Mission Indians, Living Desert Host Celebration

TWENTYNINE PALMS — The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians and The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens are partnering to present the Desert Wildlife Celebration.

The event is a free, family-friendly event on Saturday, March 9, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at Tortoise Rock Casino Live at the Rock Outdoor Venue, 73829 Baseline Road in Twentynine Palms.

The day’s events, open to all ages, include meeting and learning about the desert wildlife, interactive educational experiences, enlightening chats, fun crafts, unique games, amazing face painting, a fun photo booth, and fascinating storytelling by a tribal elder. In addition, there will be live music and a free, boxed lunch while supplies last.

“It’s an important part of The Living Desert’s mission to educate the public about desert wildlife, and we are excited to partner with the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians on this free event,” Allen Monroe, President and CEO of The Living Desert, said in a prepared statement.

“We invite everyone to join us for this entertaining, and educational day,” Darrell Mike, Chairman of the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, said in a prepared statement. “Many people aren’t aware that not only is the desert tortoise, or ‘Aya, woven into our ancestral Chemehuevi heritage as a symbol of wisdom, but Tortoise Rock Casino was named to celebrate its significant role in our desert ecosystem. Guests will learn interesting facts such as this, along with ways to protect our natural desert and its habitats.”

The event is sponsored by Augustine Casino and Z107.7FM. For more information about Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians and Tortoise Rock Casino, click here. For more information about The Living Desert click here.

About the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians:

The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians trace their origins back to the Chemehuevi, a peaceful and nomadic Tribe whose territory once covered parts of California, Utah, Arizona, and Southern Nevada. In 1867, a group of Chemehuevi settled at the Oasis of Mara in Twentynine Palms. The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians are their descendants. Today, the Tribe’s Reservation lands consist of two parcels, which are located near the town of Twentynine Palms and the City of Coachella. The Tribe’s two economic enterprises, Tortoise Rock Casino and Spotlight 29 Casino, help provide housing, education and financial security for the Tribe’s future generations.

About The Living Desert:

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a nonprofit, accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, ensuring the highest standards of all aspects of animal care, education, conservation, public service, and operations. The Zoo is active in conservation research, habitat protection, breeding programs and education initiatives around the world, as well as in its own community. The Zoo has been a top attraction in the Palm Springs area for nearly 50 years.

The Living Desert is located at 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260. For more information: (760) 346-5694 or click here.