KING of the desert! The Gila monster is truly one of the most spectacular reptiles on earth. Their striking contrasted colors coupled with a substantial build and fast acting venom makes these lizards some of the coolest on the planet. These lizards are desert specialists and utilize their environments to best survive in their often arid and harsh surroundings. While they may seem slow and dumb, these lizards are far from defenseless; equipped with a powerful neurotoxin these animals are more th

This Gila Monster was pointed out to me by a hiker on the trail. They are such cool animals, and are one of only two venomous lizards in the world found mainly in Arizona and northern Mexico. The active ingredient in Ozempic (semaglutide) was inspired by a compound in Gila monster venom! | Jeremy Johnson Photography

Join us and Heart of the Gila for an exclusive screening of Journey Down the Gila, a breathtaking film by Albuquerque filmmaker David Garcia that captures the beauty of the Gila River and follows three mothers on a moving journey bound by love, loss, and the wilderness. After the screening, stay for a brief update on Gila Wild & Scenic legislation and learn how communities are coming together to protect New Mexico’s last free-flowing river. 🗓️ Wednesday, Nov 12 | 6:30–8:30 PM 📍 Center for Cont