Nile Hippo Expert
Well-Known Member
The zoo has transferred an 8 year old female caracal named Nisha to the Oklahoma City Zoo.
Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens The Living Desert News
- Thread starter okapikpr
- Start date
JurassicMax
Well-Known Member
Sadly 19-year old female Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi) Natalia was euthanised this week. She suffered from severe lameness, leaving her unable to stand up without extreme distress and difficulty. Therefore, the hard decission was made to euthanise her. She was also in in late-term pregnancy, the foal was born under emergency cesarian section. However, the newborn was not fully developed and was therefore also euthanised.
Source:
Instagram of The Living Desert (25/01/2024)
Source:
Instagram of The Living Desert (25/01/2024)
GoldenTakin
Active Member
I have some zoo updates obtained from speaking with keepers and volunteers over my many visits since October:
- The zoo will be receiving another pair of pink backed pelicans this year and their current pair has a breeding recommendation, the zoo currently has 1.1 pink backed and 1.1 Great White.
- The adult male Springbok passed away in late 2023, he was about 12-13 if I recall. The two females and their male calves still live together on habitat.
- The zoo has postponed the Lion Ridge exhibit opening to 2026 (staff words) and they have not started construction as of yet.
- All birds are back on exhibit except for the rhino savanna birds. (Tawny frogmouth 1.1 was moved in with the kookaburra 0.1 in the small aviary in-between the emus and wallaby walkthrough.)
- One of the yellow footed rock wallabies has a joey in the pouch bringing the zoos total population to 2.6.1. On multiple visits I have seen the rock wallabies out of their designated exhibit in the free contact area, I asked a keeper and they said the rock wallabies have access to the whole enclosed area. (Pictures up on the feed!)
- The prairie dogs are back in the “Wild Prairie” exhibit (Old Palm Oasis Aviary) and it is a group of all females.
- The two addra gazelle born in 2022 (both male) are separated from the rest of the group and they are working on an easement so that they can utilize the smaller Grevys zebra exhibit.
- Two slender horned gazelle will be transferred to other facilities in 2024. One male will go to San Diego Zoo, and one female will go to Toledo Zoo.
- They will be reconstructing a new Ground Hornbill/Spekes Gazelle exhibit as well as make significant renovations to the Arabian Oryx exhibit as they work on the Restaurant/Splash Pad buildings opening in 2025.
Damn it looks like their lion project has been pushed back so much, makes me wonder if it’s too ambitious or an inside joke
I remember seeing the sign of Lion Ridge in the Living Desert Zoo gallery. It’s dated from 2011.
PantheraLeoMelanochaita
Well-Known Member
I hope it comes to fruition someday! It would be so enriching and wonderful for lions.
Damn it looks like their lion project has been pushed back so much, makes me wonder if it’s too ambitious or an inside joke
JurassicMax
Well-Known Member
On the 29th of January, first-time mom Vicki Lou and dad Kelley, welcomed a female giraffe calf.
Source:
Instagram of The Living Desert (02/02/2024)
Source:
Instagram of The Living Desert (02/02/2024)
Bela the cheetah has died of lymphoma.
Bela, Beloved Cheetah At Living Desert Zoo And Gardens, Dies At 9
Bela, Beloved Cheetah At Living Desert Zoo And Gardens, Dies At 9
JurassicMax
Well-Known Member
On the 21st of January 2 meerkats were born to female Vinny and male Frenzy, this is their second litter. The first litter was born in 2022.
Source:
Instagram of The Living Desert (22/02/2024)
Source:
Instagram of The Living Desert (22/02/2024)
An article on the Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby joey, who emerged from their mother's pouch a few weeks ago:
Coachella Valley's Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Welcomes Baby Yellow-Footed Rock Wallaby
A recent Instagram post from the zoo featuring the joey also mentioned that Living Desert is the only US zoo with a breeding mob of the species.
Piece of January 2024 News Not Mentioned:
On January 19th, the zoo announced that they broke ground on a new cafe/marketplace area as well as a new splashpad area, both of which will open in spring 2025.
The Living Desert
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On March 5th, the zoo announced that a (1.0) generic giraffe was born on February 26th which is now on exhibit.
The Living Desert
On January 19th, the zoo announced that they broke ground on a new cafe/marketplace area as well as a new splashpad area, both of which will open in spring 2025.
The Living Desert
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On March 5th, the zoo announced that a (1.0) generic giraffe was born on February 26th which is now on exhibit.
The Living Desert
PaleoZooLogic
Member
I remember visiting when I was a kid they made this announcement and wondered after over ten years if the zoo was gonna have lions or not. I think it's ambitious the efforts they're making to have this habitat world class but also, it's lions.
Damn it looks like their lion project has been pushed back so much, makes me wonder if it’s too ambitious or an inside joke
On April 17th, the zoo announced they transferred (0.0.2+) desert tortoises to the Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The Living Desert
The Living Desert
On March 22nd, the zoo announced the names of the giraffes, Daniel and JoAnn.
The Living Desert
On May 1st, the zoo officially sexed the wallaby as (0.1).
The #WallaBABY has officially left the nest... or rather, the pouch! Over the last few months, she has grown increasingly curious and independent. She has been busy exploring the habitat, hopping high and low and has made great strides in training with her caretakers. Looking to spot her? For now, it's easy! She's the smallest. Come hop by and see her on your next visit! | The Living Desert | Hollow Coves · Blessings
On May 3rd, the zoo announced that (0.0.4) spur-winged lapwings hatched which are on display in the African Aviary.
The Living Desert
On May 9th, the zoo named the wallaby William.
The Living Desert
On June 4th, the zoo announced that a (0.1) generic giraffe named Dadisi passed away on June 3rd at age 23 due to a decline in health caused by arthritis.
The Living Desert
JurassicMax
Well-Known Member
Recently female Island gray fox (Urocyon littoralis) Sylvie arrived from the Santa Barbara Zoo. She was found with a compound fracture in the lower part of her right hind leg during an annual population survey on San Nicolas Island on September 17, 2023. After which she was taken to Santa Barabara but deemed non-releasable, hence her arrival at Living Desert.
Source:
Instagram of The Living Desert (06/07/2024)
Source:
Instagram of The Living Desert (06/07/2024)
Black-footed cat AI attempt was undertaken in June:
Tiny, Deadly Wild Cat Making a Comeback at The Living Desert Zoo
“This pair had a successful, natural birth about two years ago, but have been unable to reproduce naturally since then,” said Down.
“With a gestation period similar to domestic cats (about two months), The Living Desert is hopeful for a successful birth.”
Tiny, Deadly Wild Cat Making a Comeback at The Living Desert Zoo
“This pair had a successful, natural birth about two years ago, but have been unable to reproduce naturally since then,” said Down.
“With a gestation period similar to domestic cats (about two months), The Living Desert is hopeful for a successful birth.”
Nile Hippo Expert
Well-Known Member
Several critically-endangered Desert tortoises have hatched!
Living Desert Zoo & Gardens Shares Desert Tortoise Hatchlings
Living Desert Zoo & Gardens Shares Desert Tortoise Hatchlings
Amid fires in Southern California 50 animals from the Big Bear Zoo have been evacuated and brought to the Living Desert.
A California zoo, an advancing wildfire and a delicate rescue operation — Los Angeles Times
A California zoo, an advancing wildfire and a delicate rescue operation — Los Angeles Times
2 Pieces of June 2024 News Worth Mentioning:
On June 8th, the zoo announced that 2 northern bald ibises hatched.
The Living Desert
On June 22nd, the zoo announced they acquired (2.0) striped skunks named Mayhem and Mischief from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado which are on display in the Eagle Canyon area.
2K views · 123 reactions | There’s a stinkin’ cute new duo at The Living Desert! Meet Mischief and Mayhem! These 10-month-old brothers recently arrived from @cheyennemountainzoo and are full of spunk. Come see the dynamic duo for yourself in Eagle Canyon! #MischiefandMayhem #TheLivingDesert | The Living Desert
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On September 19th, it was reported that the zoo transferred all 50 animals back to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.
Zoo Animals Evacuated By Line Fire Return Home To Big Bear
On October 24th, it was announced that the zoo acquired a (0.1) Chacoan peccary from the San Francisco Zoo in California on August 5th.
https://sfrecpark.org/DocumentCenter/View/24633/JtZooAg91924
On November 5th, the zoo announced that a yellow-footed rock wallaby was born which is now on display.
The Living Desert
On June 8th, the zoo announced that 2 northern bald ibises hatched.
The Living Desert
On June 22nd, the zoo announced they acquired (2.0) striped skunks named Mayhem and Mischief from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado which are on display in the Eagle Canyon area.
2K views · 123 reactions | There’s a stinkin’ cute new duo at The Living Desert! Meet Mischief and Mayhem! These 10-month-old brothers recently arrived from @cheyennemountainzoo and are full of spunk. Come see the dynamic duo for yourself in Eagle Canyon! #MischiefandMayhem #TheLivingDesert | The Living Desert
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On September 19th, it was reported that the zoo transferred all 50 animals back to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.
Zoo Animals Evacuated By Line Fire Return Home To Big Bear
On October 24th, it was announced that the zoo acquired a (0.1) Chacoan peccary from the San Francisco Zoo in California on August 5th.
https://sfrecpark.org/DocumentCenter/View/24633/JtZooAg91924
On November 5th, the zoo announced that a yellow-footed rock wallaby was born which is now on display.
The Living Desert
Nile Hippo Expert
Well-Known Member
0.1 Amur Leopard Zoya has died aged 21 years.
https://ktla.com/news/california/california-zoo-mourns-death-of-critically-endangered-leopard/
https://ktla.com/news/california/california-zoo-mourns-death-of-critically-endangered-leopard/
Piece of Late November 2024 News Not Mentioned:
On November 26th, it was announced that the zoo would transfer a (1.0) black-footed cat to the Cameron Park Zoo in Texas in the future.
Cameron Park Zoo
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On February 1st, 2025, it was reported that due to avian influenza the zoo installed mesh netting on some of the exhibits.
https://www.nbcpalmsprings.com/2025/02/01/living-desert-takes-action-to-protect-birds
On February 8th, the zoo announced they acquired (0.3) Hartmann's mountain zebras named Gracie, Lucy, and Vivian from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in California which are now on exhibit.
The Living Desert
On November 26th, it was announced that the zoo would transfer a (1.0) black-footed cat to the Cameron Park Zoo in Texas in the future.
Cameron Park Zoo
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On February 1st, 2025, it was reported that due to avian influenza the zoo installed mesh netting on some of the exhibits.
https://www.nbcpalmsprings.com/2025/02/01/living-desert-takes-action-to-protect-birds
On February 8th, the zoo announced they acquired (0.3) Hartmann's mountain zebras named Gracie, Lucy, and Vivian from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in California which are now on exhibit.
The Living Desert