Mojave Maxine guessing contest underway at the Living Desert

A 42-year-old desert tortoise celebrated for her season-changing perception is likely to soon emerge from her winter's nap at the Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert.

Students from Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties are invited to participate to submit their predictions on when that might happen.

"Mojave Maxine is a great ambassador for The Living Desert, and each year she helps educate countless people as to the peril of the threatened desert tortoise,'' said James Danoff-Burg, director of conservation for the zoo.

The first entry received from each county that is closest to the exact day and time wins a $50 gift certificate, a classroom visit from a desert tortoise, Mojave Maxine t-shirts for their entire class and a $100 gift certificate for their teacher.

"This annual contest is a fun way to get students involved, and it gives them the opportunity to learn how to help protect this species.'' Danoff-Burg said.

Last year, more than 1,900 students submitted predictions prior to Maxine’s star-studded arrival on January 29 at 8:38 a.m.

To enter visit livingdesert.org/mojave-maxine. A live video feed will be available online to watch for when Mojave Maxine appears.