SAN DIEGO, PALM DESERT, Calif. (April 15, 2024) – Seventy critically endangered Mojave desert tortoises have successfully emerged from their winter burrows after being reintroduced into their native habitat on Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, the global authority on desert plant and wildlife conservation, are working in partnership with Edwards Air Force Base, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey, using headstarting techniques designed to increase the survival rate for young tortoises. The cohort of young tortoises was the first in the program to be reintroduced into the wild after receiving a combination of an indoor- and outdoor-rearing. Within 24 hours of reentering their native habitat, the tortoises were exhibiting positive natural behaviors by constructing new burrows or modifying existing burrows for shelter. Now, six months later, they have emerged after winter brumation—a state of deep sleep specific to reptiles—and are spending more time basking at burrow entrances. Scientists are currently conducting health assessments and replacing radio transmitters on the tortoises to continue monitoring their success and better understand the juvenile age class.

The Safari Park welcomed a very special egg.

What’s the buzz about pollinators? Here’s a look at how mighty these tiny species are.

Technology is making a powerful difference in the world of conservation, and our teams are at the forefront.

Leap Day only happens once every four years. Explore which extraordinary wildlife leap, jump, spring, and everything in between.

Local students are discovering the importance of collaboration and teamwork in wildlife conservation.

In the quest to save a true Southwest icon, we've teamed up with the California Mountain Lion Project.

LOS ANGELES, SAN DIEGO, and PORTLAND, Ore. (Oct. 16, 2023) – The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Service) is sharing early results from the historic vaccine trial for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in California condors (Gymnogyps californianus). As reported by the Service’s Incident Command leading the effort, results from the first test group showed that 60% of the condors produced measurable antibodies that are expected to provide partial protection against mortality from HPAI if the birds are exposed. 

SAN DIEGO (May 11, 2023) – From Arabian oryx to Nubian ibex, to spotted turtles and Amur leopard cubs, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park are brimming with babies!  A spring baby boom provides guests to both the Zoo and Safari with the opportunity to see and learn about amazing wildlife including an okapi calf, a Matschie’s tree kangaroo and Przewalski’s horse at the Safari Park and Andean bear cubs, Lord Howe Island stick insects and Fijian iguanas at the Zoo.

SAN DIEGO (April 19, 2023) – From scientists working to protect polar bears in the high Arctic, sloths across Amazonia and Galápagos tortoises in the Pacific Islands, to cutting-edge reintroduction programs to save endangered rhinos on the savannas and burrowing owls in the Southwest, without you, there is no them. The world’s wildlife needs everyone’s help—and together with its partners in more than 200 global conservation initiatives across eight strategic Conservation Hubs worldwide, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is on the front lines, answering the call. This Earth Day, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance wants to thank all of its conservation allies and supporters for their commitment to a world where all life thrives in their latest PSA campaign, “Thank You for Being A Friend,” created with its partners at David&Goliath (D&G)