Report
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Allen Monroe President/CEO
RoxAnna Breitigan Chief Operating Officer
Dwight Middendorf CFO/Vice President of Information & Innovation
Jeff Petrovic Chief Development Officer
James Danoff-Burg, PhD Vice President of Conservation
Allison Krupp Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Terrie Terrell Vice President of People & Culture
Anna Young, PhD Vice President of Learning & Impact
THE LIVING DESERT BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2023/2024
Chairman: Bill Appel*
Treasurer: Craig McCollam*
Secretary: Sandra Cooper Woodson*
President/CEO & Assistant Secretary: Allen Monroe*
Jon-Marc Blalock *
Deborah Chapman *
Marylynn Gladstein
Jim Gould
Candace Holzgrafe *
H. Earl “Bud” Hoover II
Suz Hunt
Michael Kiner
Jaishri Mehta
Jneil Nelson
Peter Scheer
Michael Schreter
Dick Shalhoub
Sally Simonds
Bill Simpkins
BJ Skilling
Phillip K. Smith, Jr. *
Roger Snoble
Mary Lou Solomon
Larry Spicer
Sam Spinello
Nancy L. Stegehuis *
Judy Vossler
*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 Greg Sanders
City of Palm Desert
Mayor Karina Quintanilla and Council Member
Kathleen Kelly
City of Rancho Mirage
Mayor Steve Downs and Council Member
Ted Weill
Coachella Valley
Water District
Jim Barrett and Anthony Bianco
Visit Greater
Palm Springs
Scott White and Davis Meyer
Carol Wright
A Letter from Our President/CEO & Chairman of the Board
These projects and many more are possible because of the generous support of the local community. Your investment in The Living Desert pays educational and conservation dividends that cannot be matched.
THE ANNUAL REPORT provides a chance to pause and reflect on what has been accomplished over the last year. As we look back, one thing jumps out — The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens accomplished an awful lot. Using a sports analogy, we are batting above average. As a middlesized zoo, in a small metropolitan area, there is a lot to be proud of.
Our mission of providing exceptional learning opportunities has flourished in the last year under the leadership of Dr. Anna Young. Her team has spread our educational message of desert conservation to diverse audiences ranging from toddlers to senior citizens. The impact of these programs can be seen through the community participation in our STEAM Day, Xerophilous event, and World Desert Day.
Our Conservation Department, led by Dr. James Danoff-Burg is engaged locally in projects ranging from head starting the critically endangered desert tortoise, restoring degraded habitats with plants grown here at The Living Desert, and building conservation capacity in the Native American communities.
Internationally, this year has seen the continued growth of our efforts in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia. This multi-faceted project includes putting satellite collars on argali sheep to monitor their migration patterns, to help ensure that the Ikh Nart Nature Reserve boundaries cover all their range. The team also
wing-bands cinereous vultures to monitor their movement patterns, observing where they fly in the winter — turns out South Korea!
These projects and many more are possible because of the generous support of the local community. Your investment in The Living Desert pays educational and conservation dividends that cannot be matched. And of course, without The Living Desert’s incredible team of 218 employees and 477 volunteers, these programs and events would not have come to fruition. These dedicated professionals — from all areas of the Zoo — work tirelessly to ensure guests have the “best day ever” experience, all while advancing our mission of desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation.
We are thankful for our fantastic community, including members, supporters, and partners throughout the Coachella Valley and beyond. Within the past year, we have achieved so much with your help. As we move into the next year, we are motivated and honored to continue this critical work. It is important for us all to remember that deserts are not deserted. They are filled with unique plants and animals that need our help.
Allen Monroe, President/CEO
Bill Appel, Chairman of the Board
Allen Monroe, President/CEO in the Australian Adventures habitat with a kookaburra.
ANNUAL VISITORS TO THE PARK 624
VOLUNTEERS
Meerkats are a member of the mongoose family and work together in “mobs” to raise young.
Animal and Veterinary Care
ANIMALS IN OUR CARE
ANIMALS
143 SPECIES
117 SPECIES AT THE ZOO ARE ON THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES
53 MAMMAL SPECIES
10 ARTHROPOD SPECIES DID YOU KNOW?
41 AVIAN SPECIES
1 AMPHIBIAN SPECIES
37 REPTILE SPECIES
1 AQUATIC SPECIES
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. Of the 235 accredited members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, The Living Desert is one of only 14 members of IUCN.
82 10 7 6 12 LEAST CONCERN NEARLY THREATENED CRITICALLY ENDANGERED VULNERABLE ENDANGERED
The Living Desert has been an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for 41 years.
36 SPECIES
at the Zoo are part of Species Survival Plan® Programs (SSPs). SSPs are a collaborative program among fellow AZA accredited institutions to ensure genetic diversity and sustainability in human care populations.
New Arrivals
Over the last year, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens welcomed the births of 17 animals, including these species.
Giraffe calves — vulnerable
Thank you for the generous Adopts! gifts from longtime supporters Brooke Koehler, William Rodriguez, Jason and Rob Ollander-Krane, and the family of JoAnn McGrath. These thoughtful donations went toward naming new births including JoAnn the giraffe, Daniel the giraffe, William aka Billy the yellowfooted rock wallaby, and Murray the meerkat.
Addra gazelle calves — critically endangered
Meerkat pups
Northern bald ibis chicks — endangered
Spur-wing lapwing chicks
Yellow-footed rock wallaby joey — near threatened
ANIMAL WELLBEING at The Living Desert is woven into every aspect of the culture. Every department and employee contributes to ensuring the highest-level of care, from the maintenance team who builds engaging features for animal habitats to stimulate natural behaviors; to the gardens team who grows an array of plant species that animals love to eat; to the expert animal care keepers who know the animals’ individual personalities and needs.
At the forefront of animal wellbeing culture, The Living Desert has a robust team of two leaders and two animal keepers who are dedicated to behavior and wellbeing. Together, the team consults with areas across the Zoo to solve behavior
Animal Wellbeing
conundrums, coach keepers on how to train animals for participation in their own health care, and maintain the ambitious standards The Living Desert has for the wellbeing of all animals. The goal is that animals’ whole life experience includes the ability to demonstrate their natural behaviors, have agency over their decisions, and that they can make choices in their environment similar to choices their wild counterparts would make. These goals are for animals from birth until end of life — 365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day — and the teams at the Zoo cater to every animal at both a species level and an individual level. Through proactive welfare monitoring and compassionate lifelong care, the team at The Living Desert is at the forefront of animal science and the animal care field.
Animal Care Team: Guiding Principles
Provide an excellent, optimal level of wellbeing for each individual in our care – both animals and humans.
Provide a high quality of veterinary medicine for each animal species in our care.
Provide engaging and inspiring messaging to each guest so they make a positive difference in the world for desert conservation.
The Living Desert’s Behavior and Wellbeing team (from left to right): Curator Tim Van Loan, Assistant Curator Heather Shields, Lead Keeper Brittani Brown, and Keeper Isabel Frabotta.
African Aviary
A NEW, LARGER HABITAT for the ibis flock was completed in early March. In addition to the two ibis species, the African Aviary is home to a Von der Decken’s hornbill and spur-winged lapwings. Shortly after moving into the aviary in mid-March, several new additions joined the flock! Two endangered northern bald ibis — also known as waldrapp ibis — hatched in mid-May, followed by four spur-winged lapwing chicks that hatched in late April. Also new in the African Aviary space is an engaging connections area where Zoo guests can get a unique, up-close encounter with different animals.
Von der Decken’s hornbill
Northern bald ibis
Hadada ibis
TOP: Ash Arons, Browse Coordinator and Jared Moeller, Animal Care Curator work in collaboration for the Zoo’s browse program. In the background, Nia is browsing on a sweet acacia tree.
BOTTOM: Browse trees, like these acacias, will eventually be used as food for some of the Zoo’s animals, including black rhinoceros.
WHAT
IS BROWSE?
Browse refers to any type of tree or shrub that is consumed by animals for food. This term comes from how trees and shrubs typically grow at a higher level and require reaching or upward movement to obtain the leaves, twigs, or bark. Animals that do this are called browsers.
Browse Program
BROWSE FORAGE and the programs supporting this goal are one of the frontiers of animal wellbeing. At The Living Desert, the gardens and animal care teams work closely together on an innovative, new browse program that encourages the health of both the Zoo’s botanical and animal residents. Learn more about how this partnership works with Jared Moeller, Animal Care Curator and Ash Arons, Browse Coordinator.
HOW DOES THE BROWSE PROGRAM WORK?
Many of the plants around the Zoo are browsable and as the gardens team prunes these browse trees, they bring the material to the animal habitats to feed our browsers.
WHICH ANIMALS AT THE LIVING DESERT EAT BROWSE PLANTS?
The Zoo’s two largest browsers are black rhinoceros and giraffe but most of our antelope, gazelles, and other ungulates consume browse as well. The story does not end there; wallabies, tortoises, and even rodents will forage on browse. For instance, our porcupines love eating bark off logs.
HOW DOES THE BROWSE PROGRAM IMPROVE ANIMAL WELLBEING?
Feeding browse improves animal wellbeing in a multitude of ways such as offering animals the closest approximation possible to their natural foods, providing nutrients, and improving gut health. Browse can take longer for animals to consume than hay or pellets, keeping animals active in more natural ways. Chewing leaves and bark can also wear down teeth and work jaw muscles in a more natural way preventing future health problems.
WHAT ARE SOME BROWSE PLANT SPECIES GROWN ON GROUNDS?
One of the great goals of our browse program is to create a diverse diet for our herbivores that better matches what their wild counterparts are eating. As such, the gardens and animal care teams work closely together to bring in new plant species to the gardens. The Zoo’s long-standing commitment to desert plants has ensured our animals have a rich diversity of plants to eat. In fact, many plant species offered to our animals are the same they would naturally eat in the wild. Our wallabies munch on thornless varieties of Australian acacias and bottlebrush trees. Our rhinos and giraffe eat many famous African tree species such as marula, sausage tree, and various thorny acacias. This does not discount the many desert native plants our animals enjoy such as palo verde, desert ironwood, and catclaw acacia.
THE LIVING DESERT AT THE FOREFRONT OF CHANGE
The potential benefits for enriching experiences, animal nutrition, and physiological health are endless for animals. However, the benefits for furthering zoos as centers for conservation and sustainability are equally as interesting. The Living Desert continues to join colleagues from around the globe in pushing this frontier forward.
One Big Step
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
black rhinos Nia and Jaali arrived at The Living Desert in 2021 as part of a Species Survival Plan® (SSP) recommendation, a collaborative program among fellow accredited institutions to ensure genetic diversity and sustainability in human care populations. Until they reached the appropriate size, weight, and maturity to be introduced as a breeding pair, Nia and Jaali were able to approach and greet each other while separated by a barrier in certain areas of their innovative Rhino Savanna habitat.
In October 2023, it was finally time for the first momentous meeting without a barrier! Under close supervision of the animal care team, Jaali and Nia were able to interact and engage with each other several times, both rhinos showing positive behavior. Black rhinos are solitary by nature, so Jaali and Nia will continue to live on separate sides of the habitat — but will be meeting again when the timing is right for Nia.
DID YOU KNOW?
n There are five species of rhinoceros on the planet.
n Black rhinos are categorized as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
n Only about 6,000 black rhinos are left in the world.
n Main threats to this species are habitat loss and poaching for the illegal wildlife trade.
World Giraffe Day
TO CELEBRATE World Giraffe Day, The Living Desert opened Giraffe Savanna for a truly unique experience. Guests were welcomed onto the habitat where giraffe, ostrich, and greater kudu normally roam! There, they learned more about the gentle giant from conservationists, scientists, and animal care experts. Many people are unaware that this vulnerable species is suffering from a “silent extinction” — mainly due to habitat loss.
World Giraffe Day is typically celebrated on June 21, to honor the long neck of the giraffe on the longest day of the year. However, in addition to June 21, The Living Desert held a second World Giraffe Day on December 21 — the shortest day of the year — to embrace the incredible winter weather of the desert!
A Story of Resilience
THE STORY OF SOLEIL ELLEN the Mexican wolf is one of strength and hope in the face of loss thanks to The Living Desert’s veterinary and animal care teams combined with the incredibly resilient spirit of an animal. After landing awkwardly from a jump in late 2023, three-year-old Soleil Ellen injured her foot. These types of injuries are not uncommon among wolves, even in their natural habitats. Unlike her wild counterparts, Soleil Ellen received immediate, expert veterinary care. The team consulted with multiple experts in the field, and it was determined that amputation was the best and most humane course of action for Soleil Ellen. After a successful surgery, she healed quickly — moving around the next day and returning to her habitat just two weeks later.
Today, Soleil Ellen is continuing to thrive on her habitat in Eagle Canyon with packmates Drew Hudson and Paul Newman, where they are ambassadors for their endangered Mexican wolf species. With her tremendous spirit, Soleil Ellen was able to quickly adapt to life with three legs. The animal care team has seen her return to normal pack behavior and even run as fast as her four-legged packmates!
Small Carnivore, Big Impact
TOP RIGHT: At The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens’ Tennity Wildlife Hospital, a female black-footed cat undergoes an artificial insemination procedure. Vice President of Conservation Science at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Jason Herrick, PhD
BLACK-FOOTED CATS are a small African carnivore. Scientific study and conservation of these fierce little cats has been limited, leaving us with little information on their natural history or conservation status in the wild. Additionally, their genetic diversity is at very low levels in zoos. The Living Desert is home to multiple breeding pairs of black-footed cats at the Desert Carnivore Conservation Center (DC3), a behind-the-scenes habitat and breeding center for small desert carnivores like the blackfooted cat, fennec fox, and sand cat. Under human care, reproduction in these species has been challenging and there is little known about their husbandry management to facilitate breeding. Additionally, sand cat, black-footed cat, and fennec fox are vastly underrepresented in zoos.
To further help with human care management of the black-footed cat population, The Living Desert is part of a new collaborative effort between other scientists and accredited
zoos on artificial insemination (AI) procedures of this species. In June, sperm was collected from Finn, a male black-footed cat, at The Living Desert’s Wildlife Hospital. This fresh specimen was then used for a laparoscopic artificial insemination on Tad, one of The Living Desert’s female black-footed cats. This pair had a successful, natural birth about two years ago, but have been unable to reproduce naturally since then. A successful artificial insemination birth in this species has yet to be achieved and this important work helps to establish baseline information for the reproductive needs of the blackfooted cat.
By sharing insights gleaned from these collaborative endeavors, The Living Desert aims to inspire collective action and promote greater awareness of the importance of partnerships and thoughtful program management for preserving small carnivore species for future generations.
ABOVE: Black-footed cat
TOP LEFT: A male black-footed cat is prepped for semen collection by Morgan Dustin, Lead Veterinary Technician at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.
(left) and Colleen Lambo, DVM, PhD (right).
Conservation
The Living Desert partners with the Mongolian Conservation Initiative to help protect and monitor species within the Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, such as the cinereous vulture.
Local and Global Conservation
THE CONSERVATION TEAM is on a mission to advance arid ecosystem conservation through ecological restoration while addressing the human dimensions of conservation.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
The Living Desert is transforming how conservation is being done through social science training for conservationists across the globe as well as with local businesses, community members, community leaders, and youth groups.
RESTORING
HABITATS
To ensure both immediate and long-lasting habitat restoration successes, The Living Desert uses a multi-faceted approach to provide native food plants and improved habitat for surrounding wildlife as well as greening spaces within urban areas.
AT THE ZOO
The Zoo’s conservation mission continues on grounds through both promoting and implementing sustainable practices. Some of our field conservation projects can even be seen in action throughout the park.
Our Global Field Conservation Reach
80+ projects, 3 continents, 11 countries, 70+ global conservation partner organizations
Each project strives to advance conservation to benefit the entire ecosystem and the people living in it. The below species are a few examples of wildlife that benefit from our work.
The Living Desert works with the following partners on projects across the world.
SC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
• Desert Pupfish
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
• Desert Tortoise
USFWS, Coachella Valley Mountain Conservancy (CVMC), United States Geological Survey (USGS), CDFW, BLM, California Energy Commission, Joshua Tree National Park, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA)
• Desert Willow
BLM
• Honey Mesquite
Coachella Valley Preserve, BLM
• Smoketree
BLM
• Sonoran Pronghorn
USFWS, Arizona Department of Fish and Game, CDFW, BLM, Department of Defense
• Western Monarch
Monarch SAFE, CVMC
• Western Pond Turtle
USGS, CDFW, BLM, Western Pond Turtle SAFE
BC BAJA CALIFORNIA
• Peninsular Pronghorn
Peninsular Pronghorn Recovery Project, BLM, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, San Diego Natural History Museum, Ministry of the Environment in Mexico
• Vaquita
Pesca ABC, Vaquita SAFE, Marine Mammal Care Center, Museo de la Ballena in La Paz, Vaquita CPR
SW SOUTHWESTERN USA
• Mexican Wolf
USFWS, Endangered Wolf Center, California Wolf Center, Saint Louis Zoo
C CHAD
• Black Rhino
African Parks
• Scimitar-Horned Oryx Sahara Conservation
N NAMIBIA
• Cheetah
Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), University of Namibia (UNAM)
SA SOUTH AFRICA
• Black Rhino
Transfrontier Africa (TA), Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit (BMAPU), Bush
Babies Environmental Education Program (BBEEP)
• Cape Parrot
Cape Parrot Project (CPP)
• Giraffe
TA, BMAPU, BBEEP
• Greater Kudu
TA, BMAPU, BBEEP
• White Rhino
TA, BMAPU, BBEEP
B BOTSWANA
• Cheetah
Cheetah Conservation Botswana, Botswana Wildlife Training Institute
Z ZIMBABWE
• African Painted Dog
Painted Dog Research Trust, Painted Dog Conservation, National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Lupane State University (LSU)
• White Rhino
Imvelo Safari Lodges, NUST, LSU
T TANZANIA
• Black Rhino
Wild Nature Institute (WNI), College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka (CAWM)
• Elephant WNI, CAWM
• Giraffe WNI, CAWM
K KENYA
• Black Rhino
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lewa Conservancy
• Cheetah
Action for Cheetahs in Kenya, COOL Crafts
• Grevy’s Zebra
Grevy’s Zebra Trust
• Lion Maasai South Rift Association of Land Owners, African Conservation Centre, Ewaso Lions
S SOMALILAND
• Cheetah
Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF)
M MONGOLIA
• Argali Sheep
Mongolian Conservation Initiative
• Cinereous Vulture
Mongolian Conservation Initiative
• Siberian Ibex
Mongolian Conservation Initiative
Tanzania
Mexican Wolf Southwestern USA
Sheep Mongolia
Grevy’s Zebra Kenya
Giraffe
Argali
Mongolian Conservation Initiative
IKH NART NATURE RESERVE PROTECTS:
n 40 mammal species
n 200 bird species
n 7 reptile species
n Pastures for 150 traditional herding families
THE LIVING DESERT BEGAN a binational collaboration with the Mongolian Conservation Initiative (MCI) in July of 2023. This innovative partnership approaches conservation in the Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, located in the Gobi Desert, from a holistic method to amplify and extend the current work of MCI to benefit both the wildlife and nomadic herder livelihoods. Gana Wingard has been the leader of the well-established and successful MCI for over 20 years, working to conserve the biodiversity of Ikh Nart. Now also the Curator of Conservation-Mongolia with The Living Desert, Gana splits her time between the Zoo and Ikh Nart.
Throughout the past year, The Living Desert team members – from animal care, veterinary care, learning and impact, gardens, and conservation – traveled to Ikh Nart Nature Reserve. There, they collaborated with skilled MCI staff on wildlife veterinary medicine, livestock-wildlife disease transmission, habitat restoration, protected area management, sustainable ranching, and conservation biology. In turn, to build a capacity of Ikh Nart reserve managers, Mongolian Delegates came to The Living Desert in November 2023. This ongoing annual exchange is not only educational for both teams, but also a wonderful experience in binational conservation collaboration.
Photo courtesy Jack Kerivan
Argali sheep in Ikh Nart Nature Reserve.
Cinereous Vulture Research
Ikh Nart Nature Reserve is a critically important breeding site for cinereous vultures and hosts the highest recorded density of their nests in Mongolia. Understanding nesting ecology and movement patterns of the cinereous vulture is essential for the long-term conservation and persistence of this ecologically and culturally significant species. Since 2003, the Mongolian Conservation Initiative has been monitoring nesting pairs from incubation to fledging. Beginning in 2009, the team began monitoring cinereous vulture movement patterns all the way to South Korea.
The team’s long-term cinerous vulture research concluded that only vulture fledglings migrate to South Korea, and adult cinerous vultures remain in Mongolia throughout the year. How juvenile vultures learn their migration route between Mongolia and South Korea remains unknown. These results have important conservation implications, including the need to conserve vultures
throughout and along the breeding, migration, and over-wintering ranges in South Korea.
In August 2024, the team furthered this essential research by successfully measuring, banding, and wing-tagging 77 cinereous vulture fledglings.
Habitat Restoration in Mongolia and Beyond
Habitat restoration is a critical, long-term element in saving species. The Living Desert is steadfastly working to re-establish healthy habitats within desert ecosystems through a holistic, multi-faceted approach that maintains and increases the diversity and number of native plants and animals.
n The Living Desert has worked directly to help enhance over 300 acres at Ikh Nart Nature Reserve in Mongolia and 162 acres in Southern California.
n Rock structures promote water retention and percolation for surrounding native plants and wildlife. Over 150 of these rock structures have been built in Mongolia and over 360 smaller structures have been built in Southern California — specifically near the Orocopia mountains.
Local Efforts
n Over 150 trees and over 1,000 native plants have been outplanted throughout the Coachella Valley to benefit endangered species such as the desert tortoise and the desert pupfish.
n To date, over 900 plants and 17,000 seedlings have been grown or propagated on-site for outplanting as part of habitat restoration projects.
Cinereous vulture measuring, banding, and wing-tagging.
Cinereous vulture in Ikh Nart
Conservation Social Science
SOCIAL SCIENCE is the study of people, including their behaviors, attitudes, values, relationships, and cultures. Learn more about how this critical element is implemented in conservation efforts at The Living Desert with Conservation Social Scientist Katie Shaw.
Native American Capacity Building
Why is social science so essential for conservation efforts?
Social science allows us to address the root cause of the issue rather than just addressing the symptoms; human behaviors are the cause of our conservation problems. Even if we can protect or restore an ideal habitat for a species, we will not have long-term success with its conservation if people, particularly local communities, do not support the efforts or change their behaviors.
How does social science enhance ongoing conservation field projects?
Social science and ecological restoration often work hand in hand to address conservation problems more holistically. For example, The Living Desert works to improve and restore habitat for the desert tortoise. Yet, one of the main threats to the desert tortoise is raven predation because locally there is an overabundance of ravens due to human-provided food subsidies. Even with a beautifully restored habitat, the desert tortoise will not
be able to thrive if most juveniles continue to be eaten by ravens. We need to incorporate social science to promote behavior change, which in this case means reducing ravens’ access to food subsidies.
In your work at The Living Desert, what projects have been the most meaningful?
I love the work we do locally, integrating social science into desert tortoise conservation efforts to help protect an iconic species of our desert. Co-teaching our Building Community Conservation Success workshops in several countries in Africa has also been incredibly meaningful. The Living Desert enables us to provide this workshop for conservation biologists and students to teach them about important social science principles and tools they can use to better engage with local communities for more successful conservation efforts. It’s been a joy to work with such passionate conservationists across Africa.
THERE IS A PROFOUND need for more Indigenous voices in the field of conservation. Conservation cannot be successful without engaging people from all communities as ambassadors, advocates, and leaders. Thanks to a generous grant from the California Natural Resources Agency, The Living Desert has completed two years of the Torres Martinez Youth Environmental Ambassador (TM-YEA) program. In collaboration with The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Tribe, Native American Land Conservancy, Outward Bound Adventures, and Friends of the Desert Mountains, this youth-led, paidwork program aims to encourage Indigenous youth to reconnect with their land and become conservation leaders of the future.
This year, the Zoo began the Native American Conservation Workforce Development Program (NACWD), thanks to a grant from the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy. NACWD aims to provide an accessible opportunity for paid workforce conservation training to local Tribal members. The program focuses on foundational western science skills and participants share Traditional Ecological Knowledge from their Tribes. Discussions are held regarding how to best integrate these approaches.
THROUGH A PIONEERING new approach to species survival, The Living Desert works with conservationists and community members throughout the world to build skills among conservationists to better address the specific needs within each ecosystem. This system-level approach creates better conservation plans working with local communities that help to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
“Building Community Conservation Success
Findings and learnings from the course were shared with Imvelo stakeholders and local traditional leaders, who were delighted to take part in the process and have their ideas heard and shared. We are so grateful for our friends at The Living Desert for their enthusiasm and commitment to this programme — see you next year!”
— Hannah Trantner, leader of the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative for Imvelo Safari Lodges
In April 2024, The Living Desert partnered with Imvelo Safari Lodges to hold a Building Community Conservation Success (BCCS) workshop with 20 students from Lupane State University and the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe. Over 10 days, scientists from The Living Desert and Imvelo staff worked with students on topics including data collection in the field, theoretical and practical skills, foundational social science principles, and visits to the community. This workshop was the fifth workshop that The Living Desert completed in the last year!
BCCS WORKSHOPS OVER THE LAST 6 YEARS:
27 classes completed
505 individuals trained
32 countries affected
TOP: Vice President of Conservation Dr. James Danoff-Burg is visited by a white rhino while working on-site at Imvelo Safari Lodges in Zimbabwe. ABOVE: Dr. Danoff-Burg and Conservation Social Scientist Katie Shaw with local community leaders and students of the BCCS workshop near Hwange National Park.
Headstarting Desert Tortoises
DESERT TORTOISES ARE A KEYSTONE SPECIES within their southwestern desert ecosystems and are the California state reptile. Listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 2020, the desert tortoise was also recognized as endangered by California Department of Fish and Wildlife in April 2024. Currently, only less than 1% of juvenile desert tortoises reach reproductive age in the wild due to habitat fragmentation, climate change, and predation. To help increase survival rates of juvenile desert tortoises in the wild, The Living Desert works with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Edwards Air Force Base as part of a collaborative, multi-step headstart program.
At The Living Desert’s Tennity Wildlife Hospital, three cohorts of desert tortoise eggs and hatchlings have completed the indoor rearing phase of the headstart program where they were cared for in a temperature-controlled environment and given a nutrient-rich diet to help improve growth rates and develop a more protective carapace. Once re-released into the wild, the headstart program helps to protect the juvenile tortoises from raven and coyote predation. The program will continue with a fourth cohort that arrived in August 2024.
CENTER:
TOP AND RIGHT: After the indoor and outdoor rearing phases, the desert tortoise hatchlings are released back into the wild.
During the indoor rearing phase, each tortoise is measured weekly to track growth rates.
International Desert Conservation Summit
A GROUNDBREAKING conservation event was hosted by The Living Desert on February 2-4. The successful International Desert Conservation Summit was a gathering of experts from around the world including South Africa, Mongolia, Mexico, Botswana, Kenya, and the United States. These experts are dedicated to partnering with local communities to save the plants and animals who call the desert home. The keynote speaker was Jeff Corwin, renowned conservationist, environmental journalist, and current host of ABC’s Wild Nation with Jeff Corwin
Spanning three days, the International Desert Conservation Summit included panels, presentations, and excursions
throughout The Living Desert. This year’s summit highlighted women in conservation, community-based conservation and educational outreach in Sub-Saharan Africa and Mongolia, conservation in the Southern California and Baja Mexico deserts, and efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict around the globe. As part of the summit, The Living Desert awarded eight Conservation Heroes a total of more than $150,000 to further their impact of saving threatened and endangered species and ecosystems.
Meet the Conservation Heroes and speakers of the event:
n Toby Otieno, Director of Impact and Operations at Ewaso Lions, Kenya
n Tim Shields, Founder/President of Hardshell Labs, USA
n Jane Horgan, Engagement and Awareness Coordinator at Cheetah Conservation Botswana, Botswana
n Gana Wingard, Founder of Mongolian Conservation Initiative, Mongolia; and Curator of Conservation-Mongolia at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, USA
n Enrique Sanjurjo, Executive Director at Pesca ABC, Mexico
n Craig Spencer, Founder of Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa
n Lewyn Maefala, Project Manager of the Bush Babies Environmental Education Program, South Africa
n Joe Zebrowski, Instructor at New Mexico Highlands University, USA, and Research Affiliate, Mongolian Conservation Initiative
TOP: The Conservation Heroes of the International Desert Conservation Summit with Keynote Speaker Jeff Corwin and staff of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. RIGHT: Jeff Corwin
ZooCampers during an “artful impressions” themed summer session.
Learning and Impact
The Learning and Impact team is on a mission to inspire lifelong learners and ignite a passion for desert conservation.
Department Vision Statements
Learning and Community Engagement
Conservation action is relevant and achievable for all.
Volunteer and Interpretive Programs
We are a community of passionate volunteers that lead and inspire impactful change for conservation.
ZooTeens
To develop and empower the next generation of zoo and conservation professionals.
Sustainability and Behavior Change
Sustainability is a shared, perpetual, and joyful practice that unites and benefits the entire community.
Cultivating Tomorrow’s Conservation Heroes
This experience has sparked curiosity, inspired dreams, and empowered our girls to believe in their capabilities.”
—Peter K. Sturgeon, President/Chief Executive Officer of the Ophelia Project
Women in STEAM Career Day
HIGHLIGHTING WOMEN in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) fields holds immense significance as it contributes to developing diversity, innovation, and societal progress. To foster the next generation of conservation heroes, The Living Desert hosted a STEAM Day in February 2024. The event featured 22 engaging stations comprised of The Living Desert staff and community partners, creating an immersive learning experience for attendees. These stations, representing a collaboration between various stakeholders, showcased the diversity and depth of expertise within the STEAM fields. A total of 154 passports, available in both Spanish and English, were distributed, encouraging visitors to explore the various engagement stations and learn about the significant contributions of women in STEAM. Throughout the event, 1,269 individuals visited between 9:00am and 1:00pm, reflecting the community’s keen interest and support.
Historically, women have been underrepresented in STEAM fields, and their achievements often overlooked. Shining a spotlight on women in these fields not only celebrates their accomplishments but also inspires future generations of girls to pursue careers in these disciplines. Diverse perspectives bring about a richer tapestry of ideas and solutions, leading to more comprehensive and innovative outcomes.
Green Team
THE GREEN TEAM is an interdepartmental group of staff at The Living Desert dedicated to ramping up sustainable action. Their first group project of 2023 was to set goals and create action plans to reduce resource use, carbon emissions, and waste; and engage Zoo guests in these endeavors.
2023-2024 GREEN TEAM NEW SUSTAINABILITY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
n Implement digital maps rather than paper, reducing our paper maps by 97,750 and saving close to 10 trees and over 70,000 gallons of water per year.
n Engaged staff in carbon-saving behaviors, resulting in over 10 tons of CO2 emissions being prevented.
n Diverted 50% of food waste from the landfill at the Zoo’s Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, and composted it on-site instead.
n Transitioned the Zoo’s donor tours away from using single-use plastic water bottles by offering recyclable water cartons as an alternative.
n Transitioned the Zoo’s food and beverage outlets to selling aluminum water bottles instead of plastic.
DID YOU KNOW Overall, The Living Desert’s water refill stations have diverted over 330,000 plastic bottles from the landfill!
Spanish Interpretation
camps and programs, Zoo Families, and outreach initiatives. They create materials in Spanish, including curriculum guides, educational kits, and promotional materials such as flyers. Additionally, the team translates animal and plant guides to ensure comprehensive understanding. Our team regularly engages with parents and guardians who are Spanish speakers, providing a safe and comfortable atmosphere for guests.
SPANISH IS CALIFORNIA’S second most spoken language, making accessibility and inclusivity of the large Spanish-speaking population a top priority for the Zoo. Learn about the Spanish interpretation throughout The Living Desert with Curator of Learning and Community Engagement Jessika Vazquez Guadarrama, a first-generation Spanish speaker.
Why is Spanish interpretation so crucial?
By ensuring that Spanish-speaking individuals have equal access to information and opportunities, we can create a more equitable and inclusive society. Language is a powerful tool for connection and understanding, and by embracing linguistic diversity, we enrich our community and make it a more vibrant and cohesive place for everyone. Connecting with our local community in this way removes a barrier that keeps many local families
from visiting us more regularly — or at all. It’s a small and doable change that can have an enormous impact. By offering Spanish interpretation and translation, The Living Desert opens our doors wider to the community, fostering a sense of belonging and making our services and programs more accessible.
How does Spanish interpretation enhance guest experiences at The Living Desert?
Our team incorporates Spanish in various programs, such as special
Do you have a special story to share about an interaction that happened because of Spanish interpretation? One moment that stands out is when our team collaborated with the Indio Teen Center, working with a group of Spanish-speaking teenagers. We were able to offer a complete program, curriculum, and interpretation in Spanish for this group. This allowed us to communicate effectively with the teens and provide them with an educational experience in their native language. Often, children from Spanish-speaking countries find English-speaking environments intimidating, to say the least. Providing opportunities where they can learn and thrive in their own language is essential. Our team was able to create a memorable experience for these teens at the Zoo, and we received wonderful feedback from the coordinators for our efforts.
Verdin
Jessika Vazquez Guadarrama
Increasing Inclusion
Adventures for All
TO BROADEN ACCESS to more guests, The Zoo has implemented a special, reduced rate for admission to SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders as part of the Museums for All program, an initiative of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Additionally, thanks to generous donations from The Tappan Family Foundation, Richard Brooke Foundation, Candace and Jon Holzgrafe, and Mayor Karina Quintanilla and the City of Palm Desert, cardholders can also receive a substantial discount for learning programs. Since fall 2022, this program has opened its doors to 590 participants, allowing them to immerse themselves in transformative learning programs like Zoo Families, ZooCamp, Mini ZooCamp, and Extended Care.
This commitment to accessibility resonates deeply with The Living Desert’s mission to make learning experiences available to diverse and underresourced communities.
ZooTeen Scholarship
EACH YEAR, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, in partnership with OneFuture Coachella Valley, awards thousands of dollars to support local ZooTeen volunteers pursuing college majors related to conservation. This initiative underscores the Zoo’s commitment to fostering the next generation of conservation professionals. The Living Desert is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 scholarship for college-bound students: Alyssa Ramirez, Maddox Burr, and Madeleine Scott.
A unique aspect of The Living Desert Scholarship is that students can reapply for funding each year for four years, regardless of whether they continue volunteering at the Zoo or pursue other passions. This year, the organization also continues to support the six students from the 2023 cohort. The nine recipients are set to study biology, environmental science and policy, oceanography, marine biology, and zoology at universities in California and Arizona. The students aspire to careers in environmental law, wildlife fieldwork, veterinary medicine, and conservation education.
Wonderfully Wild Scholarship
THANKS TO THE GENEROUS support of the Berger Foundation and the Richard Brooke Foundation, Wonderfully Wild Scholarships are able to remove financial barriers and open the doors of the Zoo to students who might not otherwise have had the chance to visit. The Living Desert is thrilled to share that this exciting scholarship program will return next year!
During the 2023-2024 school year, this initiative yielded remarkable results:
n 47 schools were awarded and attended the Wonderfully Wild Scholarship program.
n 4,334 students and 471 chaperones were able to visit the Zoo.
n Out of these scholarship recipient schools, 20 were from the Coachella Valley, ranging from the East Valley to the West Valley.
Thanks to the generous support of Sherrie S. Auen and The Auen Foundation, The Living Desert was able to not only develop, but successfully implement this new educational outreach program with seniors.
Senior Life Enrichment
THE LIVING DESERT’S Senior Outreach program is redefining the meaning of vibrant, engaging, and educational experiences for our cherished seniors. This program is free to residents, thanks to a generous grant from the Auen Foundation. Volunteers play a pivotal role — bringing a dynamic blend of presentations, personal experiences, and a passion for conservation straight to local senior centers, assisted living programs, and memory care facilities.
Each outreach is an enriching journey where seniors not only enjoy socialization and community involvement but also dive into intellectual stimulation. The outreach events spark curiosity with a focus on native flora and fauna, emphasizing conservation — leading to lively conversations with friends and family.
The ripple effects of this program extend beyond the immediate joys. Residents have begun planting native gardens, creating homemade
LEFT: At the Desert Hot Springs Senior Center, Community Engagement Coordinator
Janice Griswold helps residents create pollinator-friendly plant spray.
LEFT: Through hands-on experiences with native plants, seniors are encouraged to transform their yards into thriving, wildlifefriendly sanctuaries.
pollinator-friendly plant spray, and embracing water-saving habits. Other long-term benefits include fostering healthy habitats, safe trail usage, a deeper understanding of local ecosystems, and a commitment to conservation stewardship. Seniors are not just participants; they become desert defenders in their own communities and earn a rewarding sense of purpose.
The Senior Center programs are booming, with attendance soaring at each event. To date, The Living Desert has made 42 visits in total to senior centers, assisted living, and memory care facilities, bringing the programming to 1,042 seniors. The hands-on activities, from crafting coyote noise-making deterrents to pollinator-friendly concoctions, have become crowd favorites. Interactions are lively; filled with questions, storytelling, and an abundance of enthusiasm. As we wrap up the grant’s first year and prepare for our second year, we’re eager to expand our reach, collaborating with more senior centers and creating even more unforgettable programs in both English and Spanish.
TOP
10,000 Seeds
FOR TWO WEEKS in April 2023, The Living Desert hosted 10,000 Seeds: A Pollinator Plant Party, during which guests were invited to plant seeds to take home along with aftercare instructions to start their own native pollinator gardens. These seeds were also intended to establish pollinator gardens at the Zoo and other community partner locations across the Coachella Valley.
Native pollinator gardens provide essential habitats for local and migrating pollinators, including the endangered western monarch butterfly. Monarch butterfly numbers have been decreasing drastically due largely to the loss of their winter habitats in California and Mexico.
Since the event and throughout 2024, five gardens have been established at community partner locations across the Coachella Valley using the plants germinated from 10,000 Seeds. These gardens are currently undergoing the application process to become Certified Wildlife Habitats by the National Wildlife Federation — three having been completed already. Plants have also been offered to schools along the East Valley Pollinator Pathway, which is being established by The Living Desert’s Conservation Department.
The goal was to plant 10,000 seeds over the two-week event. Ultimately, over 16,000 individual seeds were planted across 11 species of native pollinator plants.
ABOVE: Sustainability and Behavior Change Manager
Lizze Ferrari helps Zoo guests plant native pollinator seeds. TOP: Sand verbena was one of the five featured desertfriendly plants.
Gardens
Within the Zoo’s Chihuahuan Garden, native northern Chihuahuan desert plants thrive and showcase their resilience in the arid landscape.
BELOW: Collections Garden Supervisor Baltazar Pimentel helps guests plant native seeds at the Xerophilous event.
RIGHT TOP, MIDDLE, AND BOTTOM: Plant experts and enthusiasts from around the area joined in on the
Xerophilous
TO CELEBRATE THE BEAUTY and resilience of desert plants and The Living Desert’s 52 gardens — home to over 1,000 plant species — the Zoo hosted its first ever Xerophilous: A Desert Botanical Festival in early April. Xerophilous, a term referring to plants and animals adapted to arid climates, was an event that honored desert plant life and the conservation of their habitats. Throughout the weekend, guests enjoyed guided garden tours, led by The Living Desert’s expert botanists and gardeners. Xerophilous also featured presentations by experts in the field, speaking on many topics including habitat restoration, native plants, and creating a wildlife habitat in your own back yard.
Guests inspired to start their own native garden could stop by the California native plant sale, featuring plants propagated at The Living Desert. Also in that area were local conservationists, hands-on activities, plant experts and enthusiasts, and botanical-themed drinks.
botanical fun throughout the weekend.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP IMAGE: The behindthe-scenes nursery includes a propagation nursery and greenhouse. The Living Desert’s Plant Propagator Jose Marfori in the greenhouse. An example of confiscated, illegally trafficked plants that are kept in the greenhouse. Several species of aloe growing for the Africa gardens. A female welwitschia with seed-bearing cones. As propagated plants get larger, they are moved through the nursery, eventually moving from the indoor greenhouse to the outdoor area.
Propagation Nursery and Greenhouse
LOCATED BEHIND THE SCENES, The Living Desert’s propagation nursery is just under 0.7 acres, including a greenhouse that measures 20 feet by 60 feet and holds up to 4,650 individual 2-inch plant pots. Construction on these new additions began in January 2022 and the gardening team has been enhancing the space ever since! The nursery allows for many different types of plants from around the world to be propagated, including native California plants. There are also several species of acacia in the greenhouse that will eventually be used as food (browse) for the rhinos.
In addition to propagation, the nursery and greenhouse also provide a home or holding facility for illegally trafficked plants that have been confiscated. The Living Desert is a designated Plant Rescue Center by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) program called Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ). Some of these confiscated plants can also be seen on-grounds at the Desert Plant Propagation Center, where guests can learn more about illegal plant trafficking.
Sharing with the Valley
Native Species Garden
Plant Propagator Jose Marfori (left) and Collections Garden Supervisor Baltazar Pimentel (right) at the dedication of a new native species demonstration garden in Rancho Mirage. The Living Desert donated dozens of their own plants for this special space at Sacred Grounds Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert.
Creating Pollinator Pathways
Through a collaborative effort between the Zoo’s conservation, gardens, and learning and impact teams, The Living Desert is working with over fifteen community partner locations across the Coachella Valley to establish native pollinator gardens. Plants are donated to the partner organizations, including senior centers, libraries, and schools; and team members from the Zoo give hands-on guidance to help design and establish the gardens.
Safe House of the Desert After
Safe House of the Desert Before
Park-Wide Events
WORLD DESERT DAY
The Living Desert celebrated the deserts of the world, along with all the flora and fauna that call them home, during the first ever World Desert Day on January 13, 2024. This special, brand-new event featured desert-themed scavenger hunts, animal connections, a desert plant sale, all-new collectible desert trading cards, and informative tables with 11 of The Living Desert’s conservation partners.
Palm Desert Mayor Karina Quintanilla and Indian Wells Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Whitman were present for a proclamation of World Desert Day, both at The Living Desert and around the world. Jaqueline Cordero from Congressmember Dr. Raul Ruiz’s office presented The Living Desert with a proclamation and certificate for the event. During the ceremony, the Zoo’s gardens team planted a commemorative Aloe peglerae, a special aloe grown from seed. This
BELOW LEFT: Team members of The Living Desert during the inaugural World Desert Day.
BELOW RIGHT: President/CEO Allen Monroe (left) and Palm Desert Mayor Karina Quintanilla (right) help to plant a commemorative Aloe peglerae during the proclamation of World Desert Day.
desert plant species, endemic to South Africa and endangered due to over-collection, serves as an example of the importance in protecting and preserving the desert’s plants and animals across the globe. A Certificate of Recognition was presented during the afternoon by Field Representative Felipe Ortiz from Assembly Member Greg Wallis’ office.
Deserts make up about one-third of the Earth’s landmass — join The Living Desert in honoring the world’s deserts during this annual celebration, to be held on the second Saturday in January.
The Living Desert would like to thank Susan Cooper, a long-time friend and supporter of the Zoo, for her generous support of the World Desert Day and International Desert Conservation Summit events.
GLOW IN THE PARK
Back for its third year, Glow in the Park — a dazzling springtime lantern festival — delighted guests of all ages with photo opportunities, interactive displays, and specialty food and beverage options.
HOWL-O-WEEN
Guests celebrated the spooky season at the Zoo’s annual, family-friendly Halloween event featuring trick-or-treat candy stations, costumes, activities, and collectible trading cards.
SENSORY INCLUSIVE NIGHT
WILDLIGHTS
This cherished holiday event returned for its 31st season with new festive features and familiar fan favorites!
Thank you to The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation for your ongoing support.
The Zoo is proud to be a Certified Autism Center™ as part of our commitment to provide a best day-ever experience for all guests. This year, a special edition of Glow in the Park was designed to be mindful of the sensory-supportive needs of the neurodivergent community. Visitors enjoyed reduced music levels, resilience rooms for sensory recuperation, and complimentary sensory bags available for checkout.
GLOW WITH PRIDE
The Living Desert hosted its inaugural Glow with Pride night in March as part of the Glow in the Park event. This special evening — brought to you by KGAY, The Gay Desert Guide, and Cheeky Charity — was full of celebration with a silent disco, live entertainment from DJ ModGirl, LGBTQ+ local organizations, and specialty food and cocktails.
Year-at-a-Glance Donor Support
Bob and Connie Lurie
Eileen Scheel and friends
Bill and Suzan Appel
Bill and Cathy Dickson, Jeff Garatea and Larry Fry
Karla Kjellen-Elder, Jeff Elder, and family
Catharine Reed, Allen Monroe, and Sherrie Auen
Brooke Koehler and Danelle Ryan
Rita Stec, Allen Monroe, and Lance Eldred
Jan Salta and friends
Shaughne Warnack
Donor Spotlight
When visiting her father William at the nearby Vintage Club, Jennifer Gross frequently enjoys the Zoo with William and her son, Pax. “To have shared experiences at The Living Desert between different generations lays a foundation in our family that we are stewards of the planet, and we must do all we can for a sustainable future for wildlife and ecosystems,” says Jennifer.
Thanks to a generous donation from Jennifer Gross and The William, Jeff and Jennifer Gross Family Foundation, the Zoo’s eco-friendly and educational splash pad will be coming in the spring of 2025. This incredible gift was made in honor of Jennifer’s father and son. “I’m honored to be able to participate in conservation efforts, not only with my husband Peter Stengaard and our son Pax, through The William, Jeff and Jennifer Gross Family Foundation, but also with all of the staff at The Living Desert, the other invaluable donors that have contributed year after year, and all of the community members that love coming every week as much as we do.”
Sandy Myerson and Michael Gailus
McGrath Family
Edie McCarthy and friends
Jennifer Gross
Cynthia Williams and her late husband Jim Williams
Stacy Schlinger and friends
Lifetime Giving
VISIONARY CIRCLE
($10,000,000+)
Dorothy L. and Max Weber
CORNERSTONE CIRCLE
($5,000,000 - $9,999,999)
Jeannik and Edmund Littlefield
Connie L. and Robert A. Lurie
Marilyn and Bill Tennity
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
($2,500,000 - $4,999,999)
The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation
Stephen B. Chase
Mary and Lawrence A. Cone
Susan E. Cooper
Patti and Jack Grundhofer/John F. Grundhofer Charitable Foundation
Miriam U. and H. Earl Hoover
Maxine W. Poyas
Mary and George Storer
CHAIRMAN CIRCLE
($1,000,000 - $2,499,999)
Mary Ann Altomari Living Trust
Suzan and Bill Appel
Sharon and Dean Baltzell
Peggy and Hal Bernthal
Bebe Bowen
Kelly Carmien Charitable Gift Fund
City of Indian Wells
City of Palm Desert
Gloria and Vernon B. Clinton
Mildred B. Cosgrove
Rita Stec and Lance Eldred
Mary and Robert H. Flint
Dorothy and James E. Frank
William Fries II
Wayne N. Garwood and Pamela W. Garwood
The William, Jeff and Jennifer Gross Family Foundation
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens shows our appreciation to our major donors for their generosity and lifetime of giving.
Ethelmae and James E. Haldan
Mary Lou and Leonard Hoeft
The H. Earl Hoover Foundation
RD and Joan Dale Hubbard Foundation
Louise and Ray Knowles
Lynn and Edward Little
Herbert R. Mayer and Jeanne C. Mayer Foundation
Edeltraud McCarthy Foundation/ Patrick M. McCarthy Foundation
Marie B. and Vic Regin
Frances L. Rich
Janet R. Selland
BJ and Van Skilling
The A.C. and Shaughne S. Warnack Foundation
STEWARD CIRCLE
($500,000 - $999,999)
The Annenberg Foundation
Ruth G. Applegarth
Bank of America
Marian Miner Cook
Daphne and Tom DeMartino
June Johnson Dickson
Richard Brooke Foundation
Peggy Fouke and James Wortz
Joy and Harry Goldstein
Susan and Jim Gould
Joan and Richard Hamilton
Polly and Nelson Hester
Candace and Jon Holzgrafe
James Irvine Foundation
Margaret and Eugene M. Kay
The Koehler Mahlstedt Family Foundation
Patricia and David Lamb
Janet and A. Kirk Lanterman
Harold Matzner
The McCallum Desert Foundation
Anne and Harry Newman
Diana “Mousie” Powell
Wayne L. Prim Foundation
Stacy Schlinger/Schlinger Family Foundation
Rachel and Richard Sidenberg
Patricia Ann and Terry E. Simmons
Billie F. and E. Eugene Yeager
BENEFACTOR CIRCLE
($250,000 - $499,999)
The Ahmanson Foundation
Monique M. and John D. Barr
Keleen and Carlton Beal
Dorothy and Philip Boyd
The Brinson Foundation
The Carr Foundation, Inc.
The Chaiken Family/Dana Chaiken and Susan Roll
Tracey and Mike Clark
Ellen Hegwer Foundation
Kay and Ralph E. Hemingway
Herman Foundation/Richard L. Herman
Highland Street Foundation/ JoAnn McGrath
Ironwood Country Club
Mary Jane and Paul Jenkins
Elaine B. and Jerrold Jerome
Sandy and George Kachlein III
Karla Kjellin-Elder and Jeffrey Elder
Drew A. Leander
Michael W. McCarthy Foundation
Sharon and Craig McCollam
Susan and Caleb “Mac” McCormick
Kathy and John McGovern
Sandy and Seward Prosser Mellon/ R. K. Mellon Family Foundation
Lee Miller
Sandi and Ralph Miller
Lois M. Milroy
Mary and Ray Mithun/ Mithun Family Foundation
Irene Ethel Nelson Revocable Trust
Adele Ruge and V.W. North
Carol Petrie
The Reserve Club
Susan R. Rogowski
The Rosso Family Foundation
The Scott Family
Lady and Sherman A. Smith
Kit and Roger P. Snoble
State of California
Beryl and Robert Sturtevant
The George and Stephanie Suddock Foundation
Virginia H. Terry
Betty P. Thibodeau
Marilyn and Bruce Throckmorton
Marcy Tonkin
Union Bank, The Private Bank
Cynthia and James Williams
John and Martha Wilson Charitable Fund, a donor advised fund of The U.S. Charitable Gift Trust
Carol and Howard Wright
PATRON CIRCLE
($100,000 - $249,999)
Ronnie and Byron Allumbaugh
The Gilbert J. Martin Foundation/ Judy and Roger Anderson
Cyndi Andrews
Katherine J. Andrews Foundation
Argyros Family Foundation
Patricia G. and C. Dennis Ashby
Associated Foundations, Inc.
Anne and Walter Auberger
Susan and James A. Baker III
Bighorn Development, LLC
The Eugenia Mayer Bolz Family Foundation
Wendy and Gary Broad/ Gary Broad Foundation
Nancy and James L. Burke
Cindy V. and Ely Callaway
Pam C. and Rick G. Carlson
Eric Carson
Dorothy P. and James C. Castle
City of Rancho Mirage
Clark Foundation
Lenore and Harry Clow
Jean Crummer Coburn
The Sirpuhe and John Conte Foundation/ Joyce and Joe Stein, Stephanie and Michael Landes
Deborah L. Cooper
Roy E. Crummer Foundation
William E. de Recat
Cathy and Bill Dickson
Joseph Drown Foundation
Carole B. and Edmund W. Dumke
Tom Eakin
Lola F. Edmiston
Elaine Green Eldridge
Jane and John Evans
Myrle and Jack Farley
Shirley and Jack Farley
Marcia and Robert French/ William M. Fuller Foundation
Marylynn and Andy Gladstein
Dorothy B. and Courtney Gould
Mary Lou Graziadio
Grousemont Foundation
Rosalind and Stanley Hack
Irene and Herbert Hansen
Libby and Edward G. Harshfield
Jan and Jim Hawkins
Kae A. Hensey
E. Kay and Robert Hillery
Jackie Lee and Jim Houston
Suz Hunt
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Judith Woolsey Isaac
Sis and Keith Jackson
Kathy and Bob Jaunich
Ursula and Gordy Johnson
Carol and Larry Jones/ Larson Jones Family Trust
Mary Lou Kieffer and Vicki Palmer
Joan B. Kroc
Susan and George LeBlanc
Mary Lester/Lester Family Foundation
Donna and Cargill MacMillan Jr.
Geraldine and Michael Masterpool
Gayle and John C. McDonald
Marjorie and Loring Merwin
Jack Moore
Sonia S. Moran
Cherie and John Morris
Sandy Myerson and Michael Gailus
Jneil Ludwick Nelson
Newman’s Own Foundation/ Patty and Arthur Newman
JoAnn and Mark Nickerson
Evelyn R. and Lester Nienhuis
John F. Outcault
Pat and Ray Paige
Norma Petersen
Sandy Petersen
DeDe and Bill Pitruzzelli
Gwen F. Randall
Helen and Harry Reinsch
Muriel Pollia Foundation
Jan Salta
Marjorie B. Salter
Eileen and Steve Scheel
Peter Scheer and Matthias Scheer
Sally and Michael Schreter
Hilda Shaw
J. Richard Shelley
Elizabeth B. and Mitchell Simon
Shirley Smith
SoCal Edison
Mary Lou and Dick Solomon
Nancy S. and Richard A. Spelke
Barbara C. and Stuart K. Spencer
Patty and Larry Spicer
F. M. “Steve” Stevenson
Judith D. and S. Jerome Tamkin
Connie Faith Thomas
U.S. Bank
Ruth and C.J. Venuto
Vintage Properties
Visit Greater Palm Springs
Jana M. and Frederick Wacker
Elaine and Frank White
Linda Jo and Allan Bankus Jr.
Robert S. Wilson
Sandra Cooper Woodson
James E. Wright Jr.
SPONSOR CIRCLE
($50,000 - $99,999)
Scarlett N. and William J. Adams
Eric Affeldt/Carolyn and Clara Forman
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
Kay Horn and L.E. Alford
Irene W. and Guy L. Anderson
Children’s Foundation
Robert Archer and Charles Hilliar
Barbara and Timothy Arnstein
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
The Auen Foundation
Emily M. Baker
Lu Barnes
Sheila and Ed Benson
Betty and Paul Boshard
Kim and George Brace
Mimi and William Brett
Eleanor and Doug Butler
Shelley Gordon and Thomas Camp
Karen and Bryan Casier
Janet Schneider-Cate and Tony Cate
Lillian and David Chase
Sarah and Roger Chrisman/ Schlinger Chrisman Foundation
Irene Rich Clifford
Confidence Foundation
Carol and Jesse Couch
Glenn A. Cramer
Sandy and Richard Dallam
Nancy and Donald de Laski
Edenhurst Gallery
The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation
Suzanne and David Etheridge
Rose M. Federico
Christel and Phelps Fisher
Martha Berry and John Fraim
Barbara and Albert Garlinghouse Jr.
Ann and Samuel Ginn/The Ginn Family Foundation
Tom Gleitsman and Taylor Jaeger
Alexandra Glickman and Gayle Whittemore
Karen and Robert Gober/ Hittman Family Foundation
Tina and Dennis Godecke
Godecke Clark
Maudella and Harold Green
Laura and Joseph Gregorio
Nan and Reed Harman
Jan and Brian Harnik
Mae and O.J. Harper
Rebecca and David Harrison
Susan and Wayne Harvey
Lynn and Roger L. Headrick
John Herklotz
Patricia and Brian Herman
Jean Ann Hirschi
Barbara and H. Earl Hoover II
The Miriam U. Hoover Foundation
Dolores and Bob Hope
Laura and Amory Houghton
The George and Evelyn Howard Family Trust
The Arthur L. Jacobson Charitable Fund at the Inland Empire Community Foundation
Tim Jochen and Lee Erwin/ Contour Dermatology
Helen and Edwin Johnsen
David Kowalczyk and Curtis Johnson
A.D. Johnston
Elizabeth Fuller Jones
Norma Sue Jones
Virginia and P. J. Keeley
Maria and Michael Kiner
Paige Kiner
Samie and Tom H. Lang
Katherine and David Lawrence
Michael A. Leppen
Ellis Lewis
Patricia A. Lyon
Manilow Fund For Health & Hope
Sharon Mattern
June and Harold Mayer/The Oscar G. & Elsa S. Mayer Foundation
Sean McGrath
Mary Jo and Al Means
Carol G. Meier
Marcia and Max Messmer Jr.
Karen and Ken Miles
Sharon and Howard Miller
Deirdre and Allen Monroe
Mildred Moore-Voll
Mousie’s Desert Mice
Rena C. Muzzy
Carol-Ann and Alan Olson
Warner Otto
Palm Desert Foundation
Thomas Patrick and Stephen Rulo
Penske Automotive Group, Inc.
Pepsi Beverage Company
Pettit Foundation
Linda Phipps and Elaine Allen
Phyllis S. Poehler and Walter E. Stremel
Charitable Trust
Phyllis and C. Davis Poehler
Tom Pogue and Boris Rose
Jebby Potter/The Rockwell Foundation
Carolyn and John Radebaugh
Linda and Manny Rider
Elizabeth Hutchins Riggs
Trudy and Pat Ritz
John and Yvonne Royan
Judy and Bob Sanders
Lynn Parazak and Cliff Schneider
Linda and John Seiter
Elmina B. Sewall Foundation
Richard Shalhoub Family
Mary Sue and Mike Shannon
Marisa and James J. Shea Jr.
Sally and Kenneth Simonds
Pamela and William Simpkins
Louise Sloneker-Maison
Roswitha Smale
Annette and D. William Smith
Becky and Phil Smith Jr.
Faye Moore Snelling
Gillian and Wilbur F. Snelling
Grace Helen Spearman
Charitable Foundation
Amber and Sam Spinello
Karen and Nick Steffanoff
Anne Sutherland-DeRosa/ Ettore Richard DeRosa, Jr. Foundation
Joy Svenson
Bette and Jack Swain
Marianne Armanino and Harry Timmins
Tonamora Foundation
Arthur Underwood
Lois and John Veneri
Jocelyn and Richard Vortmann
Mary and Gordon Watson
Frank Wiskowski
As of June 30, 2024
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this listing. Please notify Development@LivingDesert.org of any omissions or inaccuracies.
Heritage Society Members
The Heritage Society recognizes those donors who have made arrangements for deferred gifts in their estate: a bequest in a will, a charitable remainder trust, a life insurance policy with The Living Desert named as the beneficiary, real estate property, appreciated stock, and more. Members of the Heritage Society are a unique group of people who share the same vision as Karen Sausman, President Emerita, and the original Board of Trustees. Heritage Society members understand the need to provide for the sustainable future of The Living Desert and the incredible and often endangered plants and animals found in the world’s deserts.
Gerald and Wendy Anderson
Bill and Suzan Appel
Phyllis Ardary
Dr. C. Dennis and Dr. Patricia G. Ashby
William and Mary Baker
Michael Baran and Rai Scime
Robert G. Berg, Jr.
Peggy and Hal Bernthal
Karen E. Casier
Joan and Jim Chedester
John and Margaret Cleveland
Carol and Jesse Couch
Barbara R. Dadanian
Deanna “Dee” Daneri
Ernest and Jan Demarbiex
Daphne K. DeMartino
Jim and Cindy Eshleman
Jeff and Jeanine Feld
Carlotta Flink
Judy Fogt
George and Elaine Foster
Kristine Martin-Gula
Marilyn Hahn
Jeffrey T. Hall
James P. and Linda L. Hamm
Candace Clark Holzgrafe
Pamela Howe
Melinda Joyce Nahin-Iuster
Lois Henning Kahn-Feuer
Linda Karas
Marisa Y. Katnic’
Ronald E. Iehl
Drew A. Leander
Nancy and Bud Lenzer
Betty Callies and Bonny Light
Patricia A. Lyon
Jaci and David Mach
Sharon L. Mattern
Kenneth F. Maxwell and Richard L. Redman
Charles and Candace McBrayer
Vicki McConnell
Barbara J. Merrill
Joseph Migliore
Lee Miller
Fera Mostow
Jneil Ludwick Nelson
Ronald C. Nelson and Pamela F. Nelson
Sandra Norman
Dr. David E. and Marge Perkins
Dale A. Perry
Linda Phipps and Elaine Allen
Richard and Georgina Polizzi
Kerstin B. Pollack
Jane P. Raimondi
Joseph A. Rangus
Connie Rickords
Sandy Rosenberg and Don Thompson
Marcus F. Rosenstein
Lynne L. Rudnick
Karen Sausman
Louise E. Schulz
Angelo and Sheryl Sciacca
Richard Shapiro and Barbara Shapiro
Bill and Pamela Simpkins
Brian and Jean Slavin
Sandra Smith
Lady and Sherman A. Smith
Mary Lou and Dick Solomon
Barbara Storms and Sarah Gonzales
Carla Sullivan-Dilley
Kelly Taylor
William S. Tetsch
J. Bruce Tominello and Larry E. Kirchner
Lynne Tucker
Sarah S. and John P. Tyler
Raymond and Elizabeth Welch
Susan Westphal
Catherine Hayes and Mark Wiesel
Cynthia K. Williams
Dr. Raymond and Mrs. Shanna Winters
Rita D. Wood
Sandra Cooper Woodson
Steven J Wycoff and Albion A Paradise
Billie F. Yeager
2023-2024 ROLL OF DONORS
Gifts Received from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024
OVER $1,000,000
The William, Jeff and Jennifer Gross Family Foundation
$500,000 - $999,999
Anne and Harry Newman
The A.C. and Shaughne S. Warnack Foundation
$250,000 - $499,999
Kelly Carmien Charitable Gift Fund
William Fries II
Patti and Jack Grundhofer/John F. Grundhofer Charitable Foundation
Wayne L. Prim Foundation
$100,000 - $249,999
Suzan and Bill Appel
The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation
The Chaiken Family/Dana Chaiken and Susan Roll
City of Rancho Mirage
Tracey and Mike Clark
Mary and Lawrence A. Cone
June Johnson Dickson
Rita Stec and Lance Eldred
Ellen Hegwer Foundation
Highland Street Foundation/JoAnn McGrath
Candace and Jon Holzgrafe
Karla Kjellin-Elder and Jeffrey Elder
The Koehler Mahlstedt Family Foundation
Connie L. and Robert A. Lurie
Harold Matzner
Edeltraud McCarthy Foundation/ Patrick M. McCarthy Foundation
Sandi and Ralph Miller
Sandy Myerson and Michael Gailus
Eileen and Steve Scheel
Stacy Schlinger/Schlinger Family Foundation
Janet R. Selland
Beryl and Robert Sturtevant
Marcy Tonkin
$50,000 - $99,999
Sharon and Dean Baltzell
The Carr Foundation, Inc.
Susan E. Cooper
Sandy and Richard Dallam
Cathy and Bill Dickson
Patricia and David Lamb
Sharon and Craig McCollam
Carol G. Meier
Pettit Foundation
The George and Stephanie Suddock Foundation
Cynthia and James Williams
John and Martha Wilson Charitable Fund, a donor advised fund of The U.S. Charitable Gift Trust
$25,000 - $49,999
Patricia G. and C. Dennis Ashby
The Auen Foundation
Steve Benninga
The Brinson Foundation
Shelley Gordon and Thomas Camp
Sarah and Roger Chrisman
Clark Foundation
Jane and John Evans
Ford Dealers Advertising Association of Southern California
Marylynn and Andy Gladstein
Tom Gleitsman and Taylor Jaeger
Alexandra Glickman and Gayle Whittemore
Susan and Jim Gould
Rosalind and Stanley Hack
Jenny and Phil Hasbrouck
Suz Hunt
Kathy and Bob Jaunich
Trudy and David Johnston
Carol and Larry Jones/Larson Jones Family Trust
Norma Sue Jones
Kind World Foundation
Susan and George LeBlanc
Ivy and Gene Lewis
Manilow Fund For Health & Hope
Holly McGrath
Sandy and Seward Prosser Mellon/ R. K. Mellon Family Foundation
Marcia and Max Messmer Jr.
Joanne and Myron Mintz
Jeff Nelson and Paul Mahan
Jneil Ludwick Nelson
Pepsi Beverage Company
Trudy and Pat Ritz
Jan Salta
Peter Scheer and Matthias Scheer
Schlinger Chrisman Foundation
Sally and Michael Schreter
Linda and John Seiter
US Bank Foundation
US Bank Private Wealth Management
Frank Yoder
$10,000 - $24,999
The Ariowitsch Family Foundation
Karen Dennis and Miles Auslander
Bighorn Development, LLC
Blank Park Zoo Foundation
Wendy and Gary Broad/Gary Broad Foundation
Cindy V. and Ely Callaway
Dorothy P. and James C. Castle
Deborah Chapman
Cindy Claytor
Janice Vincent and William Courtney
Janet Cree
Lavon and Jim DeGraw
The de Vos Family Foundation
Terry and Wally Durham
Jackie and Curt Ealy
Evie and Jeff Engler
Event Network
The Fletcher Jones Foundation
Terri Gervais
Denise Stefan Ginascol and John Ginascol
Michael Ginn/The Ginn Family Foundation
Karen and Robert Gober/ Hittman Family Foundation
Judy and Richard Guggenhime/ The Stanley S. Langendorf Foundation
Joan and Richard Hamilton
Nan and Reed Harman
Kurt Heilman
Polly and Steve Hiller
Kay Hillery
Miriam U. and H. Earl Hoover Foundation
Jennifer and Roger Imbriani
The Arthur L. Jacobson Charitable Fund at the Inland Empire Community Foundation
David Kowalczyk and Curtis Johnson
Mandy and Kevin Johnson
Ursula and Gordy Johnson
Paige Kiner
Jo and Tom Knight
Cindy and Eric Lissol
Patricia A. Lyon
The Gilbert J. Martin Foundation
Martin/Brattrud Inc
Molly McGee
Sean McGrath
Mary Jo and Al Means
Lee Miller
Yung-Chung Ming
Mary and Ray Mithun/Mithun Family Foundation
Diane and Mike Morrison
Anne Christensen and Arne Ness
NFP Property & Casualty Insurance
Adele Ruge and V.W. North
Tom Patrick and Steve Rulo
Carol Pavlick
Valerie and Ty Peabody
Jebby Potter/The Rockwell Foundation
Jean Pral
PVG Architects
Eugenia Righter
Paige and Chuck Robbins
Vicky and David Rogers/Pasadena Community Foundation
Lynne Rudnick
Leland and Julia Scheu Family Foundation
Terry and Bill Schmidt
Lynn Parazak and Cliff Schneider
John Schumacher and Joseph Rodriguez
Mary Sue and Mike Shannon
Sally and Kenneth Simonds
Rosa and Bob Sinnott
Becky and Phil Smith Jr.
SoCal Edison
Tonamora Foundation
Visit Greater Palm Springs
Beth and Robert Ward
Patty Wondries
$5,000 - $9,999
John Albrecht
Barbara and Timothy Arnstein
Art Laboe Foundation
Kristi and Brian Bailey
Linda Jo and Allan Bankus Jr.
Rai Scime and Michael Baran
Emma Trejo and Doug Bender
Benefits Exchange Alliance
Mary Reisher and Barry Berlin
Chris and John Blair
Carrie and Rich Breeswine
Leslie and David Burgstahler
Bobbie and Glen Ceiley
Joanne and Bill Chunowitz
Classic Escapes
Pat Clinton
JoAnn and Ross Cornelius
Wendy and Kevin Cox
Kelly Lanpheer-Crowley and Geoffrey Crowley
Donna Jean and Keith Darby
Diane and Norman Delaterre
Desert Tortoise Council
The Tappan Family Foundation
Phyllis and Wayne Duncan
Lori and Jerry Ernst
Erica Espinola
Suzanne and David Etheridge
Donald Feinberg
Burke Francis
Maureen Garrett
Susan and Warren Gelman
Valerie and Bob Gwyn
Windy and Nick Hall
Linda Cade and Terry Halverson
Susan and Wayne Harvey
Mikey Herring and Jim Phelps
Jill and Dale Hurd
Christine and Al Johnsen
Becky Johnson
Angie and Squire Junger
Tanya Karn
Maria and Michael Kiner
Ramona and Mark Kline
Terry and Tom Kneafsey
Mary Lester/Lester Family Foundation
Ellis Lewis
Christine Lindner
Michelle Meighen and David Bush
Terri Molakides and William Butler
Deirdre and Allen Monroe
Mildred Moore-Voll
Dennis Murphy
Jason and Rob Ollander-Krane
Carol-Ann and Alan Olson
Christy and Steve Owen
Judy and Dan Pace
Marcia and Bill Pade
Christopher Kurimoto and John Penny
Cecelia Peroni
David Pollart
Maureen and Phil Ramer
Faultline Adventures dba Desert Adventures/ Red Jeep Tours
Maureen and Bob Renner
Suzi Richards
Anne Roberson
Billy Rodriguez
Mary Ann Sage
Donna and Ken Sanger
William A. and Teresa Elliott Schmidt Charitable Foundation
Carrie and Nick Schrup
Tim Scott
Richard Shalhoub Family
Pamela and William Simpkins
Nancy and Malcolm Slack
Mary Lou and Dick Solomon
Carole and Del Stagg
Barbara and James Stuart
Margaret and David Sturdevant
Sue and Tim Timken
Julie and Jason Wallace
Molly Walters
Paula Weiss
Carol Wright/Grousemont Fondation
Doreen and Richard Yaeger
Kathy and Jim York
$2,500 - $4,999
Betsy and Mark Adams
Nita Adamson and Leslie Jenkin
Charles M. Aldrich and Carlos Castaneda
Marie and George Allman
Anonymous
Sheryl Benoit
Joyce and William Biffar
Joan Blumenfeld
Karlyn and Charles Boppell
Mary and Tom Brohard
Debby and David Brown
Jessie and Charles Cale
Patricia and John Campbell
Donald Davis
Don Diego’s of Indian Wells
Judith Fabian
Kristen and James Finch/The Finch Family Foundation
Christel and Phelps Fisher
Mattie Fernandez and Chris Flores
Anne Fontaine
Lori and AK Forthmann
Larry Fry and Jeff Garatea
Anne and Steve Furgal
Thorton S. Glide, Jr. and Katrina D. Glide Foundation
Elizabeth and Duane Guenzler
Annette Guzman and Nastassia Guzman
Lindsey and Mike Harris
Jan and Jim Hawkins
Lynn and Alan Hendershot
Breanna Martin and Zachary Hill
Ann and Glen Hiner
Drew Hopkins
Lorna and Robert Houck
Nanci Irwin
Maren and Adam Jaffe
Julie Jensen
Chantel and Stacey Johnson
Jill and Daneen Johnson
Trish and Steve Jordan
Gail and Fred Jubitz
Suzanne and Tom Kanarian
Jeanette Kleist
Gail and John Kretchmer
Jacquelyn Lester
Life Line Financial Group
Dave Lippert
Richard Longmire
Lorrie DuPont and Nick Lynn
Andrea Marino
Candy and Charles McBrayer
Susan and Nick McCully
Barbie McMahan
Christine Metz-Gennet and Michael Gennet
Mousie’s Desert Mice
Betty Nelson-Lahti and Gordon Lahti
Teri O’Rourke and Brooks Piper
Palm Springs Motors
Kathie Parrish
David Pearce and Robert Bunyard
Linda Phipps and Elaine Allen
Mary McCarthy and Warren Platt
Sheryl Rincker
Barbara Rogers and Gary Geske
Robert Rogers
Jon Rogus and David Repoley
Adele and Edward Ruxton
Mahnaz and Michael Shadman
Joann and Kemper Shaw
J. Richard Shelley
Patty and Larry Spicer
Jan Starr and Billy Siegel
Nancy and Jon Stegehuis
Christine and Paul Stenklyft
Chris Strand
Shirley and Peter Tart
David Taylor
Christa and Randy Treichel
Ellen Vahan
Jocelyn and Richard Vortmann
Julie and Jeffrey Wade
Sue Waight and Joe Montgomery
Cathy Walsh
Watermark Estate Management Services LLC
Art Williams and Gene Leone
Sarah and Bruce Zender
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this listing. Please notify Development@LivingDesert.org of any omissions or inaccuracies.
Thank you for generously supporting The Living Desert
For more than 53 years, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has been a leader in the conservation of the world’s deserts. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that receives no on-going municipal tax support, we rely on the generosity of donors like you to sustain our operations. Your gift to the Zoo will enable us to continue providing the highest level of care for our animals, educating the next generation about the world’s deserts, and inspiring our guests to care for the world’s wildlife and wild places.
There are many ways to support The Living Desert — and important reminders when making your gift.
Making a direct financial gift is the easiest and most effective way to support The Living Desert.
Donate stocks — donating shares of appreciated stock can offer opportunities to save on capital gains and income taxes. Please let us know when your advisor forwards stocks to our bank. The financial institutions do not give us your name with the transaction, so we are unable to determine whom to thank for the gift.
Donate cryptocurrency to save on capital gains taxes. We use a trusted third party for processing.
Name The Living Desert as beneficiary of your retirement assets such as an IRA or 401 (k) plan account.*
Make a planned gift by naming The Living Desert as a primary beneficiary in your will or trust.* Participate in your employee giftmatching program.
Create a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) — your assets go into an investment account from which you can recommend grants to The Living Desert.**
Donate funds from your IRA account directly to The Living Desert — a Qualified Charitable Distribution or QCD — at age 70.5 and older.**
A QCD to The Living Desert also counts towards “withdrawing” your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) at age 73 which is not counted as taxable income.**
Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent possible.
For More Information
If you are considering a gift of any size and would like more information, please contact us at Development@LivingDesert.org or call (760) 346-9071.
*Ask about our Heritage Society.
** As a reminder, these funds cannot be used to gain any benefits such as event tickets or buying a membership.
Financials For Fiscal Year*
Ending June 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
* The Living Desert is a California 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation. (EIN 95-3385354).
** Total Excludes Depreciation
The Living Desert would like to thank you for your generous support. Your giving allows us to do this critical work, from conservation efforts to on-site animal care.
One of the most innovative and forward-thinking giving programs at The Living Desert is the Living Legacy Endowment campaign. Donating to the endowment means your principal gift remains untouched, while its investment income provides for The Living Desert’s future. These funds can be used in many ways, including balancing the budget, expanding staffing, strengthening employee benefits, and helping with unexpected emergency repairs such as storm damage.
This program began with an incredible $21 million in 2015 thanks to the commitment of campaign managers and trustees Susan Cooper and BJ Skilling. We are very appreciative to them for initiating this campaign, which has now grown to an impressive $57 million for the fiscal year-ending June 30, 2024. To all those who contributed to this transformational legacy, we are incredibly grateful! We continue to accept ongoing gifts toward the endowment to help sustain our future.
My wife Suzan and I believe in The Living Desert’s mission: Desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation. We are both honored to be able to support the many facets of The Living Desert, both financially and as volunteers. We believe this will help to make a difference in saving species and inspiring conservationists of today and tomorrow.”
— Bill Appel, Chairman of the Board
