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
Building Community Conservation Successes with Our Imvelo Partners
From April 14-21, Dr. James Danoff-Burg, Vice President of Conservation, and Katie Shaw, Conservation Social Scientist at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens worked in partnership with Imvelo Safari Lodges...
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The Living Desert’s Curator of Conservation is Recognized 2025’s Nonprofit…
Each year, Palm Springs Life and SBEMP Attorneys recognize women whose leadership, accomplishments, and passions are shaping the future of the Coachella Valley. We’re proud to announce that this year’s...
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Sip to Save: How We’re Saving Species One Pint at…
Sipping a cold craft beer can be a great way to spend a hot summer afternoon — but did you know it can also help save species? Once there were...
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Pollinator Pathway Progress
By: Lou Thomas, Lead Conservation Biologist The Conservation Department is bee-yond excited to continue the Pollinator Pathway through the Coachella Valley. After building over thirty gardens in urbanized areas of...
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