News from: The Living Desert
California will observe World Desert Day on Saturday, January 11, 2025, recognizing deserts around the world and raising awareness of the vital role these ecosystems play in biodiversity, climate resilience and human life. World Desert Day is observed annually on the second Saturday in January and is officially recognized by the State of California.
World Desert Day was created and launched by The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Greater Palm Springs in January 2024 to address the absence of a global observance dedicated to deserts. Following a year of advocacy and collaboration with state and local leaders, the observance received formal recognition through bipartisan resolutions passed by the California Assembly and Senate, as well as proclamations from the cities of Palm Desert and Indian Wells and Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz.
“Deserts are among the most diverse and resilient ecosystems on the planet, yet they are often misunderstood and overlooked,” said Allen Monroe, president and CEO of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. “World Desert Day highlights the importance of these landscapes while encouraging action to protect the species and communities that depend on them.”
Desert ecosystems are home to a wide range of specialized plant and animal species, many of which are threatened or critically endangered due to climate change, habitat loss, invasive species and other human-driven impacts. These species are essential to the health of desert environments and play a critical role in supporting broader ecological systems worldwide.
During the inaugural World Desert Day celebration, The Living Desert will host a special in-park event featuring desert-themed scavenger hunts, animal connections, plant sales, educational trading cards and engagement with 11 conservation partners.
Deserts cover more than one-third of the Earth’s land surface and are home to more than one-sixth of the global population, supporting diverse cultures, livelihoods and ecosystems around the world. Despite typically receiving less than 10 inches of rain annually, deserts include a wide range of climates, including hot and dry, semi-arid, coastal and cold deserts.
World Desert Day serves as a call to action for individuals, organizations and communities around the world to support desert conservation efforts. Supporters are encouraged to attend World Desert Day events, volunteer with conservation organizations, plant native species, support pollinators and advocate for desert protection at the local and state levels.
Additional information about World Desert Day and how to get involved is available at LivingDesert.org.
About The Living Desert
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a nonprofit organization and, as an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, upholds the highest standards in animal care, education, conservation, public service and operations. The Zoo is deeply involved in global conservation efforts, including research, habitat protection, breeding programs and educational initiatives, while also actively engaging with its local community. For over 55 years, The Living Desert has been a premier destination in the Palm Springs area. Visit us at 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260. For more information, call (760) 346-5694 or visit LivingDesert.org.