NBC will air a one-hour special titled “More Than a Zoo,” which provides viewers with an inside look at the operations of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, California. Hosted by news anchor Olivia Sandusky, the program documents a year at the zoo, highlighting animal care, conservation efforts, and guest experiences.
The special begins in winter 2025. It features black rhinos Nia and Jaali as they interact as a potential breeding pair, contributing to global conservation of this endangered species. Veterinary teams are shown using x-ray technology to monitor Cape vultures’ health and increasing bird flu monitoring to protect avian populations. The episode also addresses the loss of a Mexican wolf and continues coverage of the desert tortoise headstarting program.
Spring brings new animal births such as pronghorn fawns and a yellow-footed rock wallaby joey. Two baby bobcats arrive while the zoo honors its oldest bobcat following its passing. Conservation work extends to the Desert Carnivore Conservation Center with sand cat breeding efforts. The Bighorn Cafe and splash pad open for visitors during this season.
In summer, Dr. Yousuf Jafarey joins as senior veterinarian, conducting notable exams including on cheetahs. The desert tortoise program advances with animals moving to Edwards Air Force Base for further recovery stages. International conservation projects are highlighted, such as African wild dog protection and anti-trafficking work in Somaliland for cheetahs. Two giraffes are born by September.
Fall covers continued development of young animals like bobcat kittens and wallaby joeys. Patas monkeys join the zoo’s collection for the first time, expanding its animal diversity. Visitors learn about sustainable food sourcing through the farm-to-table browse program and explore attractions like model trains. Plans to introduce lions in 2028 are discussed.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens operates on 1,200 protected acres in Palm Desert, California (official website). As an AZA-accredited nonprofit organization (official website), it focuses on desert plants and animals from Africa, Australia, and North America (official website). The facility features immersive habitats, botanical gardens with over 50 collections, hiking trails, wildlife hospital tours, educational programs, seasonal events (official website), giraffe feeding opportunities (official website), splash pads (official website), model train displays (official website), and more than 150 species on site (official website). Each year it welcomes over half a million guests through its gates (official website).
According to NBC: “More Than a Zoo takes you behind the scenes at The Living Desert for an unforgettable look into our daily work.”
The Living Desert supports over 100 conservation projects worldwide across deserts in North America, Africa, Asia—including Mongolia and South Africa—and partners with organizations such as San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and U.S. Geological Survey on habitat restoration initiatives (official website). Its mission is centered on advancing desert conservation through preservation education to protect species globally (official website).
