For more than half a century, The zoo and gardens of the living desert in Palm Desert has welcomed guests from all over the world, teaching them about the wonders of desert habitats and the range of plants and animals that inhabit them.

Credit for his success goes to Allen Monroe, president and CEO of the conservation organization for the past eight years. He sees the 80-acre desert oasis as “a chance to reconnect with nature, take a relaxing tour, and learn a little more about the natural world.”

He hopes the place will inspire young visitors to make wise decisions about using natural resources when they grow up.

Responsible for maintaining and developing the property, he is also excited to add new habitats for the animals. In November, he will welcome the community to celebrate the opening of the new three-year rhino savannah adventure. “We’re going to bring in 12 new species,” said Monroe, “the most important of which is the endangered black rhino.” There will also be birds, antelopes and gazelles.

Visitors, beams Monroe, “will leave with a little more understanding of these animals and can see that that ball of keratin on his nose, there is nothing special or magical about it. It belongs to the nose of the rhino, not to the chimney of someone’s trophy mantle.

• READ NEXT: Discover the full issue of Vision 2021.