Local News

Established in 1970, The Living Desert began as a 360-acre wilderness preserve initiated by trustees of the Palm Springs Desert Museum. Their mission was to protect the fragile desert ecosystem amidst growing development in the Coachella Valley. Over the years, the zoo expanded its exhibits and conservation efforts, becoming a sanctuary for over 500 animals representing more than 150 species.

For longtime Coachella-goers, Thursday (nicknamed “Day 0”) has traditionally been a day to arrive, pitch tents, and casually mingle under the desert sun. There might be a few DJ sets at a silent disco or campsite games, but nothing on the scale of the festival’s main days.