Who's Playing in Nature's Orchestra? 🦉🦋🌸🌿

Discover the hidden harmony that sustains us all NOTES FROM THE FIELD | 2025 | No. 12

At dawn in the Southwest, life awakens in a magnificent symphony. A California condor soars above mountain lions prowling foothills, while burrowing owls peek from grasslands, Quino checkerspot butterflies flit among native dwarf plantain, and Pacific pocket mice scurry through coastal sage scrub. Here, rugged mountains, expansive chaparral, lush wetlands, and arid deserts support a living orchestra of biodiversity. San Diego County is a biodiversity hotspot, with the widest variety of wildlife in the contiguous U.S. That includes over 1,570 native plant species which form the foundation of local ecosystems. They offer habitats, nest material, and food for countless animals—from butterflies and birds to reptiles and mammals. Plants clean the air, enrich soil, and regulate climate, forming an essential web of interdependence critical for wildlife and humanity. However, the region’s plants and animals face mounting threats—including habitat loss, invasive species, and more frequent droughts and wildfires. With your support, we’re working to save, protect, and care for native species at the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and across this biodiverse region through our Southwest Conservation Hub.

LOCAL ROOTS

A SECOND CHANCE Orphaned in San Diego County at just six weeks old, mountain lion cubs Te’oyee, Pehkaay, and Hemuk faced an uncertain future. After an extraordinary rescue effort, they were brought to the Safari Park and received the lifesaving care they desperately needed. This month, they’re celebrating their second birthday—a testament to the power of teamwork and expert care.

GROWING UP

THREE WILD DAYS Discover some of the world’s most fascinating species at Wildlife Awareness Days at the Safari Park. Explore the world of rhinos on September 22, hang with gorillas on September 24, and stand tall for cassowaries on September 26. Engage with experts, learn how you support crucial work in our eight Conservation Hubs, and keep an eye out for wildlife talks and fun activities.

SPECIES SECRETS

BEE-ING ALLIES The rhythmic humming of bees dancing between bright and fragrant flowers is a familiar sound—and it’s the melody of nature thriving. Pollinators are essential for healthy ecosystems, helping native plants reproduce and maintaining biodiversity. We’re proud to announce that the San Diego Zoo is now a Bee City USA affiliate as part of a city-wide initiative to secure their future.

BUZZ IN

GO SOUTHWEST Explore the biodiverse ecosystems we all share during Wild Weekend: Southwest, September 27–28 at the Safari Park. Connect with unique wildlife we live alongside while learning about ongoing efforts to save, protect, and care for them through our Southwest Conservation Hub. Burrow in for interactive experiences, wildlife care specialist talks, and fun for all.

BE HERE

Your monthly gift will make a world of difference for wildlife. , your ongoing support makes a lifesaving difference for vulnerable wildlife. As a Wildlife Hero, your monthly gift will take us further as we work together to reintroduce species and make a brighter future possible for native plants and pollinators, mountain lions, burrowing owls, mountain yellow-legged frogs, and other wildlife through our eight Conservation Hubs across the globe. And as a Wildlife Hero, you’ll reintroduce hope to the extraordinary wildlife relying on us to thrive—and survive—each and every day. You make it all possible, and we’re forever grateful for you. WILDLIFE HEROES CHANGE THE WORLD.

GIVE A GIFT

DONATE

Your support saves wildlife. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international conservation nonprofit and a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Tax ID# 95-1648219. With more than 100 years of wildlife care expertise and partnerships around the globe, we are saving, protecting, and caring for species worldwide. Follow along on our mission to save wildlife

You are receiving this email because you have opted into communications from
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112    |     (619) 231-1515    |     Email Us © 2025 San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. All rights reserved.

NFTFMM0925