The Living Desert

11/11/2025

Could this be the name that takes root? 🌲 Asili means “nature” in Swahili — celebrating the wild connections that link every living thing, from the tiniest seedling to the fastest primate on Earth.

The Name the Baby competition ends TONIGHT! Think this name suits her? Vote for Asili TODAY at LivingDesert.org/NameTheBaby — every dollar supports animal care and wildlife conservation. 🌍💚

11/09/2025

Could this be the name that brings her story to life? Maisha means “life” in Swahili — a joyful reflection of the curiosity and energy this baby patas monkey brings to the troop every day. ☀️

If this name makes you smile as much as she does, vote for Maisha to make it hers! 🐒

🔗 Vote today at LivingDesert.org/NameTheBaby — every dollar makes an impact for our mission!

11/07/2025

Could Upepo be the winning name? 💨

Upepo means “wind” in Swahili — inspired by the speed and playful energy of our tiniest troop member!

Just like a desert breeze, she’s quick, curious, and fast as the wind. Vote for Upepo if you think this spirited little whirlwind deserves a name that matches her energy!

🔗 Cast your vote (and enter to win a special patas monkey experience!) at LivingDesert.org/NameTheBaby

11/06/2025

Will her name be... Kukua?

Meet the youngest member of our patas monkey troop — born May 3, 2025, she's full of energy and curiosity! 🐒💛

But, this little one is still missing something big… a name! That’s where you come in.

We’re inviting you to help name her through a special voting fundraiser! Every dollar you donate counts as a vote for your favorite name — and helps support world-class animal care, educational programs, and conservation projects protecting wildlife around the world. 🌍💚

Each participant will also be entered to win an exclusive patas monkey experience for four, including Zoo admission, a behind-the-scenes meet & greet with the monkeys’ Care Team, and two special-edition monkey plushes!

✨Our first contender is Kukua, which means “to grow” in Swahili. A perfect fit for this curious little explorer who’s learning and leaping more every day.

Vote for your favorite name today at LivingDesert.org/NameTheBaby

11/04/2025

🌎🦏The classroom has moved to the great outdoors!

Storyliving by Disney and Disney's Animals, Science and Environment recently teamed up with The Living Desert and Coachella Valley Unified School District to empower the next generation of environmental leaders in the Coachella Valley.

Students from Desert Mirage High School’s Green Academy participated in hands-on conservation activities and career exploration sessions with Disney experts, connecting classroom learning to real world impact.

This Desert Defender Career Exploration Camp empowered students to dream big and explore new possibilities in science and sustainability.

🔗Learn more: http://di.sn/60027Kpjn

10/31/2025

Boo! 👻

Don’t be scared, you can meet this little one (and the entire troop!) tomorrow at the grand opening of the patas monkey habitat! 🎃🐵

Get your tickets today at the link in our bio!

10/29/2025

Talk about a purrrr-fect pumpkin patch! 🎃🐾

Swipe to see David and JoAnn see their first pumpkin! An enriching experience that encouraged curiosity, engaged their natural hunting behaviors, and of course, sparked some kitten chaos.

10/26/2025

The wait is almost over… 🐒

The Patas Monkey Habitat opens Saturday, November 1 — get ready to come meet the troop!

But until then, we mustache you 🥸... what patas pics do YOU want to see before the big day? What do you want to know about these new desert-dwellers?

10/23/2025

Spock just caught a whiff of something… and let’s just say, the nose knows! 👃

Badgers, like Spock, have an incredible sense of smell — second only to members of the canine family! This adaptation is key to their hunting success, even enabling them to locate prey hidden underground.

10/19/2025

We’ve got ‘pumpkin to tell you!

Howl-O-Ween is just around the corner 🎃 Join us this upcoming Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26, from 9:00am to 3:00pm, to celebrate the season with fun Halloween activities and pop-up experiences as you explore the Zoo, such as:

🍭 Trick-or-treat stations
🦇 ALL-NEW limited-edition animal trading cards
🐍 Bewitching keeper connections
🎨 Free face painting
🎃 Fall photo ops

Don’t miss out! This event is packed with fall festivities and is FREE with your membership or park admission. 🍬

10/17/2025

Don’t worry, everyone! We promise, the weekend is coming soon. 😴💤

10/17/2025

The Living Desert has always been a place for everyone to experience the peace and wonder of nature — and we are grateful Diane Keaton found that same joy here. ❤️

Diane Keaton spent several months in Palm Springs and surrounding desert cities prior to her death. One desert attraction was clearly her favorite. See link below ⬇️ bit.ly/4hwowFz