December 2025

Tree Lighting Ceremony

In early December, the Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage held their annual Tree Lighting ceremony and welcomed the Institute as their Community Footprints guest of honor.  Over 750 people attended the event that included carolers, refreshments and Santa.  The City of Rancho Mirage Mayor, Lynn Mallotto, said a few words, as did we, and it was a beautiful, brisk evening of community camaraderie.  We are honored to be the Ritz Carlton, Rancho Mirage’s Community Footprints partner and pleased that they are helping the endangered Peninsular bighorn thrive into the future.

Trek Back Home

Throughout this year, we have kept you updated on a radio-collared ewe from the northern Santa Rosa Mountains (NSRM) that has crossed ranges to the San Jacinto Mountains (SJM). After going back and forth from March through August, she remained in the SJM until the end of December when she came home to the NSRM, at least for awhile.  It’s unusual for ewes to cross ranges, let alone more than once in a year, so she’s quite an interesting study. We’re looking forward to what the new year brings for her travels.

*The traveling ewe looking longingly at her next move.

Lambs

Lamb survival was better this year than the past several years in the San Jacinto herd near Palm Springs.  This herd has struggled with low lamb survival for a number of years and is facing challenges with the sheep using the urban areas like O’Donnell Golf Course, which is not good for them.  Not only did lamb survival more than double this year in that herd (nine survived), there was a fall lamb born as well, a unique anomaly, and she’s still alive and seems to be doing well.  We’re pleased that this herd finally has some better recruitment and we’re hopeful it will continue moving forward.  Lambing success in the northern and central Santa Rosa herds is staying steady, much like last year, which is good news.  

*A handsome female lamb

Brand New Website!

We’re thrilled to announce that our website has been completely redesigned!  We had a great web designer bring us into the modern world by re-working our website so it’s easier to navigate, more cohesive and a better overall experience for the user.  It beautifully tells our story of nearly 44 years of research and conservation efforts for the endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep. 

Member Hike

Our Member Hike December 16^th was a success and we got some amazing up-close views of 20 sheep!  Our next Member Hike will be held on Tuesday, January 13^th and will likely be moderately strenuous (up to 1,000 ft elevation gain).  Space is limited, no dogs, and you must RSVP for this first come first served hike.  To sign up or for more information, please call us at 760-346-7334 or email us at bi@bighorninstitute.org.

Year-End Gift

It’s not too late to make an end-of-the-year contribution!  You can donate online at www.bighorninstitute.org or mail us a check as long as it’s post-marked by December 31^st.  Bighorn Institute is privately-funded and so every donation counts! All donations go toward our conservation efforts for Peninsular bighorn sheep.  Thank you!