Zoobilee 2026 Auction Items

We have planned an auction designed for those who are Blooming in the Desert! Take a moment to review the incredible offerings available for bidding before the big night.

Together, we’re creating a better future for desert wildlife and wild places — THANK YOU.

Desert Indulgence - Value: $4,951

Enjoy some of the Best the Desert has to offer with this exceptional dining and entertainment package. This package includes two seats to Desert Town Hall on March 26th, four premium orchestra seats to the BODYTRAFFIC performance at McCallum Theatre on April 2nd, a $250 gift certificate and a magnum of wine at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and an overnight stay and breakfast for two at the Kimpton Rowan Hotel in Palm Springs – just to name a few! This package has more than ten ways to support local businesses and have fun doing it.

 

Generously donated by the following local retailers, restaurants, and businesses.

DiningDiningEntertainment and Lodging
Castelli’s Restaurant- $100 gift certificatePacifica Seafood or Cliffhouse- $200 gift cardKimpton Rowan, Palm Springs – gift certificate for an overnight stay and breakfast for two (value $575)
Foxy’s Kitchen + Bar- $500 gift cardThe Pink Cabana- $300 gift cardMojave Resort, Palm Desert – gift certificate for (2) night stay including room, tax and resort fee (value $600)
Kitchen 86- (2) gift certificates valued at $260Ruth’s Chris Steak House- $250 gift card and Magnum of WineDesert Town Hall – gift certificate for (2) tickets to Ben Shapiro & Van Jones event at Desert Town Hall on March 26, 2026 (value $400)
Le Paon on El Paseo- $150 gift certificateWaldo’s Ristorante- $400 gift cardMcCallum Theatre – (4) premium orchestra seats for the BODYTRAFFIC performance on April 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM (value $316)
Oceans Restaurant- gift certificate, lunch for two (value $100)Wally’s Desert Turtle- $300 gift card 
Nobu- $500 gift certificate  

Safari with Allen Monroe at The Living Desert – Value: $1,500

Step behind the scenes at The Living Desert for a special safari led by President and CEO Allen Monroe. Designed exclusively for six guests, this choose-your-own-adventure experience lets you toast the moment with either a champagne brunch or evening cocktails where the wild begins.

Go beyond the public paths for extraordinary, up-close encounters with the true superstars of The Living Desert. Hand-feed a giraffe. Brush a rhino. Come nose-to-nose with a wallaby. This is intimate, immersive, and unforgettable—an insider’s look at the animals, the mission, and the magic that most guests never see.

 

This is not a tour. It’s a VIP safari you’ll be talking about for years.

 

Special conditions apply. Date subject to mutual agreement between President/CEO Allen Monroe and the auction winner.  Expires March 1, 2027. Safari generously donated by The Living Desert.

Sensei Porcupine Creek: A Legendary Desert Escape – Value: $8,400

Experience Sensei Porcupine Creek, the iconic wellness retreat founded and owned by Larry Ellison, where world-class amenities meet effortless desert luxury. This exceptional package includes a two-night stay for two, a $350 wellness credit, and two rounds of golf for two players at one of the most celebrated resorts in the valley.

 

Set on a stunning Rancho Mirage estate, Sensei Porcupine Creek offers peerless golf and tennis, tranquil spa gardens, beautifully appointed accommodations, and inspired dining available exclusively to resort guests. Every moment is thoughtfully designed to help you reset, recharge, and savor the very best of desert living.

 

This is a rare opportunity to experience one of the Coachella Valley’s most talked-about retreats—refined, restorative, and truly unforgettable.

 

Generously donated by Sensei Porcupine Creek.

Best of the Desert: Shop, Sip & Stay - Value: $5,518

Enjoy some of the Best the Desert has to offer with this exceptional shopping, dining, and entertainment package. The Best of the Desert package includes two nights at Hotel Paseo in Palm Desert, twelve months of flowers from Lotus Garden Center, and a wine tasting for ten at La Fe Wine Bar — just to name a few! This package has ten ways to support local businesses and have fun doing it.

Generously donated by the following local retailers, restaurants, and businesses.

Dining Experiences & Gifts Shopping
Mitch’s – $300 gift certificate Hotel Paseo- 2-night stay and dinner for 2 at Larkspur Grill (value $450) BG’s El Paseo- $200 gift certificate
La Fe Wine Bar – wine tasting for ten, charcuterie board included (value $1,000) Lotus Garden Center- 12 months of flower arrangements (value $1,500) Democracy- $150 gift card
Willie’s Modern Fare – afternoon tea for ten with champagne (value $650) Sofonio, MD- $150 credit toward a HydraFacial, Diamond Glow, or Oxygen Infusion treatment (value $150)
Skin Lab- cosmetic bag with full size skin care products (value $150)
Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort – certificate for two-night stay and brunch for two daily (value $849)

Wheels, Waves, Rails, and Red Rocks – Value: $11,290

Whether you live for speed, a railway tour through the Rocky Mountains, travel to Sedona, AZ or Carmel-by-the Sea, CA, this package is for you.

 

Generously donated by the following businesses.

 

ExperienceDescription
Canyon Spirit Railway Experience

Gift certificate for Canyon Spirit Railway tour between Moab, UT and Denver, CO. Terms and conditions: A Premier Upgrade trip for two adults on our Rockies to the Red Rocks route. The journey can be taken in either direction: eastbound or westbound. A single-level glass dome coach with panoramic views through oversized windows and access to our Premier Upgrade lounge car. Interactive and captivating storytelling and personalized service from your Canyon Spirit Hosts. All-inclusive food and beverages while onboard the train, including hot gourmet breakfast and lunch options served by a culinary team member at your seat, as well as complimentary alcoholic beverages and snacks. Overnight hotel accommodation at the end of day one in Glenwood Springs. Rail station transfers, where applicable. (value $4,890)

Generously donated by The Armstrong Collective

 

Two-night stay at The Crawford Hotel in Denver, CO with complimentary valet (value $1,200)

Generously donated by The Crawford Hotel

 

Two-night stay at The Hoodoo Hotel in Moab, UT, with complimentary parking (value $800)

Generously donated by the Hoodoo Hotel

Sedona, AZ Experience

A two-night stay at the VRBO owned by Chef Lisa Dahl, television personality from “Chopped,” two signed cookbooks/goodie bags, three $100 gift certificates valid at any of the following restaurants: Butterfly Burger, Cucina Rustica, Dahl & DiLuca, Mariposa, and Pisa Lisa (West Sedona & Village of Oak Creek) (value $1,300)

Generously donated by Dahl Restaurant Group

 

$50 Gift certificate – Sedona Drifters, located in the village of Oak Creek’s Sedona Vista Mall, outfitting free spirits for every occasion under the desert sun. Come in and discover where your inner wanderer wants to roam next.

Generously donated by Sedona Drifters

 

$250 Gift certificate – Discover the historic Tlaquepaque Village in Sedona for unique shopping, dining, and cultural events.

Generously donated by the Tlaquepaque Village

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Two-night stay at the Cypress Inn in a deluxe room, pets accepted, with breakfast. Restrictions: Available Sunday-Thursday, reservations are required and subject to availability at time of booking. Black-out dates may apply during holidays or special events. Meals do not include alcohol or gratuity. Lost certificates cannot be replaced. (value $1,000)

Generously donated by Cypress Inn

Live for Speed Experiences

Gift certificate for a BMW Driving Experience for two (value $700)

Generously donated by the BMW/Thermal Club

 

Two Porsche Experience gift cards (value $1,100)

Generously donated by Porsche Experience Center – Los Angeles

Timeless Elegance: A One-of-a-Kind Diamond Masterpiece – Value: $35,000

This stunning, one-of-a-kind “Blooming in the Desert” pendant was designed exclusively by renowned local jeweler Raju Mehta of El Paseo Jewelers. Crafted in luminous 14K white gold, the pendant features exquisite hand-applied enamel detailing, accented with brilliant diamonds that catch the light from every angle. The pendant is beautifully paired with a white gold diamond chain, creating a timeless, sophisticated piece that transitions effortlessly from everyday elegance to special occasions.

 

And that’s not all: you and ten of your best friends will have an exclusive cocktail and shopping party at El Paseo Jewelers. Each guest will receive a $1,000 gift certificate to select a dazzling item of their own and enjoy a delightful reception at El Paseo Jewelers.

 

Generously donated by El Paseo Jewelers. Expires February 28, 2027. (Excludes Super Bowl Super Sale, cannot be combined with any other offer.)

Toscana Wine Celler Dinner for 20 Guests – Value: $5,000

When the dining room and cellar are named for the most famous wine region in Italy, you know to expect the exceptional! The sumptuous culinary creations and the room’s intimacy make for an extraordinary night of food, wine, and friendship. A four-course dinner with wine pairings will be prepared for you after working to craft a mutually agreed-upon menu that will delight you and your guests.

 

Generously donated by Toscana Country Club. Special conditions apply. The dinner menu and date are subject to mutual agreement by Toscana and the auction winner. This certificate is valid until February 28, 2027, with the exception of dark nights. Toscana Country Club is closed June 1 through October 31.

From Gods to Gladiators: A Mediterranean Odyssey on Atlas Ocean Voyages – Value $14,500

Step aboard the elegant World Traveller yacht on July 20, 2026, and set sail on a 10-night Mediterranean voyage from legendary Athens to iconic Rome. This unforgettable journey traces the Sea of Antiquity, where ancient civilizations, dazzling coastlines, and modern luxury collide.

 

Explore the dramatic cliffs and blue-and-white beauty of Santorini, the hidden Cycladic gem of Folegandros, and the lush beaches of Skiathos. Soak in the vibrant energy of Mykonos, where history and nightlife meet under the Greek sun. Enjoy a leisurely day at sea before arriving in Sicily, followed by the jaw-dropping vistas of the Amalfi Coast and the chic, secluded charm of Ponza.

 

Your journey concludes in Rome, the Eternal City, where art, architecture, and cuisine await around every corner. This is not just a cruise—it’s a front-row seat to history, culture, and breathtaking beauty. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure for the traveler who wants it all.

 

*10-night Mediterranean Athens to Rome Voyage Cruise for Two (July 20-30, 2026), balcony suite, and a $500 gift card for airfare or travel expenses.

 

Cruise generously donated by Atlas Ocean Voyages.

Gift card for travel expenses generously donated by Berckemeyer Consulting Group.

Isla de Coco: Your Own Private Island in Panama – Value: Priceless

Ladies and gentlemen… this is not a resort. This is your own private island!

 

Hidden in the Pearl Islands Archipelago off the Pacific coast of Panama, Isla de Coco is a breathtaking, 50-acre tropical paradise surrounded entirely by water, jungle, and absolute seclusion. Accessible only by boat, this extraordinary experience is designed for two adult (18 years old+) couples seeking privacy, adventure, and total escape.

 

You’ll stay in a spectacular 10,000+ square-foot private estate, perched dramatically on a cliffside isthmus, complete with two luxurious air-conditioned private suites, Starlink Wi-Fi, and a dedicated five-person staff including a cook, boat captain, fishing guide, driver, and housekeeper. Your food and beverage preferences are handled in advance, so once you arrive, you can relax.

 

Your journey begins in Panama City, with private transfers, curated sightseeing, and a stay at the iconic American Trade Hotel before boarding a private boat to your island hideaway. Spend your days fishing, snorkeling, boating, whale watching, beach picnics, bonfires under the stars, or doing absolutely nothing at all. This is rugged, authentic, natural luxury—remote, raw, and unforgettable.

 

This exclusive trip must be taken between March 2027 and November 2028. Experiences like this are never available to the public and may never be offered again. Also included is a $500 gift card for airfare or travel expenses.

 

Isla de Coco was generously donated by an anonymous donor.

Gift card for travel expenses generously donated by Berckemeyer Consulting Group.

Name The Living Desert's Newest Superstars – Value: Priceless

Raise your paw to secure the naming rights for either the female giraffe calf born September 7, 2025, to mom Vicki Lou, or the male giraffe calf born September 21, 2025, to mom Shellie. The female was born standing 5’11” tall and weighing 156 pounds, and the male measured 6’ tall at 149 pounds. Both calves are healthy, thriving, and full of personality. In addition to naming rights, the winners will receive a VIP experience and behind-the-scenes tour for six guests, guided by the giraffe care team, along with a professional photographer to capture the day.
The highest bidder in the auction will get to choose the giraffe they wish to name, either the male or the female. The first runner-up will have the opportunity to select the remaining giraffe. If the first runner-up chooses not to name the remaining giraffe, we will restart the bidding for the remaining giraffe, looking for the highest bidder. 
 
The selected name is recorded as part of the permanent record that stays with the individual animal. There is no guarantee that the animal will remain at The Living Desert. If the animal is transferred, we cannot guarantee that the animal will not be renamed. The Living Desert Development and Animal Care teams will work collaboratively with the winning bidder to select a meaningful name that reflects the giraffe’s native African habitat and supports our conservation and education mission.
Special conditions apply. Giraffe Naming generously donated by The Living Desert.