annual report 2012- 2014 what`s new

CELEBRATING
WHAT’S NEW
AT THE ZOO.
ANNUAL REPORT 2012- 2014
DESERT CONSERVATION
THROUGH PRESERVATION,
EDUCATION AND APPRECIATION
From the President and the Chairman
2012- 2013*
We are proud to present this edition of The Living Desert’s Annual Report, presenting two years
of accomplishments for 2012-13 and 2013-14. It is fitting that our operating and outreach theme
in the last few years has been, “What’s New at the Zoo” – because it seems that everything has
been new! What has not changed, however, is our organization’s steadfast commitment to our
mission of desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible support we receive from our
patrons, donors, and large cadre of volunteers. Each person recognized in this Annual Report
has contributed to our success and has helped us secure our future – and on behalf of The
Living Desert, we thank you! We continue to be excited by all that’s new at the zoo, and trust
you are as well!
Sincerely,
Allen Monroe,
President/CEO
Roger Snoble,
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
238,317
441,718
$
1,862,433
$
540,825
$
1,171,650
$
2,525,433
$
159,713
$
3,303,737
$
$
Expenses of $9,621,409
Membership & Park Services
Education & Conservation Programs
Zoological & Botanical Marketing & Administrative Maintenance & Facilities
Park Operations
Administrative Support
Fund Raising
Depreciation
Interest
A major commitment to marketing and outreach means more and more people are learning how
much The Living Desert has to offer. And the results are real! We had our largest attendance
year in the 44-year history of The Living Desert in 2013-14. We also received the distinction from
Trip Advisor of being the number two reason for visiting the Coachella Valley (not surprisingly,
ubiquitous golf is number one). We’re a popular destination for visitors to our Valley, but also
to the many families who make their year-round home in the desert. With the events that have
become traditions for family fun – Howl-o-Ween, WildLights, and Brew at the Zoo – we bring
thousands of people out for celebrations that are fun, safe, and offer encounters with many of
our amazing animals.
The most significant accomplishment of the last few years has been the process of reaccreditation The Living Desert underwent in 2013-14. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums
accreditation involves a thorough review that includes a detailed accreditation application, as
well as a multiple day on-site inspection by a team of experts from around the country. Being
an AZA-accredited zoo means we meet – and in many cases, exceed – professional standards
of animal welfare and preservation, offer an outstanding array of educational opportunities for
children and adults, and are distinguished from animal collectors and presenters. We are one
of only 224 zoos and aquariums in the country with the AZA designation and we’re proud of all
that represents.
Revenue of $10,243,826
Grants Park Services Investments
Special Events Memberships Park Admissions
Education Programs
Contributions
The biggest changes that have been taking place in the last two years are not obvious to
the visitors to our zoo and botanical gardens, but they make a great difference to the guest
experience and to the flora and fauna we look to protect. We have devoted significant resources
to our infrastructure and have made changes in our “back of house” operations that support our
environmental consciousness. We’ve made our buildings more energy-efficient, have improved
our fencing in and around the park, have improved our food delivery and waste removal systems,
and have moved through leadership transitions smoothly.
The enhanced program and attendance at The Living Desert translates into outcomes that
benefit our entire community. Our impact on the Coachella Valley has increased considerably. In
our last Annual Report, issued in 2011-12, we noted that our economic impact was measured at
$29 million from our $7 million budget. Increasing our budget by only a few hundred thousand
dollars, our economic impact as measured in the spring of 2014 is $56 million. In short, we’re a
major factor in making the Coachella Valley a great place to live!
Financials
2013- 2014*
759,520
567,828
$
1,889,537
$
459,900
$
761,131
$
1,737,311
$
497,755
$
1,381,311
$
1,411,437
$
155,679
$
$
Revenue of $17,319,872
Grants Park Services Investments
Special Events Memberships Park Admissions
Education Programs
Contributions
200,196
1,066,021
$
3,596,812
$
611,420
$
1,167,241
$
3,300,375
$
174,615
$
7,203,192
$
$
Expenses of $10,475,990
Membership & Park Services
Education & Conservation Programs
Zoological & Botanical Marketing & Administrative Maintenance & Facilities
Park Operations
Administrative Support
Fund Raising
Depreciation
Interest
1,292,805
$
571,497
$
2,156,200
$
976,443
$
939,674
$
1,431,183
$
559,089
$
593,188
$
1,810,981
$
144,930
$
*Unaudited: for audited financial reports, please contact the Finance Department at The Living Desert.
2012-14 Partners in our Progress
In its 44-year history, The Living Desert has been a place for people of all walks and experiences to find a home for joy, experience, and connection – connection to the fragile desert
environment, to amazing flora and fauna, and to other people who share in and commit to our mission. The Living Desert is a special place, but it resonates most as a community of
experience. We thank the people on these pages who have shared their time, talent and treasure to make The Living Desert the Coachella Valley treasure that it is.
Recognizing Our 2012-13 Donors
Recognizing Our 2013-14 Donors
Steward’s Circle
Chairman’s Circle
$500,000-$999,999
Peggy & Hal Bernthal
Susan E. Cooper
Benefactor’s Circle
$250,000-$499,999
Estate of Rose M. Frederico
Pauline & Nelson Hester
Mary H. Storer
Patron’s Circle
$100,000-$249,999
James A. Baker
H.N. & Frances C. Berger Foundation
Vernon B. Clinton Trust
Richard L. Herman Herman Foundation
Joan Dale Hubbard & R. D. Hubbard
Louise & Raymond V. Knowles
B.J. & D. V. Skilling
Dorothy L. Weber
Sponsor’s Circle
$50,000-$99,999
Anonymous (1)
Scarlett N. Adams
& William J. Adams
Nancy & James L. Burke
Kay & Ralph E. Hemingway
City of Indian Wells
Drew A. Leander
Cherie & John H. Morris
Kit & Roger P. Snoble
Conservator’s Circle
$25,000-$49,999
Monique M. & John D. Barr
The Louis L. Borick Foundation
Pam C. & Rick G. Carlson
Desert Radio Group
Estate of Wayne N. Garwood
S. L. Gimbel Foundation
Joy & Harry Goldstein
Patti & Jack Grundhofer
Janet & Kirk Lanterman
Katherine Lawrence
Sandi & Ralph Miller
Palm Springs Life
Elizabeth B. Simon
Union Bank
Associate’s Circle
$10,000-$24,999
Anonymous (1)
Boys & Girls Club of
Coachella Valley Inc.
Capital Group Companies
Dorothy P. & James C. Castle
Mary O. Cone
Daphne & Tom DeMartino
Patrick J. Foley
Gulf California Broadcasting
Barbara C. & H. Earl Hoover, II
Miriam U. Hoover
Jim Houston
KMIR 6 & KPSE 13
Jeannik Méquet Littlefield
Connie L. & Robert A. Lurie
Donna MacMillan
Manilow Fund For Health & Hope
Harold Matzner
R. K. Mellon Family Foundation
Lee Miller
JoAnn & Mark Nickerson
Barbara A. & Channing W. Parrett
Estate of Maxine W. Poyas
RR Broadcasting
Small Planet Foods
Lady & Sherman Smith
Dr. Mark Vincent Sofonio
Travel Host of Palm Springs
E. Kay Trout-Hillery
Elaine White
Sandra C. Woodson
Carol Wright - Grousemont
Foundation
President’s Circle
$5,000-$9,999
Katherine J. Andrews Foundation
Bank of America Corporation
Cheryl & Richard Bressler
Gary Broad Foundation
CBS Radio-KEZN-FM Z-103.1
Carol & Jesse Couch
Roy E. Crummer Foundation
The Julia Stearns Dockweiler
Chairitable Foundation
Edison International
The Ginn Family Foundation
Group Tour Magazine
Jonathan M. Grove
Candace & Jon Holzgrafe
Integrated Wealth Management
Sis Jackson
Louise Kermode
Maria & Michael Kiner
Michael Kiner Associates
Mary Ella & Rollin W. King
Paula N. & William R. Kroonen
Lester Consulting Group, Inc.
The Gilbert J. Martin Foundation
Judith M. Metz
George L. Nelson
Margaret D. & Gilman Ordway
Paradigm Communications Group
Dede & Bill J. Pitruzzelli
Roemer & Harnik, LLP
David Romano
Saks Fifth Avenue
Deborah & Ronald Schulman
The Seattle Foundation
Milann Siegfried
Roswitha & Gordon Smale
Mary Lou & Richard P. Solomon
Patricia & R. Laurence Spicer
Service Systems Associates, Inc.
Sunset Magazine
Janet L. Taggares
Marilyn Throckmorton
Billie F. Yeager
$1,000,000+
Edmund W. & Jeannik Méquet Littlefield Fund
Steward’s Circle
$500,000-$999,999
Susan E. Cooper
Benefactor’s Circle
$250,000-$499,999
Estate of Virginia H. Terry
Patron’s Circle
$100,000-$249,999
H.N. & Frances C. Berger Foundation
Peggy & Hal Bernthal
Vernon B. Clinton Trust
Deborah L. Cooper
Desert Guide
Joy & Harry Goldstein
Joan Dale Hubbard & R. D. Hubbard
Louise & Raymond V. Knowles
Dorothy L. Weber
Sponsor’s Circle
$50,000-$99,999
Monique M. & John D. Barr
Kelly S. Carmien
Ettore Richard DeRosa, Jr. Foundation
Mae & O. J. Harper
Richard L. Herman –
Herman Foundation
City of Indian Wells
Drew A. Leander
Tom Pogue
B.J. & D. V. Skilling
Kit & Roger P. Snoble
Estate of Frank Wiskowski
Conservator’s Circle
$25,000-$49,999
Anonymous (1)
Bank of America Foundation
The Louis L. Borick Foundation
Pam C. & Rick G. Carlson
Desert Radio Group
Estate of Wayne N. Garwood
Patti & Jack Grundhofer
Janet & Kirk Lanterman
Connie L. & Robert A. Lurie
City of Palm Desert
Sandi & Ralph Miller
RR Broadcasting
Estate of Mary H. Storer
Union Bank of California
Associate’s Circle
$10,000-$24,999
Anonymous (1)
Byron & Ronnie Allumbaugh
Carol A. Ammon
Suzan & Bill Appel
Brinson Foundation
Gary Broad Foundation
The Carr Foundation, Inc.
Estate of Phil Davies
Desert Entertainer
Carol E. Browning Dumke
& Edmund W. Dumke
Patrick J. Foley
Fullerton Insurance Service
Jim Houston
KPLM Radio
Kuna TV
Mary Lester
Lynn & Ned Little
Andrew Mainardi
The Gilbert J. Martin Foundation
Lee Miller
Mary G. & Ray O. Mithun, Jr.
George L. Nelson
Estate of Maxine W. Poyas
Stacey W. & Greg Renker
Patricia & R. Laurence Spicer
Marsha L. Stanley
TravelHost Magazine
Estate of Jana M. Wacker
Ziegenfuss Trust
President’s Circle
$5,000-$9,999
Bank of America Corporation
Bradford Renaissance Portraits
Capital Group Companies
CBS Radio-KEZN-FM Z-103.1
Kathy & James Cargill, II
Mary O. Cone
Carol & Jesse Couch
Roy E. Crummer Foundation
Daphne & Tom DeMartino
The Ginn Family Foundation
Rebecca A. & David W. Harrison
Tomajean & Howard Haugerud
J. Willott Gallery
Sis Jackson
Kathleen M. & Robert Jaunich
Wendy & Sabby Jonathan
Maria & Michael Kiner
Sami & Tom H. Lang
Estate of Adele Ruge North
Barbara A. & Channing W. Parrett
Estate of Gwen F. Randall
Sally E. Simonds
Annette C. Smith
Mary Lou & Richard P. Solomon
Amber D. & Sam Spinello
Marilyn Throckmorton
Time Warner Cable
Total Wine & More
E. Kay Trout-Hillery
Union Bank
The Villas at Rancho Valenica
Board of Trustees, 2012-13
Board of Trustees, 2013-14
Chairman:
Vice Chairman-Development:
Vice Chairman-Finance:
Vice Chairman-Long Range Planning:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Legal Counsel:
Chairman:
Vice Chairman-Development:
Vice Chairman-Finance & Treasurer:
Vice Chairman-Long Range Planning:
Secretary:
Legal Counsel:
Rick Carlson *
Larry Spicer *
Joan P. Keyston *
Louise Knowles *
Cherie Morris*
Dorothy L. Weber
Brian S. Harnik
Roger Snoble *
Larry Spicer *
Sabby Jonathan*
Louise Knowles *
Dorothy L. Weber
Brian S. Harnik *
President/CEO & Assistant Secretary: Stacey Johnson
President/CEO & Assistant Secretary: Allen Monroe (From Jan. 15, 2014)
Stacey Johnson (July 1, 2013-Jan. 15, 2014)
John Barr
Peggy Bernthal *
Nancy Burke
Mary O. Cone *
Susan E. Cooper *
Carol S. Couch
Daphne DeMartino
John Erickson
Tammy Fox
Patti Grundhofer
Bill Appel
John Barr
Peggy Bernthal *
Nancy Burke
Rick Carlson *
Mary O. Cone
Susan E. Cooper *
Carol S. Couch
Daphne DeMartino
John Erickson
H. Earl Hoover II
Sis Jackson
Mary Jane Jenkins
Sabby Jonathan
Michael Kiner
Janet Lanterman
Ralph Miller
Betts Simon
BJ Skilling *
Roger Snoble
Mary Lou Solomon
Sam Spinello
Mary Storer
Sandra Cooper Woodson
Billie Yeager
Ex-Officio – Bill Simpkins,
Volunteer Council
* Executive Committee
Tammy Fox
Harry M. Goldstein
Patti Grundhofer
H. Earl Hoover II
Sis Jackson
Mary Jane Jenkins
Michael Kiner
Janet Lanterman
Ralph Miller
Peter Scheer
Dick Shalhoub
Betts Simon
Bill Simpkins
BJ Skilling *
Mary Lou Solomon
Sam Spinello
Mary Storer
Sandra Cooper Woodson
Ex-Officio – Bill Simpkins,
Volunteer Council
* Executive Committee
PRESIDENT EMERITA
Karen Sausman
PRESIDENT EMERITA
Karen Sausman
TRUSTEE EMERITUS/EMERITA
Curt Ealy
Miriam U. Hoover
Sherman A. Smith
TRUSTEE EMERITUS/EMERITA
Curt Ealy
Miriam U. Hoover
Sherman A. Smith
ADVISORY COUNCIL
City of Indian Wells – Mayor Mary Roche
City of Palm Desert – Mayor Jan Harnik
Coachella Valley Water District – Jim Barrett and Ed Pack
Wayne Connor Associates – Wayne Connor
Haddon Libby
Palm Springs Desert Resorts CVB – Scott White and Judy Vossler
Bill Powers
Carol Wright
ADVISORY COUNCIL
City of Indian Wells – Mayor Ted J. Martens
City of Palm Desert – Mayor Van G. Tanner
Coachella Valley Water District – Jim Barrett and Ed Pack
Wayne Connor Associates – Wayne Connor
Palm Springs Desert Resorts CVB – Scott White and Judy Vossler
Bill Powers
Carol Wright
ANNUAL REPORT 2012- 2014
Recognizing our Volunteers and Docents
2012-14 Active Docents
Kerry Abram*
Ginger Achille
Bonnie Adkins*
Carel Adler Robin
Ann Allen
Janelle Allen
Jerry Allen
Wendy Allen
Wendy Anderson
Sandra Banner
Shirley Barker
Grady Beck
Tani Beckley
Bob Bell
Janine Bell*
Barbara Bennett
Bob Berg
Carin Berglars
Diane Berk
Kerry Berman
Peggy Bernthal
Sheila Bertozzi
Jeannie Bilodeau
Kathy Bjork
Diana Blair
Bud Blaney
Marilyn Blitz*
Bill Blue
Robyn Boersma*
Judy Bowlin
Gerry Boylan
Quinn Brady
Janet Bratton
Kate Brueckner*
Karen Cachiero*
Richard Cadarette
Carol Cantilena
Lois Cardona
Ed Carney
Frank Cassity
Judith Cassity
Deidre Coker
Bill Colligan*
Suzie Coomber
Joan Corbett
Larry Corbett
Marty Cotler
Betty Critser-Newman
John Cummings
Lori Currie
Ruth Darling
Irene Davis*
Ernie Demarbiex
Jan Demarbiex
Judy Dengler
Lola Dickens*
Jeanne Dickson
Bonnie Disney*
Barbara Duncan
Don Dunn
Linda Eisenman
Bruce Elwood
Linda Fehn*
Carol Feinstein
Barbara Filiatreaux
Bob Finn*
J R Fleischner
Lyle Forbes*
Jerry Fragasso
Marvin Fried*
Susan Friedlund
Steve Fuchs
Sandy Funk
Stan Garnett
Hartley Gaylord
Paul Gershick
Barb Gibson
Butch Goodwater
Don Graybill
Vinnie Green
Gloria Hammill
Gail Harrison*
Don Hedgepeth*
Jerry Helpin*
Charlene Hengesh
Liz Henry
Barbara Hershey
Phyllis Honsberger
Midge Hood
Mary Hurtig*
Gail Hutto
Sis Jackson
Linda Jacobs
Teresa Jarrett*
Suzanne Jarvinen*
Jeanne Jones
Elaine Kaplan
Elena Keeran*
Leonard Keith
Bill Kelly
Louise Kermode
Dennis Kirk
Mary Kirk
Dennis Klein
Louise Knowles
Lois Koel
Devie Kronick
Jan Kubiak
Tracy Kupferberg
Gaile Kurasz
Bob Kyllonen
Karen Lake
Eric Larson
Gary Lavelle*
Mitsi Lavelle*
Drew Leander
Judi Lowry*
Bob Lutes*
Jo Ann Macek
Maggie Magee*
John Mahoney
Dennis Mahr
George Marshall
Molly Martin
JoAnne Massaro
Sharon Mattern
Chris Mazza
Maureen McCarty
Bob McCluskey
Mary McConnell
Barbara McReal
Joe Migliore
Diana Miller*
Lee Miller
Annick Milligan
Cherie Morris*
Barbara Musgjerd
Doreen Myhers
Karen Nelson
Barbara Newton*
Ken Niemeyer
Sandi Norman
RaMona Oakland
Jane Olson
Audrey Ourette
Ruth Park
Meline Pickus
Bill Piggott
Kerstin Pollack
Ruth Poulton
Dewey Price
Carrie Radebaugh
Michael Reilly
Dick Rice
Barrie Robertson
Gail Robertson
Rod Rodriguez*
Larry Rohloff
Dave Rolston
Lynn Round*
Bob Royer
Lynne Rudnick
Leonard Rudolph
Bernie Rummonds*
Loree Sarnat*
Ann Schaffner
Anne Schmitt
Marvin Schurgin
Bruce Seldeen
David Seldeen
Marian Sepulveda
James Shatzel*
John Sheehan*
Jean Sheneman
Jack Sholl
Joan Sholl
Bill Simpkins
BJ Skilling
Van Skilling
2012-14 Active Volunteers
Jack Smith*
Darlene Sorenson
Dot Spear
Barbara Spencer
Janice Stanger*
Carol Steeb
Karen Steffanoff
Nick Steffanoff
Marcia Stein
Fredda Stephens*
Bill Sterritt*
Deborah Stone*
Tobe Strother
Regina Sukonik*
Leo Sullivan
Carla Sullivan-Dilley
Ann Sutherland
DeRosa
Barbara Tebeau
Tom Tefft
Nancy Terrel*
Vera Thaxton*
Ed Thayer
Judy Thorson*
Bruce Tominello
Harold Trubo*
Dave Valentino
Sue Valentino
Fritzie Von Jessen
Jackie Wagner
Lois Walker
Sally Walker*
JoAnne Wheeler
Bob Williams
John Williams
Lorraine Winchester
Laural Winston
Gail Witlin*
Ray Woolston
Doug Young*
Ruth Zimmerman
Honorary Docents:
Marci Blatt
Jeanne Hirshfield
Tisha Shaski
Alex Abrahams*
Jordan Abrahams
Nance Acosta*
Caitlyn Adams*
Jack Akers-Browlee*
Diane Aledort
Kate Alexander*
Barrie Allison*
Joan Alvarez
Juan Alvarez
Bill Appel*
Jim Arnold
Gene Badzey*
Karin Baere
Bill Baker*
Blu Bakhoum*
Gloria Baron*
John Barr
Samantha Barrientos
Rachel Beahm*
Taylor Beahm*
Tom Beattie
Tony Beck*
Ardis Beckner
Michele Belanger
Toni Beldock
Jack Benson
Linda Berman
Worth Blaney
Polly Bloesser
Cary Boisvert*
Jim Boling*
Nancy Bond
Rhia Bottemer*
Cliff Boyles*
Marie Brada
Kent Briske*
Carol Broome
Erica Brown*
Jim Brown
Debbie Buhrman*
Frankie Burgemeestre*
Nancy Burke
Daisy Burns*
Angie Butner
Cheryl Byers
Alex Cano
Elda Caraco
Ralphie Caraco
Tony Cardona
Rick Carlson
Pat Caron*
Karen Casier
Megan Cassette*
Jim Chabot
Jim Chedester
Joan Chedester
Marolyn Chedester
Tom Chedester
Bryttni Chisholm*
Patti Clarke
Mike Cline
Karen Codner
Mike Codner
Mary Cone
Don Conner
Suzanne Connor*
Susan Cooper
Deb Corbett*
Kim Corrall*
Daisy Cortes*
Jessi Cortes*
Sean Cortes*
Annette Cortese*
Carol Couch
Denise Crawford
Isabella Crider*
Michelle Crosby*
Rose Ann Curatolo
Carrie Daniels
Phil Davies*
Carole Davis*
Fran Davis
Liz Day*
Daphne DeMartino
Harris Demetre*
Karen Dennis
Nolan Dexter-Brown
Cathy Diaz*
Rick Diederich
John DiPinto
Carolyn Dolan
Hannah Donis*
Victoria Dragun*
Janet Dreifort
Christina Driggs
Patrick Dugan
Tom Edmunds
Diane Edwards
Melanie Edwards*
Lloyd Eggebrecht*
Elsie Ellis*
John Erickson*
Stan Ernenwein*
Jacqueline Esquivel
Linda Fehn*
Sammy Fletcher*
Marilyn Forrest
Karen Foss*
Tammy Fox
Rod Freed
Debbie Scott Fried*
Jane Ann Fritch*
Sherry Fulton
Jerry Furr*
Ron Furrer
Pauline Ganz
Henry Garcia*
Janis Garland
Harriette Garnett
Toni Gehret
Esther Gelman-Suzuki*
Walter Gendell*
Judy Giese*
Savannah Gil*
Gary Gilmore
Nancy Gilmore
Jerry Gold
Madisyn Gold*
Dan Goldberg
Harry Goldstein*
Lois Goldstein
Lynne Grandvoinet*
Dave Gray
Darwin Green*
Ruth Green*
Stan Greene
Wendell Grigsby*
Cindy Gruber
Patti Grundhofer
Daniel Gutierrez*
Bob Hagerty
Linda Hagood*
Ken Hall*
Laramie Hancock*
Dale Hansen*
Michael Hargrave*
Brian Harnik
Carlie Harper*
Don Hay
Sylvia Hay
Maggie Helwig*
Estela Hijar*
Becky Hill*
Nancy Hoffman*
Sherry Hogan*
Lucille Hollander*
Charlie Honsberger
H. Earl Hoover II
Monika Hoover
Jennifer Howarth*
Sue Hunter*
Sandra Huntley*
Edward Iborg
Ronda Ingham
Tami Ishaeik*
Robert Jacoby
Mary Jane Jenkins
Betty Johnson
Jacklynn Johnson
Tracy Johnson*
Wendy Johnson*
Sabby Jonathan
Carol Jones
Lizzy Jones*
Deborah Jop
Brian Jose
Jackie Kaagan
Judy Karp*
John Kearney
Linda Kelleran
Jack Kemp*
Joan Kent*
Joan Keyston*
Michael Kiner
Jean Kirby
Myrna Kirk
Tom Kirk
Ted Klamerus*
Paul Kodet
Jayda Kosar*
Barbara Kubiak
Kierra Kuhlman*
Roger Kurdys*
Lynda La Bounty
Christin Lacey*
Hannah Lamb*
Julie Landero*
Janet Lanterman
Phil LaTorre
Bill Lear
Virginia LeBrun*
Brittany Leslie*
Bette Levine*
Annette Lewis*
Fran Lloyd*
Cassandra Lorenzana
Helen Louden
Lynn Louden*
Nordi Lupinacci
Jaci Mach
Ruth Mackinnon*
Katie Mahon
Helaine Malinsky
Shannon Mallory*
Louise Malow
Don Manwiller
Jordan Markson*
Howard Marshall
Adam Massini*
Patrick Mathews
Nicky Mayber*
Jerry McFarlane
Michael McKenzie
Tom McManus
Ann McNeel
Wes McNeel
Mary Ann McNerney
Mike McNerney
John Meacham
Eden Meiers*
Sharon Merrill
Sharen Metz-Langdon*
Sarah Mighell*
Ethan Millan*
Ralph Miller
Sandee Miller*
Kari Minihan*
Mary Kay Moore
Daniel Morgan*
Pam Morgan*
John Muncy*
Courtney Munnell*
Joshua Munnell*
Ian Murphy
Chuck Myers*
Jim Neel
Donna Nelson
Hailey Nelson
Ron Nelson*
Cheryl Nickerson
R. Kevin Oberman
Yvonne Oberman
Terry O’Connor*
Susan Olivares*
John Ott
Bernie Panylyk
Edna Parada*
Jill Paris*
Phil Parker
Cap Peaslee
Gina Peaslee
Lorraine Pehoushek*
Ursula Penn
Susan Pennington
Dave Perkins
Marge Perkins
Leticia Peterson*
Suzanne Podegracz
Alexandra Pono
Malcolm Porter*
Paul Potter*
Vanessa Potter
Janna Powell*
Kathy Powell
Bob Pyle
Kellin Ramage*
Eileen Reilly*
Carol Riggs*
Charles Riggs*
Cameron Rivas*
Michael Robin
Juan Robles*
Lynn Rooney
Carla Rosas
Jim Rothenberger
Lynn Round*
Dennis Rowlett*
Melanie Royer*
Bernice Rummonds*
Julian Runnels*
Dick Rupp
Warren Safley
Brenda Salas*
James Salinas
Brennan Sanchez*
Malia Sanchez*
Quinn Sanchez*
Sophia Sanchez
Bob Sata*
Peter Scheer*
Rosemary Schuster
Nancy Scott
Diane See*
Barbara Shadduck
Glenn Shadduck
Dick Shalhoub*
Kay Shank
Dixie Sharp
Bettyann Sherrell*
Natalie Shonerd*
Richard Shonerd*
Betts Simon
Jerry Simon*
Pam Simpkins*
Amy Sinkeldam*
Felicia Sirchia*
Berniece Skinner
Carolyn Skinner
Joanne Slavin*
Sandra Slobodian*
Georgia Smith
Sally Smith
Roger Snoble
Mary Lou Solomon
Larry Spicer
Jill Spinelli
Sam Spinello
Elisabeth Spiro
Marsha Stanley
Nichole Stauty*
Loe Stavinsky*
Sam Steindel*
Joan Stengel
Corky Stevens
Sharon Stewart-Pickering*
Mary Storer
Marie Strom
Jay Strong
Beth Stull*
John Sugerik*
Tyler Swank*
Joanie Swope
Jackie Swyer*
Quentin Tebeau
Amanda Thatcher*
George Thomas
Helen Thomas
Eric Tiegel
Barbara Tippett
Richard Tipton
Rena Towne
Michelle Traeger*
Zane Traw
Cassie Trevizo*
Betty Trower*
Harold Trubo*
Collin Turner
Taylor Turner*
Laura Udcoff
Michael Udkovich*
Judy Underwood
Nancy Vanaman
Marvin Vernon*
Gerry Villaluz*
Philip Vitanza*
Jeff Wadley
Mark Wagner*
Sally Walker*
John Warnock*
Jack Warnock
Laura Waskin*
Nickie Watts
Claudia Wean
Dorothy Weber
Clive Weightman*
Barbara Weiner
Jim Weisman*
Liz Welch
Sydney Wellborn*
Barbara Wells
Van Wells
William Williford
Marsha Winner*
Sandra Cooper Woodson
Shelby Wright
Cindy Yanez
Billie Yeager*
Donna Zeller*
Eileen Zielinski
* denotes one year of service
The Dedicated Living Desert Staff
Administrative Leadership:
Allen Monroe, President/CEO
Bert Buxbaum, Director of Facilities Management /Graphics Department
Kerry Graves, Director of Park Services
Dwight Middendorf, Director of Finance
Admissions & Membership:
Facilities:
Animal Department:
Finance:
Elisa Escobar, Manager
Bobby Agriam, Supervisor
Adriana Cazares, Clerk
Raefer Finnegan, Clerk
Donna Hanson, Clerk
Cesar Moreno, Clerk
Emily Ojeda, Clerk
Alvin Opleda, Clerk
Marion Rodriguez, Clerk
Liz Hile, Curator of Animals
Wendy Enright, Animal Manager
Sheila Lindquist, Animal Manager
Diane Brabec, Lead Keeper
Brigid Randle, Animal Registrar
Larson Ankeny, Animal Keeper
Katherine Byrnes, Animal Keeper
Megan Carney, Animal Keeper
Kevin Gorowski, Animal Keeper
Candice Gutierrez, Animal Keeper
Ashley Hingle, Animal Keeper
Kieran Lacey, Animal Keeper
Erich Perry, Animal Keeper
William Powers, Animal Keeper
Valerie Salonga, Animal Keeper
Bethany Smith, Animal Keeper
Amanda Toussaint, Animal Keeper
Nichole Winters, Animal Keeper
Shawn Shepherd, Director of Development
Peter Siminski, Director of Conservation and Education
Angela Woods, Executive Assistant to the President/CEO
Juan Diaz, Custodial Services Manager
John Gordon, Custodial Services Supervisor
Jose Arce, Custodial Worker
Jesus Bibian, Custodial Worker
Steve Briseno, Custodial Worker
Gordon Fritz, Custodial Worker
Oscar Noriega, Custodial Worker
Rogelio Rivera, Custodial Worker
J. Torres, Custodial Worker
Jordan Agresor, Junior Accountant
Teresa Kuhl, Accounts Payable
Garden:
Kirk Anderson, Curator of Gardens
Jennifer Hudson, Plant Registrar
Robert Linstead, Plant Propagator
Mack Nash, Collections Garden Manager
Gilberto Ochoa, Collections Gardener
William Patton, Collections Gardener
Mark Reeder, Collections Gardener
Frederico Vargas, Collections Gardener
Rigoberto Campos, Groundsman
Repairs and Maintenance:
Tom Wassing, Repairs and Maintenance Manager
Kasey Chrisman, Maintenance Technician
Guillermo Guzman, Maintenance Technician
Garth Hoyes, Maintenance Technician
Warren Peddycord, Maintenance Technician
Eddie Riddick, Maintenance Technician
Manuel Sanchez-Morales, Maintenance Technician
Gregory Watson, Maintenance Technician
Safety:
Mel Allison, Safety Manager
Shuttle:
Carmen Lopez, Shuttle Supervisor
Lorena Brown, Amusement Operator
Jimmy Whitley, Lead Shuttle
Robert Finn, Shuttle Driver
Rosa Leeger, Shuttle Driver
Merrill Lowry, Shuttle Driver
Barbara Tebeau, Shuttle Driver
Tour Guides:
Patricia Childress, HR Manager
William Colligan, Walking Guide
Ernest Demarbiex, Walking Guide
Bruce Elwood, Walking Guide
Judith Lowry, Walking Guide
Helene Rose, Walking Guide
Thomas Tefft, Walking Guide
Edward Thayer, Walking Guide
John Williams, Walking Guide
Hailey Moller, Lead Keeper
Emma Baldwin, Animal Keeper
Information Technology:
Trains:
Attractions:
Marketing and Promotions:
Veterinary Services:
Commissary/Animals:
Park Services:
Animal Rehabilitation:
Enoble Abdul-Aziz, Camel Amusement Operator
Carrie Driggs, Carousel Operator
Perla Robledo, Carousel Operator
Debra Dadomo, Technician
Cathy McPeek, Technician
Lacy Pearson, Technician
Development:
Michelle Belin, Development Gift Officer
Ivy Lewis, Planned Giving and Major Gifts
Cameron Smith, Development Gift Officer
Education:
Michael Chedester, Curator of Education
Michelle Moe, Education Manager
Judi Greene, Volunteer Program Manager
Ramina Arce, Education Specialist
Marsha Celesta, Education Specialist
Christine Janson, Education Specialist
Mafalda Neckelmann, Education Specialist
Bobby Sizemore, Education Specialist
Heather Varallo, Education Specialist
Graphics:
Sybil Rivera, Graphics Specialist
Human Resources:
Mark Engle, Information Systems Manager
Rebecca Brown, Marketing and Public Relations Manager
Roshan Patel, Sales Manager
Myra Rosales, Interactive Marketing & Promotions Manager
Joe Schneider, Train Supervisor
Dr. Kevin Leiske, Veterinarian
Amanda Diamond, Vet Technician
Joanne Milosevich, Quarantine Keeper
Deborah Sullivan, Quarantine Keeper
Adela Carranza, Base Operator
Maureen McCarty, Special Project Coordinator
Wildlife on Wheels:
Private Functions:
Wildlife Programs:
Tom LaLiberte, Events Manager
Stacey Spring, Events Coordinator
Deidre Ousterhout, Wildlife on Wheels Program Trainer
Benjamin Klopf, Wildlife Program Manager
Heidi Hinkley, Wildlife Program Lead Trainer
Renee Barnett, Wildlife Program Trainer
Justin Carmichael, Wildlife Program Trainer
Rebecca Cole, Wildlife Program Trainer
Sarah Greely, Wildlife Program Trainer
Alisha Mendez, Wildlife Program Trainer
Daniella Moss, Wildlife Program Trainer
Making a Difference
in the Global Wildlife Picture
The Living Desert’s strong commitment to conservation is evident at virtually every turn in the park. But it’s the behind-the-scenes
work of animal preservation that is truly special. Under the leadership of then-CEO Stacey Johnson, in 2012 The Living Desert served
as the worldwide manager of the Jaguar population and was committed to creating a mating pair for the benefit of our zoo – but more
importantly, to bring new cubs into the world for the Jaguar species. Jaguars are listed by the official CITES (Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna) among the most endangered and most restricted animals in the world.
Taking more than a year for applications and federal and international agreements, the team of Liz Hile, Curator of Animals, and Dr. Kevin
Leiske, Veterinarian, joined three other zoo professionals from Louisiana and Kansas to travel to Panama to collect Jaguars for American
zoos. The Parque Summit – the national zoo of Panama – opened the door to the agreement for Memo with the assurance that The Living
Desert would continue to support important Jaguar research.
“For a sustainable population in captivity, we really needed the genetics [of Memo],” said Hile. “Wild genetics means healthier breeding.”
And it worked! Memo and his partner, Magia, mated in January 2014 and brought two new cubs to The Living Desert and the endangered
Jaguar population in April 2014.
The greatest single accomplishment of The Living Desert in the last two years was to once again earn the accreditation of the Association of
Zoos and Aquariums. In AZA, “accreditation” means official recognition and approval of a zoo or aquarium by a group of experts who review
outcomes for the zoo, as well as provide evaluation through comprehensive, on-site visits. Fewer than 10% of animal exhibitors licensed by
the United States Department of Agriculture are AZA accredited! The AZA accreditation is a stringent standard that assures our visitors, our
donors, and our docents and volunteers that they are engaged with a professional operation providing the highest standards of animal care and
conservation. The AZA accreditation also ensures we are able to meet our continuing conservation mission by permitting our involvement in
worldwide Species Protection Plans.
47900 Portola Ave. Palm Desert, CA 92260
The Living Desert by the Numbers!
The reach of The Living Desert continues to grow year-after-year. For many Coachella Valley residents the first visit to the zoo and gardens
comes through a school tour. Aligned with state educational standards, school-aged programs are the beginning of a lifetime of contacts.
From ongoing visits, to the family tradition of WildLights, to attending an educational program to learn to xeriscape a lawn, or spend all night
with the sights and sounds of The Living Desert at “Starry Safari”, to tasting the latest of the best local beers at “Brew at the Zoo” – the
opportunities to engage and be involved are myriad and growing all of the time!
A Quick Look: 2012-2014
Educating our Valley: 2012-2014
Visitors to the Zoo and Gardens: 632,232
Participants in Special Events at the Zoo: 59,772
Volunteers at the Zoo: Docents at the Zoo: Work Hours Volunteered to the Zoo: Number of Kids Attending: 45,744
606
741
Wildlife On Wheels Programs Delivered: 523
420
Total Number of People Participating in
Education & Outreach Programs: 122,693
The Collections
Numbers of animals: 157 species represented, with more than 660 animals
Numbers of plants: 1,449 different categories of desert plant life represented
REPORT OF ASSETS OF THE LIVING DESERT*
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents Investments
Pledeges receivable, net
Grants receivable
Interest receivable Other receivables
Prepaid expenses
Beneficial interest in trusts
and insurance assignments
Land, buildings and equipment, net
Total assets
956,690
26,335,491
$
8,002,484
$
186,649
$
80,893
$
$
547,008
$
22,467,898
$
58,577,113
$
*Unaudited: for audited financial reports, please contact the Finance
Department at The Living Desert.
552
Education Programs Conducted: 22,079
Members of the Zoo: Number of School Tours Conducted: Liabilities
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses
Unearned revenue and deposits
Capital leases
Notes payable
Total liabilities
457,735
441,469
$
899,864
$
8,854
$
3,000,000
$
4,807,922
$
$
Net Assets
Unrestricted:
Undesignated
Board designated
Restricted:
Temporarily restricted Permanently restricted Total net assets Total liabilties and net assets
21,156,049
4,607,423
$
$
10,759,905
$
17,245,814
$
53,769,191
$
58,577,113
$
79,076