Desert Paws Animal Discovery & Education Center

The Desert Paws Animal Discovery and Education Center will be a unique and exciting center that entertains and educates children and their families about the world of animals. Reminiscent of a conventional children's museum, but with a focus on animals and their environment, the Center helps children develop compassion and respect for all the creatures with which we share the planet. Age-appropriate, hands- on exhibits will stimulate and delight children of all ages. The Center will host class trips, and after-school and summer programs will be offered. The Center will also be a resource and destination for adults- with exhibits, lectures, classes and films exploring the relationships between animals and humans.

The natural curiosity children have for animals will make this unique facility a popular destination for visitors to the Coachella valley.

VISIT OUR PHOTO GALLERY TO SEE OUR VISION OF THE CENTER.

Mission Statement

It is our mission to instill lasting values of respect and compassion for all living creatures by providing memorable and exciting experiences to children, teens, and their families. This will be accomplished by building a world-class destination facility featuring multi-sensory, age-appropriate exhibits and specially developed educational programs to provide inspiring and transformative experiences.

Features of the Facility

General:

• The complex will sit on approximately 3 to 5 acres, and will include a structure or structures of about 22,000 square feet outdoor spaces and parking. Environmentally friendly building materials and green construction methods including natural lighting and solar electricity will be employed. Rooms and spaces: -
• The main exhibition halls will feature numerous interactive exhibits for kids, teens and families encompassing all the fascinating and surprising aspects of wild and domestic animals, and their environments.
• Lecture hall / conference center / performance hall ( an open multi-purpose space also suitable for receptions and social events, birthday parties and various special events)
• Classroom
• Movie theater
• Gift shop and bookstore
• Snack bar / cafeteria -Kitchen and catering facility
• Administrative spaces (for management and executive offices, education, artistic and exhibit staff, volunteers, and so on)

Fundraising Objectives

The largest initial start-up expenses are land acquisition and design and construction of the facility. Preliminary estimates of the project's cost are currently being made. The Center will be situated in the rapidly growing and beautiful Coachella Valley in the Southern California desert.

Major financial support will be sought from local philanthropic organizations, and individuals with records of generous giving. Grants from various national foundations will be sought. Local fundraising events will generate dollars community interest.

Animal Abuse and Human Violence

Social scientists, animal welfare specialists and law enforcement workers know about the strong connection between animal abuse and human violence. In fact, a high percentage of history's notorious serial killers abused animals as youths. Not only are youths who torture and abuse animals at high risk to extend antisocial and illegal behaviors to society as a whole, but their actions usually signal severe dysfunction or abuse at home. In this way, the plights of humans and animals are intertwined. Thus, a broad goal of the Center is to help nurture the development of more compassionate, less violent people.

Featured Programs

• The Desert Paws Animal Discovery and Education Center will be a stimulating and inviting destination, offering numerous age-appropriate exhibits and activities for children, teens and their families, all designed to promote compassion and encourage responsibility in a fun environment. Featured programs based at the Center are listed below.
• Educational Outreach Program. Our certified educator will visit classrooms to conduct stimulating and thought-provoking lessons about animals and the environment.
• Adult Lecture and Film Series
• Teen Program. Provides valuable opportunities for teen to teach kids and participate in community service activities
• Art and birthday programs for children
• Conferences and Seminars. The Center will host meetings on a wide range of topics of interest.