2024 has been a year of milestones and new beginnings for all of us here at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Thanks to your support, we’ve made a meaningful impact on our local community and desert habitats worldwide. Let’s take a moment to reflect and celebrate all we’ve achieved together!
Saving Desert Tortoises
This year, our desert tortoise “headstarting” program continued with the fourth cohort. This unique program provides wild hatchlings a safe space to grow bigger and stronger, significantly improving their chances of survival when released back into the wild the following year. With less than 1% of tortoise hatchlings currently reaching maturity in the wild, this head start plays a crucial role in restoring the dwindling populations of this iconic species.
Sheltering Mountain Neighbors
When wildfires threatened our mountain neighbors this summer, we were honored to welcome more than 50 animals and several staff members from the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Providing emergency care and safe harbor in times of crisis is part of our commitment to wildlife near and far.
Caring for Endangered Chicks
After losing 98% of its population between 1900 and 2002, the Waldrapp ibis is making an inspiring comeback — and we’re proud to be part of their story. This year, we welcomed our 19th and 20th chicks born at the Zoo, contributing to a growing population of over 1,000 individuals under human care.
Providing a Fur-Ever Home
Sylvie, a young Channel Island fox, came to us after recovering from a severe leg injury that left her unable to return to the wild. Now fully healed, she’s thriving in her forever home with her new companion, Beau, inspiring countless new desert defenders as an ambassador for her species.
Preserving 247 Desert Steppe Species
Last year, we launched a binational partnership with the Mongolian Conservation Initiative (MCI). Together, we’re working to protect hundreds of critical desert species in the Ikh Nart Nature Reserve and strengthen the livelihoods of the area’s nomadic herders. This summer, eight of our team members traveled around the world to work alongside MCI’s local teams and exchange expertise. Then, in the fall, we welcomed several MCI team members here in Southern California.
