FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

THE LIVING DESERT is a pull yourself up by your bootstraps kind of an organization. When we see something that needs to be done to improve the Park and give our guests the best day ever experience, we roll up our sleeves, develop a plan, and then make it happen. But we are not afraid to reach out a hand and ask for help. And thankfully, you, our community and donors have stepped up when asked.

Over the last five years, we have raised more than $50 million to invest back into the Park and strengthen our foundation for the next 50 years. Starting in 2018 with the Grundhofer Entry Plaza and the Bill and Suzan Appel Gift Shop, we have been refreshing, restoring, and rebuilding our Zoo into something the entire Coachella Valley can be proud of. Australian Adventures opened in 2020 and brought us desert species from the land down under and their conservation stories. And just over a year ago, we opened Rhino Savanna to help support black rhino conservation. This fall, we will open a new 10,000 sq. ft. staff office complex and expand our parking capacity by 35%.

All of this happened because of you. Our members and donors who asked, "What can I do to help? What is needed most? What are the plans for the future of The Living Desert?" Our success over the last 53 years is directly due to the people along the way who helped make a difference, who believed in our mission of desert conservation, and who committed their time, talent, and passion.

That is why we are Wild About You, our supporters who have an enthusiasm for education and conservation, for leaving the planet better than we found it, for ensuring that our grandkids will still have a place to enjoy the natural world. And your support not only rebuilds and modernizes The Living Desert, but it also helps us accomplish our mission of education and conservation.

Allen Monroe, President/CEO