The Living Desert in Palm Desert

I'm glad to see a conference of this kind and we have loved visiting and showing friends The Living Desert. However, I am beginning to think differently about zoos and animals in captivity even though the facility provides wonderful learning opportunities and is part of a species survival program. I'm not really sure you can defend keeping these wonderful animals in captivity. 

From The Desert Sun:

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert announced Thursday it will host the first-ever International Desert Conservation Summit next month, with a dozen conservation experts from around the world lined up to take part.

The Nov. 14 virtual gathering will hone in on conservation efforts afoot in deserts around the world, featuring experts from the United States, Mexico, Kenya, South Africa and several other countries. Highlighted efforts will comprise not just the conservation of animal populations, but local plants and other crucial aspects of global desert environments.

"As a leader in desert conservation efforts, The Living Desert is excited to host this inaugural event to bring some of the brightest conservation minds together," said Allen Monroe, the zoo's president and CEO.

"Although we had originally planned to host this event on-grounds at The Living Desert, we are thrilled to welcome even more attendees from all over the world with its new virtual format.''