News from: Living Desert Zoo and Garden
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens will welcome conservation leaders from around the world for the 5th Annual International Desert Conservation Summit, taking place January 16–18, 2026. The three-day event will feature keynote speaker Paul Rosolie, a renowned conservationist, author, and filmmaker known for his work protecting the world’s most threatened ecosystems.
Summit speakers include internationally recognized conservation leaders such as Rentsen Oyunbat, CEO of the Mongolia Conservation Initiative; Aidée Sánchez Ramírez, Deputy Director of Conservación en Acción; Dickson Katana, Kenyan herpetologist and snake conservation educator; Dr. Jeff Lovich, former U.S. Geological Survey research ecologist and Fulbright Scholar; and Mary Wykstra, founder of Action for Cheetahs in Kenya.
Additional speakers include Lewyn Maefala of Transfrontier Africa’s Bush Babies Environmental Education Program, Veila Makundi of the Wild Nature Institute, Hannah Tranter of the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative, Craig Spencer, executive director of Transfrontier Africa, and Susan Sorrells, a community-based conservation leader in California’s Amargosa region.
The annual summit brings together scientists, conservationists, and community leaders to spotlight innovative efforts to protect desert wildlife and habitats. This year’s programming will highlight large mammal reintroduction initiatives, California wildlife conservation programs, and expanded environmental education efforts.
“Desert ecosystems play a critical role in global biodiversity, yet they are often overlooked,” said Allen Monroe, president and CEO of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. “This summit elevates the voices of those doing the work on the ground and connects the public to solutions that create lasting impact.”
As part of the summit, The Living Desert will award more than $180,000 to ten conservation heroes advancing the protection of threatened and endangered species and their ecosystems worldwide.
The event opens Friday evening with a welcome reception and dinner honoring this year’s conservation heroes. Saturday includes a full day of expert panels, presentations, and an awards luncheon, followed by Rosolie’s keynote address. Sunday programming features zoo admission, guided hikes, botanical garden tours, and behind-the-scenes experiences.
“For conservation to succeed, people must feel personally connected to the wild,” said Paul Rosolie. “Storytelling helps bridge that gap and inspires action.”
All tickets include early access to Rosolie’s upcoming book, Junglekeeper: What It Takes to Save the World, select meals throughout the weekend, and zoo admission on Sunday. VIP ticket options include a semi-private animal encounter and an exclusive meet-and-greet with Rosolie. The summit is designed for guests ages 16 and older, and all ticket sales are final. For more information, visit www.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.