May 21, 2026
Into the Wild
A Day of Discovery at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
The Coachella Valley is home to one of the most unique ecosystems in the world, and a trip to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is one of the best ways to truly appreciate it. That is exactly what our Friends, youth, and a few of their caregivers set out to do when they spent the day exploring everything the zoo had to offer.
The kids wandered through the grounds learning about the desert animals and plants that make this region so special, with a particular focus on pollinators and the vital role they play in our local ecosystem. For many of the youth, it was a chance to see familiar surroundings through a completely new lens.
Then came the giraffes. Getting to feed them up close was a highlight nobody saw coming, and the splash pad was a very welcome cool down after a full morning of exploring.
Days like this one matter. When kids get to learn about the place they call home in a hands-on, memorable way, that knowledge sticks. We are grateful to The Living Desert for making it possible, and to Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control for keeping everyone cool and hydrated with sunglasses and water bottles along the way.