesRed Wine with ChocolateTrentadue Winery6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

FRIDAY, 16 Adult Only Park After Dark Tequila Tasting6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

TUESDAY, 20 Living Desert UniversityClass: Basics of Ecology 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

SATURDAY, 24 Living Desert University Class: Plants of The Living Desert 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

SUNDAY, 25 Living Desert University Potting and Propagation Projects at The Living Desert9:00 am – 12:00 pm

WEDNESDAY, 28 Living Desert University Tour: Bird Walk & Luncheon at Smoke Tree Ranch 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

MARCH 2018FRIDAY, 2 Family Park After Dark 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

SATURDAY, 3 Zoobilee Gala – The Silver Safari 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm

WEDNESDAYS, 7, 14, 21, 28 Me and You at the Zoo 9:00 am – 10:00 am Me and You in the Garden 10:00 am – 10:30 am

THURSDAY, 8 Member’s Only Bird Walk 7:30 am – 9:30 am Meet at Admissions Deep Canyon Lecture Series at UCR/Palm Desert The Value of Citizen Science for Urban Ecology and Invasive Species 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

FRIDAY, 9 Living Desert University Class: Bird Basics Session “A” Anatomy 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Starry Safari Overnight Adventures 6:30 pm – 8:30 am

SATURDAY, 10 STEAM Adventures ZooCamp for Families 9:30 am – 11:30 am

SUNDAY, 11 Living Desert University Class: Reptiles of The Living Desert 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

FRIDAY, 16 Adult Only Park After Dark Beer Tasting 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

SATURDAY, 17 Breakfast with the Lorikeets 8:00 am – 9:00 am

THURSDAY, 22 Member’s Only Winemaker Dinner Fess Parker Winery 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

FRIDAY, 23 Living Desert University Class: Bird Basics Session “B” Behavior 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

SATURDAY, 24 Starry Safari Overnight Adventures 6:30 pm – 8:30 am

MONDAY, 26 Spring ZooCamp Session “A” 8:30 am – 12:00 pm

TUESDAY, 27 Spring ZooCamp Session “A” 8:30 am – 12:00 pm

WEDNESDAY, 28 Spring ZooCamp Session “B” 8:30 am – 12:00 pm

THURSDAY, 29 Spring ZooCamp Session “B” 8:30 am – 12:00 pm

SATURDAY, 31 Eggstravaganza 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

SATURDAY, 28 Living Desert University Trip: Salton Sea Birding #2 Carpool Trip7:45 am – 5:00 pm

FEBRUARY 2018THURSDAY, 1 New Volunteer Orientation 9:00 am – 11:00 am

FRIDAY, 2 Family Park After Dark 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm

SATURDAY, 3 Living Desert University Class: Mammals of The Living Desert - Focus on Predator Species 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Living Desert University Class: Conservation Projects at The Living Desert 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

TUESDAY, 6 Living Desert University Class: Mammals of The Living Desert - Focus on Prey Species 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

WEDNESDAYS, 7, 14, 21, 28 Me and You at the Zoo 9:00 am – 10:00 am Me and You in the Garden 10:00 am – 10:30 am

THURSDAY, 8 Member’s Only Bird Walk 7:30 am – 9:30 pm Meet at Admissions Deep Canyon Lecture Series at UCR/Palm Desert Natural History, Ethics, and Aesthetics: Why Should We Care About Nature? 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

FRIDAY, 9 Living Desert UniversityClass: Basics of Geology 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

SATURDAY, 10 Fairytales & Frog Day 9:00 am – 12:00 pm STEAM Adventures ZooCamp for Families 9:30 am – 11:30 am

SUNDAY, 11 Living Desert University Tour: Smoke Tree Ranch Gardening, Landscapes & Luncheon 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

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.

APRIL 2018MONDAY, 2 Spring ZooCamp Session “C” 8:30 am – 12:00 pm

TUESDAY, 3 Spring ZooCamp Session “C” 8:30 am – 12:00 pm

WEDNESDAYS, 4, 11, 18, 25 Me and You at the Zoo 9:00 am – 10:00 am Me and You in the Garden 10:00 am – 10:30 am

THURSDAY, 5 New Volunteer Orientation 9:00 am – 11:00 am

SATURDAY, 7 Brew at the Zoo 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

THURSDAY, 12 Member’s Only Bird Walk 7:30 am – 9:30 am Meet at Admissions

FRIDAY, 13 Living Desert University Trek: Bird & Nature Walk at Big Morongo 7:30 am – 11:00 am Starry Safari Overnight Adventures 6:30 pm – 9:00 am

SATURDAY, 14 STEAM Adventures ZooCamp for Families 9:00 am – 11:00 am

SATURDAY, 28 Starry Safari Overnight Adventures 6:30 pm – 9:00 am

16 17

47900 PORTOLA AVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260

NON-PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO.149

PALM DESERT, CA

THANK YOU!

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

Free daytime admission for 12 full months.

7 am Member ONLY access including our hiking trails

10% discount in the cafés and gift shop

Purchase additional guest passes at a discounted rate

Discounts on programs, classes, trips, travel and volunteer opportunities

Free or reduced admission to more than 150 zoos and aquariums

Invitations to members-only events

We want to thank all of our new and renewing members who have supported us this past season. Year after year, your membership provides The Living Desert with a reliable and renewable source of income. You help give our animals and gardens the best possible care and help support our mission of desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation.

Observing some of the world’s endangered desert plants and animals in a natural setting is truly a unique experience. In the coming season, we hope you can enjoy many valuable member benefits that come with being a Living Desert member: