WILDFILE

ENJOY THE WONDER OF THE WORLD’S WILDLIFE, LIKE NEVER BEFORE

Embark on the journey of a lifetime with The Living Desert Travel Club. These excursions offer unique opportunities and up-close encounters with the breathtaking beauty, flora, and fauna of each destination.

Trips are hosted by Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert, who brings his years of knowledge and background in travel, biology, and conservation to create an unforgettable experience.

Space is limited. Learn more about upcoming trips at LivingDesert.org/Travel or by calling Lexi Ward at (760) 340-2157.

GREENLAND AND THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC

September 7-26, 2022 Navigate spectacular fjords and glaciers, hike along iceberg paths rarely visited by humans, look for wildlife, and visit Viking ruins on this epic exploration through two of the Arctic's most magnificent places: Canada's High Arctic and Greenland.

Greenland Glacier

BOTSWANA

October 1-12, 2022 Adventure meets luxury in this expedition through the various island forests and grassy floodplains of Botswana, as you join in extraordinary encounters with the land’s diverse and prolific wildlife.

TANZANIA

June 6-16, 2023 Discover infinite beauty as you follow in the historic footsteps of writers and explorers, then experience the thrill of spotting wildlife like hippos, rhino, giraffe, lion, cheetah, and more.

INDIA

October 22 – November 4, 2023 Journey into the heart of wild India to see its cultural treasures, resplendent national heritage, conservation legacy, and of course, look out for wildlife like barasingha deer, Indian bison, langur monkeys, sloth bear, and the elusive Bengal tiger!

Bengal Tiger

JAN HAWKINS STEPS INTO NEW ROLE AS DAVID CHALFANT JOINS AS DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

After a successful seven-year tenure as The Living Desert’s Director of Development, Jan Hawkins has transitioned into semi-retirement with a new role at the Zoo working to steward philanthropy through leadership and legacy giving. Since 2015, Jan has led the organization’s fundraising efforts, securing more than $50 million dollars through the Pride of the Desert Capital Campaign, estate and legacy gifts, and community support.

“As I embark into this next phase, I am delighted to continue helping our donors realize their most impactful contributions to a cause they care about deeply through Leadership and Legacy Giving,” shared Jan. “My time at The Living Desert has been nothing short of amazing, and it has been such an honor to work with so many passionate supporters of The Living Desert.”

After a nationwide executive search, David Chalfant has been hired as The Living Desert’s new Director of Development to lead the organization’s fundraising and development initiatives. He has extensive national and international fundraising experience, with expertise in strategic messaging, marketing, and fundraising growth. David hails from Washington D.C. and has been visiting the Coachella Valley since 1988. Returning to the valley to work in conservation is a “dream come true.”

WELCOMING DR. ANNA YOUNG AS DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ENGAGEMENT

Anna Young, PhD, recently joined The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens as the Director of Education Engagement. In this role, she leads the zoo's education programming, adult and teen volunteer programs, and conservation education initiatives.

Prior to joining The Living Desert, Dr. Young was an Associate Professor and Director of the Zoo and Conservation Science Program at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona, and her PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from New Mexico State University.