More Than A ZOO: SUMMER

Summer at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens spotlighted expert care and global conservation impact. The season welcomed a new senior veterinarian, Dr. Yousuf Jafarey, who quickly became part of the animal health team and conducted exams, including a notable cheetah checkup. Behind the scenes, desert tortoises in the head-starting program continued to grow strong and healthy before being transferred to their next stage at Edwards Air Force Base, supporting long-term species recovery. Conservation stories also reached far beyond the desert, with highlights on African wild dog conservation and international efforts to combat cheetah trafficking in Somaliland. The summer concluded with joyful news in September, as two baby giraffes were born, adding to a season defined by growth, collaboration, and conservation success.