January Is Member Month
We’re kicking off the new year by celebrating YOU during January Member Month at The Living Desert! Join us for a month full of exclusive events and experiences. Enjoy behind-the-scenes adventures, up-close animal encounters, and special opportunities created just for our members.
Your support is critical to our mission of preserving desert wildlife, and we’re excited to show our appreciation for all you make possible.
Not a member yet? Join today to unlock these amazing perks and help us protect desert ecosystems for generations to come!
Together, we’re creating a better future for desert wildlife and wild places — THANK YOU.
Yoga At the Zoo: January 2
Location: Palm Garden
Time: 9:00am-11:00am
Free for Members (Registration Required)
Start 2025 with a revitalizing experience at Zooga — yoga at the zoo! Unwind in the tranquil Palm Garden with a one-hour yoga session led by Sabrina Zellis of Coachella Yoga. Following the session, enjoy an engaging presentation by a member of our Animal Care team and savor a complimentary healthy continental breakfast to complete your morning.
This event welcomes all yoga experience levels.
Please Note: Participants will need to bring their own yoga mats and towels.
This event is open to the first 100 members who register.
Coffee and Conservation: January 4
Location: Rhino Savana Conservation Station
Time: 9:00am-10:00am
Free for Members
Discover how The Living Desert is pioneering desert conservation and learn about the impactful work our team is doing here at the Zoo and in desert ecosystems worldwide — directly from the team’s leading the charge — while enjoying a complimentary hot and cold coffee bar with pastries!
During January’s event, you’ll hear from Jared Moeller, Animal Care Curator, who will share firsthand stories and insider insight into The Living Desert’s projects protecting African black rhinos.
Behind-the-Scenes of Horticulture and Plant Propagation: January 9
Location: Behind-the-Scenes Plant Propagation Center
Time: 9:30am-10:30am
Free for Members (Registration required)
Calling all plant enthusiasts! Join our Curator of Gardens, Mack Nash and Collections Gardener, Jose Marfori for a one-hour behind-the-scenes tour and presentation of our Horticulture and Plant Propagation area where many of the beautiful plant species here at The Living Desert begin their journey.
Each participant will receive a FREE small plant as well as a information to take home on desert gardening.
Please Note: Wear comfortable shoes that work on both paved and unpaved pathways. This event will begin right after the Walking Club and ALL attendees should meet at Carousel by 9:30am to participate.
This event is open to a small group of 30 attendees.
Hiking the Nature Preserve: January 16
Location: Adventure and Wilderness Loops
Time: 8:00am-11:00am (hiking) w/lunch beginning at 11:00am
$30 per Member (Registration Required)
Lace up your hiking boots and let’s hit the trails!
After the hike, participants are invited to enjoy lunch (four different Box Lunch options will be offered.)
Wilderness Loop– This 5-mile hike has a gain of 736ft, and includes rock scrambling and steep inclines that lead to stunning panoramic views of the Coachella Valley. Approx. 3 hours.
*This group will meet at 8:00am by the orange Walking Club flag near the Zoo entrance.
Adventure Loop– A 1.5-mile hike is a relatively flat trail with gentle inclines.
*This group will meet at 9:30am by the orange Walking Club flag near the Zoo entrance.
Please Note: This hike is at your own risk. Please use caution while out on the trails.
This event is limited to the first 50 members who register.
Wine and Whiskey with the Wallabies: January 23
Location: Kookaburra Cafe Patio overlooking Australia
Time: 12:30pm – 3:00pm
$60 per Member (Registration Required)
Hop on over to The Living Desert for an elevated and exclusive members- only event in Australia! Your afternoon will begin with the opportunity to meet the wallabies and emus up-close!
Afterwards, you will sample a selection of wine and whiskey pours paired with thoughtful bites that complement the rich flavor of each offering. An expert will be on hand to explain the carefully curated wines from Australia and New Zealand, as well as the barreling and aging process for each of the whiskey tastings.
Still want to enjoy the afternoon? It’s Happy Hour, Mate! From 3:00pm-5:00pm you will be able to purchase an additional glass of wine or cocktail crafted from the same brands you just sampled. G’day!
Please Note: This event is limited to the first 50 members who register.
Animal Nutrition Presentation & African Painted Dog Feeding
Location: Chaiken Nutrition Center
Time: 9:00am-10:00am
Free for Members (Registration Required)
Join us at the Chaiken Nutrition Center for a behind-the-scenes look at how our team carefully prepares meals and manages the nutrition of over 600 animals every day!
Next, head to the African painted dog habitat with our Animal Care team as they prepare a special feeding. Watch as the pack, one of Africa’s most endangered predators, use their incredible teamwork and hunting instincts to have their meal.
African painted dogs are among the rarest wildlife sightings in Africa — don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness their remarkable behavior up-close!
Please Note: This event is limited to the first 40 members who register.
