Keystone Projects
Species are not declining because they forgot how to breed, eat, or otherwise secure what they need to survive. Species are declining because of human activity and our choices. As such, because people are the problem, people need to also be the solution.
Which is what we are doing here at The Living Desert. We’re leading more than 80 conservation initiatives, here in the deserts of Southern California and around the world.
Desert Tortoise Headstarting
Mongolian Conservation Initiative
Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit
BCCS Workshops & Training
Habitat Restoration
Within local desert ecosystems and beyond, endangered species and their habitats are being affected by climate change, human activity, and invasive species. The Living Desert is steadfastly working to re-establish healthy habitats through a holistic, multi-faceted approach that maintains and increases the number and diversity of native plants and animals.
Urban Habitat Restoration
Salt Creek Habitat Restoration
Community Engagement
We’re addressing the root causes of why species are declining through meaningful community engagement. By providing social science training to conservationists globally and collaborating with local businesses, community leaders, and youth, we foster a holistic approach that enhances human and wildlife co-existence, ensuring a brighter future for all.
Urban Habitat Restoration
Connecting People with Nature
Citizen Science Projects
At the Zoo
Conservation is a living practice at The Living Desert, where sustainable practices are not just promoted but actively implemented. Visitors can witness our commitment to conservation firsthand through various projects within the park, such as the headstarting of desert tortoise hatchlings, rearing of desert pupfish at Sonoran Pond, transforming waste into compost, and growing thousands of plants at the Desert Plant Conservation Center to restore natural areas across Southern California.
Stories from the Field
Vulture Conservation and The Living Desert
By: Jared Moeller, Animal Care Curator The Living Desert is proud to lead a long-term conservation and research initiative in Mongolia. The Ikh Nart Nature Reserve was established in 1996...
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Building Capacity with our Kenyan Partners
By: Katie Shaw, Conservation Social Scientist Samburu, Kenya is a beautiful place, home to several species that are unique to the region. But like many other places, it is experiencing...
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Celebrating World African Painted Dog Day
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 Living Desert Zoo...
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The Animal Olympics at The Living Desert
By: Dr. James A. Danoff-BurgContact: jdanoffburg@livingdesert.org Ah! One of my favorite and objectively greatest sporting events in the world is about to start on July 26th – the Summer Olympics! I love seeing...
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