Live Auction Preview
If you are not able to attend the Gala but still want to bid on one of these treasures, please contact [email protected] to arrange a proxy bidder.
- Claim the Name: Win the Right To Name the Museum’s New Baby Mountain Lion twins!
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For the first time in Desert Museum history, you have an opportunity to win the rights to name these two beautiful mountain lion kittens, born in December 2025. If you are the winning bidder, you get to choose their public name. For life! Think of all the possibilities. Name them after your child, spouse, grandchild or grandparent, friend, hero or mentor, a much-loved place, or some other kind of “favorite.”
Mountain lions are a large feline, ranging in size between 120-220 pounds and grow up to 6-8 ft. long (including the tail). They are found in Western North America including Arizona and Mexico.
If you participate in this auction, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to the terms and conditions:
The highest bidder wins the right to name them for these mountain lions’ life. However, these cats are now part of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium collections. They might never be on public display. They could someday be moved to another AZA member institution, or need to be separated upon maturation.
The Museum will adopt the winning bidder’s submitted name. However, the Museum reserves the right to reject any name they may find to be inappropriate. Once approved by the Museum, the mountain lions’ names will be posted on social media and used for the life of the animals.
If you are the winning bidder, you must provide contact information (email address, physical address, telephone number) for ongoing communications as the submitted names are processed. The winning bidder may choose to remain publicly anonymous.
If the winning bidder chooses to submit the name of someone else (such as a friend or family member), the winning bidder must submit a written release from this other person giving permission to use their name.
Along with naming these mountain lions, the winning bidder receives a framed photograph of the kittens. Once the names are determined, a nameplate, which can be affixed to the framed photograph, will be provided by the Museum. Because the Museum must limit the kitten’s exposure to humans, the winning bidder will NOT be able to visit or see this ocelot in person, unless it is placed on public display sometime in the future.
Donated by: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum; Value: $ PRICELESS
- George L. Mountainlion Bolo Tie
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A Desert Museum tradition! This beautiful solid silver bolo tie features the original Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum George L. Mountainlion logo. This one-of-a-kind design was handcrafted by the late docent Abe Lackow exclusively for the Museum. Of a limited edition of 100, only 2 are left. This elegant accessory is a great way to show your support for the Museum, and is appropriately sized for a man, woman, or child. Get yours before they’re gone forever!
Donated by: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum; Value: $ priceless
- Swim with the Stingrays!
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Enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience to enjoy your very own private swim session in the Desert Museum’s Stingray Touch exhibit!! Bid to win this unique experience for a group of up to 4 people, with 2 allowed to swim inside the stingray tank! You will be hand feeding the stingrays treats from inside the pool. This VIP visit will include appropriate swimwear, and accompanying stingray experts inside the pool to guide your experience. Drinks, snacks, and stingray souvenirs included.
Available dates and times are at the full discretion of the Desert Museum. Expires 4/28/27. Please allow at least 30 days advance notice when making arrangements.
Donated by: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum; Value: priceless
- Mata Ortiz Pottery
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A spectacular 12 ¼ -inch authentic Mata Ortiz bowl hand-crafted and signed by the talented artist, Ana Trillo of El Rucio, Mexico. This exquisite piece features intricate hand-painted geometric designs in vibrant colors, showcasing Ana's exceptional skill and attention to detail. The bowl is in excellent condition and would make an impressive addition to any collection of Mata Ortiz pottery. Don't miss your chance to own a one-of-a-kind piece of art from this renowned artist.
Donated by: The Estate of Kerry Baldwin; Value: $900
- Private Chef for a Night
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Experience a memorable evening of fine dining as a private dinner for up to 10 people is prepared at the Desert Museum by the Executive Chef and team of Craft Culinary Concepts. The menu will be a replica of this year’s Gala menu, or your choice from CCC’s catering menu, paired with wines. Craft Culinary Concepts staff will take care of all the evening’s service details. You and your friends can simply enjoy!
Available dates and times are at the discretion of Craft Culinary Concepts. Expires 4/28/27. Please allow at least one month’s advance notice when making arrangements.
Donated by: Craft Culinary Concepts and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum; Value: $1,750
- Beaked Yucca Rostrata
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Take home this beautiful Yucca Rostrata plant specimen in a blue Arizona Kornegay brand pot. Belonging to the Yucca genus native to the Southern U.S. and Northern Mexico, this plant species has thin blue-green leaves which spread from a symmetrical rosette to make a stunning accent plant. It features spectacular white spike flowers that form a dense head just above the leaves, occurring in late spring to early summer. As the specimen matures, it will grow a trunk, giving it a taller palm-like appearance. This is a drought-tolerant plant with low water requirements and a preference for full sun to partial shade.
Donated by: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum; Value: $1,000
- “One Year of FUN” — 12 Unforgettable Date Nights
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- $100 gift certificate to Corbett’s — Located in the heart of Tucson with the downtown skyline as the backdrop, Corbett's welcomes you to a unique venue with endless possibilities. Savor delicious locally curated food, listen to live music, play pickleball on one of 5 indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, and enjoy the fabulous beer garden. This is the perfect date night spot that has everything to offer!
- Two admission passes to the iconic Biosphere 2 — Enjoy a day at the University of Arizona’s Biosphere 2. Located in Oracle, Arizona, the Biosphere 2 is the world's largest earth science experiment. It's a 3.14-acre laboratory with active ecosystem research projects spanning from oceans to rainforests to desert environments. Explore this modern scientific feat with your favorite companion!
- $50 Gift certificate to Firebirds Wood Fired Grill — Ignite the flames of passion with a romantic dinner at Firebirds Wood-Fired Grill, known for their mouthwatering wood-fired steaks, fresh seafood, and handcrafted cocktails. Yum!
- Two tickets for any mainstage production at Live Theatre Workshop — Experience art with two tickets to any mainstage production at Live Theatre Workshop. Live Theatre Workshop produces inclusive, accessible, and affordable professional theatre and theatre education that entertains, educates, and enlightens children, adults, and families.
- Two admission passes for Tucson Botanical Gardens — Enjoy a day of exploring 20 curated gardens in the heart of Tucson, including the Cactus & Succulent Garden, Barrio Garden, Children’s Garden, Herb Garden, and many more! The TBG showcases a diversity of plants, both native and those you wouldn’t expect to see in the Sonoran Desert.
- $50 gift certificate for The Cheesecake Factory and a $50-off Game Play at Top Golf —Indulge in a delicious evening with a date night package at The Cheesecake Factory followed by a fun-filled round at Top Golf!
- Couple’s Membership to the Loft Cinema —Experience the ultimate film lovers' paradise at The Loft Cinema. Enjoy date nights filled with critically acclaimed films, classics, and special presentations in the intimate, local, retro-chic setting.
- $60 Gift Certificate to First Watch — Rise and shine with a delightful brunch date at First Watch, the popular breakfast and brunch spot known for their fresh ingredients and innovative dishes. Brunch, anyone?
- Two University of Arizona Baseball Tickets — Step up to the plate and score a home run with two tickets to the University of Arizona baseball game on Saturday, May 9th. Cheer on the Wildcats as they take the field and compete against the Houston Cougars on Senior Night!
- Casa de San Pedro Bed & Breakfast — Escape on an overnight getaway with your loved one and enjoy a one-night stay with a gourmet breakfast for 2 at an enchanting oasis surrounded by the beauty of Southern Arizona. Enjoy fine cuisine, comfortable accommodations, great bird watching, and breathtaking scenery.
- Complimentary Wine Tasting for Two People at Deep Sky Vineyards — Indulge in an exclusive wine tasting experience at Deep Sky Vineyards in Elgin, Arizona, for you and a guest. Sip and savor the exquisite wines while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the vineyard, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
- Certificate for Admission to the 2027 Renaissance Festival for Two Adults — Take a stroll through the colorful Village of Fairhaven where history comes alive with non-stop, day-long, immersive and interactive entertainments like no place else! Shop for an abundance of arts and ye old crafts in the village open-air Artisan Market!
Donated by all the wonderful organizations and businesses listed above; Value: $1,250