Living Desert to Host Conservation Summit

The Virtual Event Features International Conservation Experts

PALM DESERT/INDIAN WELLS –  The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens will host its inaugural International Desert Conservation Summit on Saturday, Nov.14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The virtual event will be a significant gathering of experts from around the world who are focused on saving deserts
and the animals, plants and communities that call the desert home.

The Summit features 12 speakers from seven countries representing 10 conservation organizations. The expert panelists will share conservation stories from the field, along with success stories, key challenges, and provide a closer look at their important work.

The summit is open to the public with the goal of welcoming everyone into the vast and fascinating world of wildlife conservation. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to interact in a live question and answer session following each presentation.

“As a leader in desert conservation efforts, The Living Desert is excited to host this inaugural event to bring some of the brightest conservation minds together,” Allen Monroe, president/CEO of The Living Desert, said in a prepared statement. “Although we had originally planned to host this event on-grounds at The Living Desert, we are thrilled to welcome even more attendees from all over the world with its new virtual format.”

For 50 years, The Living Desert has been dedicated to preserving and conserving the wildlife and wild places that call the desert home. Currently, The Living Desert works with  57 global conservation partners on 35 conservation projects spanning 10 countries.

Projects include efforts to protect local species such as the desert bighorn sheep and desert tortoise, as well as African species including rhino, giraffe, cheetah and African wild dogs.

“We look forward to hosting this Summit that allows our international conservation partners the opportunity to share their work and steadfast dedication to community-based conservation with attendees from around the world,” said Dr. James Danoff-Burg, Director of Conservation Learning and Engagement at The Living Desert.

Registration for the International Desert Conservation Summit is now open and available  by clicking here.  Early-bird registration is $25 and prices increase to $50 on Nov. 3. The virtual summit will be recorded and available to registrants for 60 days following the event.

The Living Desert is open daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. With more than 80 acres of outdoor space, numerous safety precautions, and limited capacity, there is plenty of space to socially distance. Facial coverings are required for guests three and older and advanced ticket reservations are required.