Press Room

PALM DESERT/INDIAN WELLS – July 7, 2023 – Wild adventures await campers in grades K-9! With all-new programming and themes, Summer ZooCamp at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is the perfect place for your budding naturalist to learn about desert animals and their unique habitats through hands-on activities and special, close-up animal experiences. 

July ZooCamp sessions are focused on “The Art of the Desert!” where campers will explore their artistic side as they learn the basics of various mediums and techniques, using the natural beauty of the surrounding desert landscape as their inspiration.  Available spots still remain for ZooCamp sessions offered July 18-20 and 25-27, from 8:00am-12:00pm.

Grades K-1: Wild about Art – From painting zebra stripes and cheetah spots to sculpting porcupines and giraffe, young artists will discover art as they learn about wildlife. 
Grades 2-3: Artful Impressions – Like Van Gogh and Picasso, campers will be inspired by the natural world around them as they explore different mediums to create artwork capturing the spirit of the desert’s animals. 
Grades 4-6: Adventures Through Art – Campers will create their own stories through a variety of mediums as they learn about deserts and their animal inhabitants. From painting to fashion to theater, the meaning of art is what you make it! 

Zookeeper Academy, scheduled for August 1-3, is a special career-based program for campers in grades 7-9 that goes behind-the-scenes of animal care and well-being. Participants will learn from The Living Desert’s professional staff as they explore and assist with the daily jobs that are part of a zookeeper’s career. Throughout the session, your young animal care enthusiast may help with Keeper Connections, work within animal habitats, or create enriching experiences for the animals. 

“ZooCamp offers kids the opportunity to explore nature and have fun in a safe, nurturing environment,” noted Dr. Anna Young, Vice President of Learning and Impact at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. “We’re really excited about our new ZooKeeper Academy that offers young teens the opportunity to immerse themselves into the animal care profession and discover what it takes to provide excellent care for the animals at The Living Desert.” 

Registration is open and just a few spots remain for July and August ZooCamp. Advance registration is required at LivingDesert.org/ZooCamp. Summer ZooCamp runs select weeks in July and August from 8:00am-12:00pm for 3-day sessions, Tuesday through Thursday. SNAP/EBT cardholders can register for these programs at 10% of the ticket price, visit LivingDesert.org/Museums-For-All to learn more. 

ZooCamp registration is $225/camper for members and $250/camper for non-members.

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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 destination in the Palm Springs area for 50 years. The Living Desert is located at 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260. For more information: (760) 346-5694 or visit livingdesert.org.