The Desert Wildlife Center, in partnership with the Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies, will hold its grand opening ceremony this weekend in Indio.
The free event is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at 46500 Van Buren Street, organizers said.
The center will serve as a rescue and rehabilitation to wild birds, reptiles and mammals. It will also offer an education hub for community members of all ages, according to officials.
“Risks to the health and safety of our local wildlife have increased over the years, as we continue to convert acres upon acres of wildlands to residential and commercial developments,” officials said.
The project was first announced in April 2024 by Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Center and will take over the former Coachella Valley Wild Bird Center.
It will be the first wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility serving the Coachella Valley, officials said.
The Palm Springs Animal Shelter advises the public to report any injured wildlife to Palm Springs Animal Control at 760-327-1441, or to the Riverside County Department of Animal Services in the Coachella Valley at 760-343-3644.
To RSVP for the event, visit desertwildlifecenter.org.