The Palm Desert Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, and the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians are partnering to create awareness of the vulnerable desert tortoise. They will be hosting a family-friendly celebration of the desert tortoise on Saturday, September 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside Tortoise Rock Casino, 73829 Baseline Rd., Twenty-nine Palms.
The day’s events, open to all ages, include encounters with a live desert tortoise, interactive learning experiences, educational chats, crafts, games, face painting, photo booth, and music. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet and take a photo with The Living Desert’s Mojave Maxine mascot. In addition, there will be giveaways and a free barbeque boxed lunch by Dickey’s Barbeque Pit, while supplies last.
The desert tortoise is the grand survivor of California’s desert, having roamed the land for tens of thousands of years. To escape the extreme heat, desert tortoises spend most their time underground in burrows and venture out to mainly eat and drink.
According to The Living Desert, the following are some tips to protect these animals: Keep the desert clean, do not touch or disturb desert tortoise in the wild, stay on designated roads and trails, check under parked vehicles, and always watch for tortoises on roads and trails