May 26, 2020 — We (and the animals, plants, and minerals) miss you! As the state moves toward reopening, we are actively planning to do the same. We’re preparing our grounds, admissions and sanitation processes, and more so that we can welcome you back as soon as possible. Our operations will be different at first but we promise to do all we can to minimize your risk while maximizing your enjoyment of the Desert Museum! For reopening updates, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We look forward to seeing you soon!
March 16, 2020 — The well-being of our guests, volunteers, employees, and the animals in our care is of paramount importance. The Desert Museum is taking the potential risks of COVID-19, and the recommendations of trusted scientists, public health organizations, and governing authorities seriously. With this in mind, the Museum is temporarily closed to public visitors and education and public programs will be cancelled or postponed.
Zookeepers will remain working on-site and continue to provide the highest quality animal care without disruption. We are communicating with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), our national accrediting organization, to follow best practices while keeping staff safe.
Please be assured that we are evaluating the national and local circumstances continuously and will consider potential changes as new information is available. Updates will be shared via e-mail, social media, and at desertmuseum.org.
We understand this closure has interrupted plans for our valued members and guests and appreciate your understanding during this challenging time. We hope to continue to inspire people to live in harmony with the natural world by welcoming guests again soon at The Desert Museum.
For specific inquiries, please email us at info@desertmuseum.org.
We recommend the following sites for additional information:
Many of you have asked how you can support us during this time of closure. As a non-profit, we appreciate any amount you can give!
With COVID-19 causing nonprofits across the nation to struggle, most are trying to adapt to these difficult times. The world as we knew it has changed, including the viability of local nonprofit organizations. Due to ongoing global uncertainty, no one knows when organizations will be allowed to reopen, or what the future looks like even after that. Despite the current challenges, one well-known local organization, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, continues their mission to protect and educate on the local Sonoran Desert region.