The Pride of the Desert

Help us continue to bring unparalleled experiences to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

Join Us at the Crossroads of Conservation

As we celebrate over 50 years of conservation leadership, The Living Desert has launched the Crossroads of Conservation, a three-phase, $96 million improvement project. Funded by our Pride of the Desert campaign, this ambitious initiative will introduce new animal habitats, a cutting-edge event center, and interactive learning opportunities about desert species. With each phase completion, our dedication to conservation, education, and community engagement grows stronger.
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Our Initiatives

Market Place Café & Splashpad, Lion Ridge and The Lurie Special Events Center

Phase: 3
Projected Completion: Fall 2026

The final phase of our project draws guests closer to nature. Lion Ridge, a sprawling habitat, will showcase the power and agility of lions. Over 250 years ago, there were an estimated 1 million African Lions. Now, this vulnerable species is estimated to have only 20,000 remaining in the wild. Their survival depends on awareness and support for global conservation efforts.

Adjacent to Lion Ridge will be The Lurie Special Events Center. This unique space, partially funded by Connie and Bob Lurie, will cater to Zoo, private, and corporate events. This space features a stunning 180-degree glass wall offering a direct view into the lion habitat. It can host up to 500 guests for dining while enjoying an unparalleled view of our lion pride. The true Pride of the Desert!

Rhino Savanna

Phase: 2
Completion Date: November 2021
Total Cost: $20 million

Rhino Savanna, The Living Desert’s new four-acre habitat, immerses guests in an African safari experience. Visitors can observe the majestic black rhinos, unique antelopes like springbok and waterbuck, a variety of birds, and intriguing subterranean animals like the naked mole rat. This large, cutting-edge habitat, hosting twelve species, fosters an appreciation for Africa’s wildlife through thoughtful design, meaningful encounters, and a steadfast commitment to conservation and animal care.

Grundhofer Welcome Plaza and Appel Gift Shop

Phase: 1
Completion Date: November 2018
Total Cost: $10 million

The first phase of our Crossroads of Conservation project began with a new welcome entrance, inaugurated in November 2018. Our Patti and Jack Grundhofer Welcome Plaza has already hosted over 500,000 guests. The upgraded admissions center features expedited and electronic ticketing, enhanced guest services, and a wealth of new amenities. Visitors now enjoy animal encounters, volunteer conservation ambassadors, a serene garden area, and cutting-edge technology for an inspiring experience. An extended range of gifts, specialties, and souvenirs can be found at our Suzan and Bill Appel Gift Shop.

Join the Pride

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adventure loop
Way to Support
Total Cost: $XXX
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adventure loop
Way to Support
Total Cost: $XXX
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Alert: Our public funding options will be available in November 2024, but you can support us now through various giving opportunities.

Latest Support News

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Desert Hot Springs Trail Clean-up

Get Involved
In partnership with The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, the City of Desert Hot Springs is hosting a community Trail Clean-Up in celebration of their 60th Anniversary. Become an Agent of…
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Celebrating World African Painted Dog Day

Conservation
By: Mary Thomas, Coordinator of Conservation Biology Collaboration between partners is essential to making a conservation effort successful, especially when working with highly endangered species, like The…
Learn More
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Donor Spotlight

Donor Spotlight

Your Support Transforms the Future of Wildlife Conservation

We invite you to help us shape the future of wildlife conservation by contributing to our capital campaign. Please reach out to our development team to discuss how your donation can bring this vision to life.
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