Social Events
Pre-Conference Tour: San Diego Zoo Safari ParkSunday, March 23, 7:30 am - 6:30 pm
$75 additional fee per person
You are invited to experience adventure at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park! Upon arrival, guests will be escorted to Safari Excursions where you will select up to two special AZA tours. Enjoy exclusive access to behind-the-scenes areas and learn about our most iconic species, gaining remarkable insights into our global conservation efforts. Fees include transportation, your choice of up to two special AZA tours, and lunch. Buses will leave the hotel at 7:30 am and return around 6:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception, hosted by AZA
Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
Wednesday, March 26, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
This event takes the place of an Icebreaker and is included with all registrations.
Zoo Day at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Thursday, March 27, 1:30 pm - 9:00 pm
One ticket is included in a full registration and 3-day (when Thursdayis selected). Additional tickets can be purchased for $75 each.
Nestled in the heart of the Coachella Valley, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is home to an incredible variety of animals and plants from deserts around the globe. From black rhinos to naked mole rats, and over 50 desert gardens, there’s something here to inspire every nature lover. Spanning over 1,200 acres, guests can explore immersive desert habitats featuring giraffes, African painted dogs, or even go for a hike in our desert reserve.
On Zoo Day, we’re turning up the excitement with exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences and special animal encounters! Kick off your day with a warm welcome and refreshments in our gorgeous desert landscape setting. Then, join us for guided tours through our Desert Carnivore Conservation Center, a habitat and breeding center for endangered small desert carnivores like the black-footed cat, fennec fox, and sand cat. At our Propagation Greenhouse you'll experience how our gardeners raise native plants for our gardens, for pollinator pathways, and habitat restoration.
Looking for more adventure? Get up close and personal with our animal ambassadors during interactive presentations led by our expert animal care team. Meet the conservationists working to protect species like the Peninsular pronghorn and desert tortoise. Get an inside look at animal care in large, naturalistic habitats. Check out what it takes to run The Bighorn Railroad, our expansive outdoor model-G train exhibit featuring a bird’s eye view of the Coachella Valley.
As the day winds down the lanterns will shine! Take another stroll through the zoo to experience our Glow in the Park lantern event and enjoy a delicious dinner under the desert sky with your fellow adventurers. The event wraps up with buses running continuously back to your hotel or the Convention Center, so you can relax and soak in the memories of an incredible day.
Adopt a desert state of mind and join us at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens for Zoo Day - a celebration of wildlife, conservation, and the beauty of the desert like never before!