Take a Wild Animal into your Heart!

You can become an important part of The Living Desert's conservation efforts through our Adopt! Program. Help provide food, health care and housing for your favorite Living Desert animal by adopting its species for one year.

Whether you choose an animal from the local desert or from a desert around the world - even a rare or endangered species - when you take a wild animal into your heart you make an impact worldwide. Of course, your animal stays at The Living Desert under the care of the Animal Department staff.

All of the animals at The Living Desert need specialized diets, daily supervision, inoculations and creature comforts in a natural environment. Adoption fees help cover the costs of complete animal care, and they are tax-deductible.

Enlarge your family circle with gift adoptions for birthdays, holidays and special occasions. Adoption is a fun and easy way to be an important part of The Living Desert.

Because our animal collection changes periodically, you may become an adoptive parent for an entire species rather than an individual animal. If an animal leaves for any reason, your gift will be transferred to another animal for the remainder of your adoption year. Species may be adopted by more than one sponsor. No ownership rights are conferred by the "adoption".

Please remember, zoo animals may be temporarily off exhibit. You may want to call before coming to the zoo if you want to be sure the particular animal is on exhibit the day of your visit.

Individuals, families, businesses, schools, troops, clubs, teams, groups - anyone can take a wild animal into their heart!

What are the REWARDS of parenthood?

• A personalized adoption certificate** and photograph of your animal, framed in an attractive card.


• An invitation to the annual Adopt! reception hosted by The Living Desert.


• Your name, designated individual's or group's name goes on our Adopt! recognition boards at the Wildlife Hospital. (Please allow 4-6weeks)


• With gift adoptions, a coordinated gift card announcing your gift.


• With adoptions $300 and up, a behind-the-scenes visit with your animal, arranged through our Adopt! Coordinator.