Hurricane Hilary Updates
August 19, 2023
Monday, August 21 5:45PM:
We're pleased to announce that The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens will reopen to the public tomorrow, Tuesday, August 22. Please note, for everyone's safety, some pathways may be altered and some animals may be off habitat. We ask for your patience and flexibility as we reopen.
We're grateful that, while the storm did cause damage, the animals in our care and our staff are safe, and the primary infrastructure of the Zoo is intact. This is in large part due to the preparations and quick response from our team.
Throughout the storm, a core emergency response team stayed onsite to ensure the health and safety of the animals. This morning, a team of gardens, maintenance, animal care, and various other Zoo staff responded to begin repairing the damage and preparing for tomorrow's reopening. Please join us in thanking this hardworking team!
We are also so grateful to you, our community, for your outpouring of concern and kindness. To show your support in the aftermath of the storm, we invite you to become a member, symbolically adopt an animal, or donate. Visit LivingDesert.org/StormRelief for more details.
Thank you! We look forward to seeing you at the Zoo soon.
Monday, August 21 10:30AM:
It’s been quite a storm, and we hope everyone is safe and doing well.
We are grateful to report that, thanks to our team's quick response in implementing our emergency preparedness plan, our onsite staff and animals are all safe, habitats are secure, and no injuries were reported.
A friendly reminder that The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens remains closed today, Monday, August 21, as our dedicated response team evaluates the extent of the damage and begins the cleanup process.
During the storm, the Zoo sustained significant tree damage, including several downed trees, and erosion, particularly around the nature trails. We are in the process of clearing the damage and debris in preparation to welcome guests back soon.
Please stay tuned for further updates as we confirm plans for Tuesday's operations.
Saturday, August 19:
The Living Desert remains open today, Saturday, August 19, but will be closed on Sunday, August 20, and Monday, August 21, due to Hurricane Hilary approaching Southern California.
Ensuring the safety of our animals, guests, volunteers, and staff remains our top priority. If you have a ticket for Sunday or Monday, please call us at 760-346-5694 today or Tuesday to reschedule your plans or receive a refund.
The Living Desert is taking all necessary precautions to ensure that we are prepared for the incoming storm moving across our region. We have procedures and protocols in place for emergency weather events, and our emergency response team will remain onsite to ensure the health and safety of the animals in our care and the integrity of the Zoo’s infrastructure throughout the storm.
We are also preparing for the aftermath of the storm, which could include flooding, debris, and wind damage. We will continue to update our community as the days progress.
Stay safe and we’ll see everyone in a few days.