SECTION D
Summary OF Project Planning, Goals and Impact how does the exhibit fit your long-range strategic plan? The mission of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation. Founded in 1970 as a nature reserve focused on preserving a small section of the Colorado Desert, today, The Living Desert is focused on telling the compelling and impactful stories of the world’s desert habitats, flora, and fauna. Set on 1,200 total acres, The Living Desert features 150 animal species and over 1,500 plant species on 80 acres of developed zoo and gardens. Given the Zoo’s location and climate, The Living Desert is unwavering in its commitment to the deserts of the world and the incredible diversity held within those ecosystems.
Australian Adventures was the first new major habitat construction at The Living Desert since the addition of the jaguar habitat in 2011. The area chosen for Australian Adventures has a long and storied history of uses throughout The Living Desert’s history. Originally built in 1975, the original structure had previously served as a plant nursery, gift shop, weather station, and office space. It was long overdue for a renovation, and the new Australian Adventures habitat was the perfect fit. After a series of planning and architectural meetings, the detailed footprint of Australia was finalized in January 2019. After thirteen months of construction, Australian Adventures was ready for guests.
The Living Desert’s Master Plan was updated in 2015 to include the continent of Australia to augment the Zoo’s Wild Americas and African Savanna habitats. From a conservation perspective, many of the ecological challenges facing Southern California, such as climate change, drought, forest fires, population expansion, and the loss of natural resources, are also occurring in Australia. This similarity made for a natural comparison between the two regions and a compelling argument as to why people should care about climate change. In addition, the diversity of animal species in Australia, that are climatically compatible with the local climate, gave a broad choice of mammal, avian, and reptile species to incorporate into the habitat.
Today, Australian Adventures is an immersive, walkabout experience for guests to explore and learn about the incredible wildlife of Australia’s deserts. Set within a nearly one-acre footprint, Australian Adventures highlights some of the incredible biodiversity of Australia’s outback.
AZA Exhibit Award 11
