The Living Desert to Celebrate Earth Day

From Cord Media Company: Get closer to nature and join The Living Desert for an Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 22, from 9 a.m. to noon. The day’s events include the debut of two new African wild dogs, interactive activities, lectures, and special retail discounts.

“Earth Day is one of our favorite occasions to celebrate here at The Living Desert, as it aligns perfectly with our mission of conservation through education and appreciation,” said Allen Monroe, President/CEO of The Living Desert. “Plus we are excited to debut our new African wild dogs and their newly remodeled exhibit, and welcome world-renowned cheetah conservationist Dr. Laurie Marker back to The Living Desert.”

The Living Desert will welcome two female African wild dog sisters, who were born on October 4, 2015 at the Oklahoma City Zoo. The sisters moved to The Living Desert as a part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is a program that ensures the genetic and species sustainability of animals. Long-time supporter and donor of The Living Desert, Drew Leander, generously sponsored the remodel of the African wild dog exhibit, and a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. just prior to the debut.

From 9 to 10 a.m., learn how to take a favorite old t-shirt and turn it into a reusable grocery bag at the Discovery Center. At 11 a.m., The Living Desert will celebrate Mojave Maxine’s 40th birthday with a vegetarian birthday cake. The desert tortoise, a local celebrity, recently emerged from her brumation, and has been enjoying the spring weather. Plus, visitors will have the opportunities to hear Dr. Laurie Marker, founder and executive director of Cheetah Conservation Fund, discuss the plight of the cheetahs and how events such as Earth Day help create awareness and action to help save wild animals and wild places. She will be speaking at 9:30 a.m. at the Chase Administration building, and will be signing her recently published book A Future For Cheetahs at 10:15 a.m.

The first 500 guests through the gate will receive a free milkweed plant, which when planted, attracts Monarch butterflies. There also will be two tree plantings in the parking lot. In addition, The Living Desert will offer non-members a 15 percent discount in the Palo Verde Garden Center, while members will receive a 30 percent discount. There is a 15 percent maximum discount on books.

The Living Desert’s Earth Day celebration is free for members and included with paid park admission for non-members. Parking is always free. The zoo and gardens is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.LivingDesert.org or contact 760-346-5694.

Click here to see this event on the Patch Calendar.

Image via Pixabay