Supporter Spotlight

By Lindsay Jarvis, Staff Writer

With a true passion for animals, education, and conservation, volunteer and donor Lynne Rudnick has been greatly involved with The Living Desert since 2009. Donating not only monetarily, but also her time and special gift for engagement, Lynne continues to be an integral supporter of the Zoo.

In 2008, Lynne moved to the desert from the San Fernando Valley after retiring from a 37year career with Los Angeles Unified School District, where she worked as a teacher and within various administrative roles. After coming to The Living Desert for the first time, Lynne quickly became a member and then a regular volunteer. “It wasn’t until after I really started volunteering that I realized how much of an extension it was from what I had been doing my whole career,” says Lynne. Though her classroom no longer has four walls, Lynne continues to educate her students — which now comprise Zoo guests of all ages.

Throughout the last 14 years, Lynne has been an essential part of The Living Desert volunteer program, working in numerous positions including Conservation Ambassador and animal handler. In her role as Conservation Ambassador, Lynne shares The Living Desert’s story of creating the Rhino Savanna for Jaali and Nia, our two black rhinos; as well as the Zoo’s ongoing conservation efforts in Africa. She can also be seen throughout the park with various animals, greeting guests and sharing information about unique species. Lynne notes that engaging with the public is her favorite part about being a volunteer — from watching people’s expressions when they see different animals to sharing the many conservation projects of The Living Desert.

Lynne’s support also includes her continued attendance at the Gala events since at least 2010, annual and monthly giving, Heritage Society Membership, and donating to the Mission Animal Care Campaign — which was The Living Desert’s fundraising and engagement campaign during the pandemic. Through generous donations like these, The Living Desert is able to provide the highest level of care for our animals and share the unique stories of desert ecosystems with guests every day.

Volunteer and donor Lynne Rudnick with Earlina, the western chuckwalla