6 minute read
Ways to Give
There are so many different ways to support the animals and programs you love at The Living Desert! Besides memberships and adoptions, did you know that you can donate to the Zoo on platforms like Facebook, or by shopping AmazonSmile and Ralph’s? It’s easy!
Show your commitment to The Living Desert by creating a fundraiser on Facebook for friends and followers to support. Or, register to link your account (AmazonSmile) or rewards card (Ralph’s) to The Living Desert. When you shop in person or online, the store will donate a portion of your purchases at no additional cost to you. It’s a small act that can make a big impact!
We appreciate your generosity, and we couldn’t do it without you!
Bobcat
REDUCE TAXES WITH AN IRA GIFT
This year, new laws may cause you to pay higher taxes. Consider reducing your tax burden through an IRA rollover. If you are 70 ½ or older you can make a charitable gift of up to $100,000 from your IRA. Your gift will qualify for your required minimum distribution and you will not need to pay federal income tax on the amount donated to The Living Desert. Check with your advisor to see how supporting a cause you love through an IRA rollover gift might impact your taxes. Or instead, make a charitable bequest. A bequest on part or all of your IRA permits you to make full use of your funds during your lifetime. The Living Desert will benefit in the future from what remains. Your plan custodian can provide you with a form to designate The Living Desert as a beneficiary of your IRA.
Contact Amy Crabb at ACrabb@LivingDesert.org or call 760-340-4954 to learn more, or make your gift today.
ZOONEWS
Netflix Filming
Grundhofer Plaza
Host & Science Journalist Latif Nasser
NETFLIX SERIES
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has been featured in the first of six episodes of the new docuseries, “Connected: The Hidden Science of Everything,” on Netflix. The show highlights the Zoo’s breeding programs for African wild dogs, Mexican gray wolf, Arabian oryx, and slender-horned gazelles, and features Senior Conservation Biologist Sarah Greely sharing details about the Zoo’s many SSPs (Species Survival Plans).
VOTED ONE OF NORTH AMERICA'S TOP 10 ZOOS!
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is proud to announce that, for the third consecutive year, our Zoo has been awarded one of USA TODAY’S top 10 zoos in North America. We are so honored, and would like to thank everyone who voted for us—we appreciate your support!
Private Safari Tour
PRIVATE SAFARI TOURS
The Living Desert is glad to announce that Private Safari Tours are once again available to guests! Book a tour for two-six guests from the same household. This tour experience includes Park admissions, giraffe feeding, and private shuttle with a personal guide. Visit all the major exhibits of the Zoo while our knowledgeable guide shares animal facts, park history, and conservation stories to make each Safari Tour unforgettable. Afterwards, guests will have the opportunity to continue visiting the park and engaging with the Zoo at their own pace. The price is $69 per adult and $39 per child, with tours beginning at 8 a.m. in September, and 9 a.m. October through May. *Masks required. Thank you for helping us keep the Zoo a safe space for all!
For more information and to request your tour, contact group sales at (760) 346-9810 or email GroupSales@LivingDesert.org
SOCIALBUTTERFLY
Whether you’re staying socially distant or you’ve moved on for the season, there are so many ways to stay connected to The Living Desert! From our monthly emails and weekly Monday Minute newsletter sharing the inside-scoop on a wide range of Zoo and conservation topics, to our Tuesday Facebook Lives where you can interact and ask your burning questions to animal and plant experts in real time—there is something for everyone! Are you more piqued by visuals? No problem! We post regularly on Instagram and in Instagram stories, fun, behindthe-scenes footage from the Animal Care Team, as well as ZooSchool pop quizzes and DYK’s! And on Twitter and Facebook you can find a running feed of content that includes need-toknow information on contests, schedules, keeper chats, and more. So connect with us, and stay close to your Zoo family even while we are apart!
We are here for you, wherever you are.
WILDFILE
AFRICAN WILD DOG PUPDATE
The 11 youngest African wild dog pups are now 7 months old! As of August 10, they were all weighing in between 46-59 lbs., and according to the Animal Care Team they’ve been enjoying daily swims in their pool. They are more outgoing than their 6 older siblings and spend their time playing tug of war, pulling out tufts of grass, and proudly prancing around the habitat.
The African wild dogs went especially wild over the recent carcass feeding. While carcass feeding might not be suitable viewing for all, these opportunities provide nutritional benefits, increase mental and physical activity, and encourage natural behaviors.
African Wild Dog Puppies
Adopt!
A gift that gives back!
Animal adoptions make memorable gifts for friends, family, or even yourself! Gift recipients are given a plush animal, certificate of adoption, a fact sheet and more, depending on the level of donation. This symbolic adoption is tax-deductible and supports the health and well-being of almost 500 resident animals at The Living Desert. Reserve an adoptable holiday gift today!
For more information, call 760-340-4954 or visit www.LivingDesert.org/Adopt
NEW DATES FOR TRAVEL CLUB
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Travel Club offers unique and memorable adventures that put you in the middle of the wild places we love, and face-to-face with the animals that call it home. You will travel with expert conservationist and wildlife interpreter Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert.
Our upcoming trips include:
Kenya - New dates! June 2 - 13, 2021 Botswana - October 2 - 13, 2021 Antarctica - New dates! January 8 - 24, 2022
Visit our website to see itineraries and pricing for each trip: LivingDesert.org/Travel. Join The Living Desert Travel Club by calling Amy Crabb at (760) 340-4954 or email Travel@LivingDesert.org
Botswana
47900 Portola Ave. Palm Desert, CA 92260
MISSION: ANIMAL CARE
We sincerely appreciate all the support the community has shown to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens during this unprecedented time. Because of you, we are able to continue our mission of desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation. When you donate to Mission: Animal Care, become a member, or wear a mask during your visit, you are helping us keep the Zoo an open and safe space for all!
Thank you!
