Join us now through the end of the month for free entry to Stingray Touch on weekdays! 🌊 Get up close and interact with our friendly cownose rays while learning all about their unique behaviors from our amazing aquatics team. (fb)

Did you know there is a crested Saguaro here at the Desert Museum?🌵 Crested or cristate saguaros occur when the growing tip occasionally produces a fan-like form consisting of hundreds of small folds, or pleats, similar to the ribs found on the skin of a saguaro. This natural phenomenon still remains a huge mystery. Some theories suggest that it is a genetic mutation, others say it could be freezing, lightning, or even insect damage. Because of their rarity, extreme slow growth, and uncertain cause, it is difficult for researchers to fully understand why saguaros crest or predict when it might happen. That’s part of what makes spotting one so special! (fb)