The Living Desert - American Association of Zookeepers

American Association of Zookeepers

The American Association of Zookeepers, Inc., (AAZK) was started in 1967 in San Diego. The organization has grown tremendously, with close to 3,000 members representing animal related facilities in 48 states, 5 Canadian Provinces, and 24 foreign countries. Serving as a professional organization for zookeepers, AAZK is a valuable resource for dedicated animal care workers. Through workshops, conferences, newsletters, and internet forums, AAZK helps animal care staff stay current in husbandry, training, nutrition, and conservation. Well educated keepers using modern techniques means the animals in their care benefit tremendously.

Our own local chapter, The California Desert Chapter of AAZK, was founded in 2004, here at The Living Desert. Our membership includes staff from the Animal, Education, and Garden departments, as well as many docents and general volunteers. By holding events during the season, we’ve been able to raise money to support our local chapter. The lecture series, “Love at the Zoo”, Earth Day and other events have all been successful thanks to the hard work and dedication of chapter members. Monies raised have helped send three Living Desert zookeepers to the 2006 AAZK National Conference, as well as support a variety of local and international conservation efforts.

We have informative lectures and community events planned throughout the year. Please check back for more information and additions to our lineup, or call 760-346-5694 ext. 2212 for more information.

AAZK 2007-2008 Lecture Series
Cost per lecture: $5.00 entrance fee (free to AAZK and Living Desert members)/ No Reservations Needed
Doors open at 6:00pm, all lectures begin at 6:30p.m. in the Hoover Room, at The Living Desert, unless otherwise noted.

October 20th, 2007 - African Wild Dog Conservancy: Featured Speakers Dr. Robert Robbins and Dr. Kim McCreery

December 6th, 2007 – “Saving the Peninsular Pronghorn”: Featured Speaker Joshua Sisk, Zoo Keeper from the Los Angeles Zoo

January 23rd, 2008– California Condor Success Stories: Featured Speaker Dr. Mike Wallace, The Zoological Society of San Diego's Center for Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES)

AAZK 2007-2008 Community Events

November 17th, 2007– AAZK Garage Sale
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
53-148 Avenida Navarro, La Quinta
Come find your newest treasure at this community event!
If you have items you are interested in donating, please contact us at aazk@livingdesert.org.

February 14th, 2008 - "Love at the Zoo" Fundraiser, Presented by & Benefiting the California Desert Chapter of AAZK (The American Association of Zoo Keepers)
Bring 'that special someone' to this enjoyable Valentine's evening event! Each year AAZK members, with the support of The Living Desert, work to put together a program that will inspire and astound you with the little known stories of how some of nature's creatures find 'love'! (No one under age 16, please)
$55 (member price) and $75 (non-member price)
Click here for more information, or to register for this Valentine’s Treat!
Or call the Education Department at (760)346-5694 x2501

March 7th, 2008 – "Grapes for Grevys” Fundraiser, Benefiting the California Desert chapter of AAZK and Grevys Zebra Conservation.
Come enjoy this feast for the senses! An evening of great wine, fabulous hors d’oeuvres and saving wildlife! Wine tasting and Silent Auction proceeds to benefit the Grevy’s Zebra Trust. (No one under age 21, please) $40 (member price) and $50 (non-member price)
Click here for more information, or to register for this ‘tasty’ event!
Or call the Education Department at (760)346-5694 x2501

April 11th-13th, 2008 – Party for the Planet
In conjunction with The Living Desert’s Earth Day Celebration and the California Desert Nature Festival, The Living Desert will be hosting Party for the Planet. During this three day event, non-members attending the festival enjoy reduced admission to the park (admission is free to members). Please stop by our booth and show your support!

Membership in our chapter is open to all, you do not have to be a zookeeper or work at an animal care facility to join. For more information, please visit www.aazk.org, or email us at aazk@livingdesert.org.