CALM Established in 1983, the California Living Museum is a beloved, accredited zoo in Kern County. Visit us from Tuesday to Sunday, 9am - 4pm.
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Since 1983, the California Living Museum (CALM) has grown from a grassroots effort to a beloved, accredited zoological facility that brings California wildlife and conservation to the forefront of the Kern County community. Acting as both a wildlife rehabilitation center and zoo, CALM exists to educate the public on the amazing flora and fauna that thrives in California. Admission:
Adults $10.00
Seniors (60+) $7.00
Children (3-12) $6.00
Children under 2 are FREE

Say hello to Bindi, the newest addition to CALM Zoo’s reptile family! Bindi is a 3-year-old hognose snake, and we’re exc...
08/04/2025

Say hello to Bindi, the newest addition to CALM Zoo’s reptile family! Bindi is a 3-year-old hognose snake, and we’re excited to share a little about what makes her so unique.

Hognose snakes are known for their distinctive upturned snouts, which they use like tiny shovels to burrow through loose soil and leaf litter. This burrowing behavior helps them hunt for prey and find shelter in the wild.

Bindi is settling into her new habitat here at CALM, and we’re already seeing some of her curious and quirky personality shine through. Next time you visit, be sure to stop by our reptile house and see if you can spot Bindi!

🖐🏽 model: Animal Keeper Angelina

We are TWO weeks away from our Ice Cream Zoofari event!Join us Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm for unli...
08/02/2025

We are TWO weeks away from our Ice Cream Zoofari event!

Join us Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm for unlimited sweet treats, summer games, live music from Dixie Nuts Band, and train rides ALL included with admission!

You will enjoy Root “Bear” Floats, Build Your Own Sundae, La Rosa and Dreyer’s Frozen Treats!

You will also get to see some of your favorite animals enjoy their very own sweet treats too!

CALM Members: $12 for adults and $10 for children 3-12 years (must provide proof upon arrival).

Non-Members: $17 for adults and $14 for children 3-12 years.

Reciprocals are not valid for discounted entry for this special event.

We are also collecting gift cards from Albertsons, Smart & Final, and Amazon to help us purchase ice cream, toppings, and all the supplies needed to treat our guests and animals to a wild good time!

Every gift card helps us create smiles, sundaes, and sweet memories!

Drop off or mail to:
Attn: Elizabeth Graff
10500 Alfred Harrel Hwy
Bakersfield, CA 93306

Tickets can be purchased on our website https://calmzoo.org/events/

August 2 and 3 is the first weekend of the month and that means it is Bank of America's "Museums on Us" program at CALM!...
08/01/2025

August 2 and 3 is the first weekend of the month and that means it is Bank of America's "Museums on Us" program at CALM! Bank of America cardholders will receive one free admission with your bank card issued by Bank of America or Merrill.

CALM is open from 8am-2pm -- we hope to see you out here!

Did you know?! 🦊✨Foxes have fascinating eyes that are perfectly adapted for hunting, especially at night! Like cats, the...
07/30/2025

Did you know?! 🦊✨

Foxes have fascinating eyes that are perfectly adapted for hunting, especially at night! Like cats, they have vertically slit pupils that help control light and detect movement across the horizon. Plus, a special reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum enhances their night vision, making them stealthy and efficient nocturnal predators.

Come see Tango, pictured here, and our other foxes in the mammal round today! We are open from 8am - 2pm.

UPDATE: Whoa! Our community is AMAZING! We are full of all of the volunteers we need for this sweet event. Thank you to ...
07/28/2025

UPDATE:

Whoa! Our community is AMAZING! We are full of all of the volunteers we need for this sweet event. Thank you to all for donating your time!

Want to still help?! We're collecting gift cards from Albertsons, Smart & Final, and Amazon to help us purchase ice cream, toppings, and all the supplies needed to treat our guests and animals to a wild good time!

Every gift card helps us create smiles, sundaes, and sweet memories!

Drop off or mail to CALM:
Attn: Elizabeth Graff
10500 Alfred Harrel Hwy
Bakersfield, CA 93306

Let’s make this Zoofari the coolest one yet!

We are wrapping up   with a special spotlight on one of our most dedicated team members, Andrew!Andrew has been with CAL...
07/26/2025

We are wrapping up with a special spotlight on one of our most dedicated team members, Andrew!

Andrew has been with CALM for 20 years, starting in 2005 as a substitute keeper and working his way up through sheer dedication and passion for wildlife. Over the years, he’s worn many hats from longtime reptile keeper to venomous reptile trainer, sharing his expertise with our team and even outside organizations to ensure safety and best practices.

He’s been certified through AALSO (Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator) as a Life Support Operator Level 1 and Water Quality Technician Level 1, and trained through IWRC (International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council) for wildlife rehabilitation. As an OWCN-trained responder, he’s ready to step in when oiled wildlife need care. He also trained with the LA Zoo to work with California Condors and even participated in their wild release!

Today, Andrew is our Coast Room Keeper and continues to inspire with his passion, experience, and tireless efforts in wildlife education, having led hundreds of programs both on and offsite.

Please join us in thanking Andrew for two decades of dedication and for helping make CALM the incredible place it is today!

It's   and we are thrilled to continue our keeper spotlights! Meet Kourtney, one of our amazing animal keepers here at C...
07/25/2025

It's and we are thrilled to continue our keeper spotlights!

Meet Kourtney, one of our amazing animal keepers here at CALM Zoo, and a valued member of our Carns Team!

In this photo and video Kourtney is working with Sage, one of our resident mountain lions, during a training session. These training sessions are a crucial part of ensuring the health and well-being of our animals. Through positive reinforcement, Kourtney trains important behaviors like recall, open mouth, nail trims, and rise up, all of which help us monitor Sage’s health safely and respectfully.

Her journey into zookeeping was inspired by a lifelong love of animals. "I was raised with an appreciation for all animals. I wanted to find a career where I could make a difference."

When asked about her favorite animal to work with, she shared "Sage is really fun to train and she challenges me to come up with engaging behaviors."

And for anyone thinking about a career in animal care, Kourtney's advice is to "be prepared for a mentally and physically exhausting time that is equally rewarding."

We’re so grateful to Kourtney and all of our animal care team members who give their all every day to ensure our animals are safe, enriched, and thriving.

Help us thank Kourtney this !

It's   and today we are spotlighting Summer, our dedicated commissary keeper!Say hello to Summer! She is one of the reas...
07/24/2025

It's and today we are spotlighting Summer, our dedicated commissary keeper!

Say hello to Summer! She is one of the reasons our animals stay healthy and well-fed every day!
Summer plays a vital behind-the-scenes role by preparing specialized diets for all of our animals, making sure each one gets the right nutrition. FUN FACT - many of them are very picky eaters!

In this photo, Summer is spending some time with four of our most playful residents: our kids Pippin, Samwise, Frodo, and Merry!

When asked which animals are her favorite to work with, she didn’t hesitate. “The goats because they’re so playful and social!”

Her advice for anyone looking to follow in her footsteps? “Volunteer! Any experience working with animals can be helpful.”

Thank you, Summer, for all you do to keep our animals thriving from the inside out! Help us celebrate her this !

It's   and we are LOVING spotlighting our keepers! Let's keep things going with our next keeper, Jessica, a dedicated me...
07/23/2025

It's and we are LOVING spotlighting our keepers! Let's keep things going with our next keeper, Jessica, a dedicated member of our Raptor team!

In this special moment, Jessica is pictured with Odie, our 17-year-old Black-Tailed Mule Deer; proof that her love for animals extends far beyond feathers and talons.

When asked what inspired her to become a zookeeper, Jessica shared "I took an animal care class in high school and had to volunteer at an animal facility. I absolutely fell in love with the job and the animals."

But to Jessica, zookeeping is more than a job - it’s a calling. "We are more than just caretakers. We form very special bonds with our animals, and they look to us for safety and comfort."

We’re so proud to have passionate, dedicated professionals like Jessica on our team. Her compassion and commitment make CALM a better place for both animals and guests alike.

Help us say thank you to Jessica and all the incredible keepers who care for our animals every single day!

It's   and we are excited to continue to spotlight some of our amazing keepers! Meet Natalie, one of our incredible Carn...
07/22/2025

It's and we are excited to continue to spotlight some of our amazing keepers!

Meet Natalie, one of our incredible Carnivores team keepers! For over 2 years, she’s been caring for some of the zoo’s most iconic residents, including bears, bobcats, cougars, bighorn sheep, badger, and foxes, to name a few.

In this photo, she’s holding Dash, one of our resident San Joaquin kit foxes. And in the attached video, you’ll see Natalie working with Franklin, another San Joaquin kit fox, during a training session.
She has been teaching Franklin to voluntarily enter a crate, which is vital for medical care, emergency transport, and wellness checks.

This kind of training helps reduce stress and gives animals more choice and control during their care.

When asked what inspired her to become a zookeeper, Natalie said: "To help and care for animals that don’t have a voice."

Her favorite animal to work with? Franklin. “He is such a shy and gentle fox that has slowly gotten comfortable enough with me to show me his personality, which is the biggest reward.”

Natalie’s advice to anyone thinking about working with animals is to “gain as much knowledge and experience by volunteering as you can.”

We’re so lucky to have passionate and dedicated keepers like Natalie on our team. Join us in thanking her this National Zookeeper Week!

It's   and today we are excited to spotlight Jasmin!Jasmin is a dedicated member of the Farm Team here at CALM Zoo! She ...
07/21/2025

It's and today we are excited to spotlight Jasmin!

Jasmin is a dedicated member of the Farm Team here at CALM Zoo! She is pictured above with Peep, one of our Opossums and beloved Animal Ambassadors. It’s clear from just one look that she brings heart and care to everything she does.

Her passion for animals started young. “I grew up with chickens and dogs, and that’s what really sparked my interest in working with animals.” When asked which animal is her favorite to care for, Jasmin didn’t hesitate, “I honestly love them all because they all have their own quirks and personalities.”

And for those dreaming of working with animals, her advice is thoughtful and wise: “Come in with a fresh mind. Every animal you work with will be different.”

Jasmin’s dedication and compassion are part of what makes CALM such a special place for both our animals and guests.

Please join us in giving Jasmin and all of our hardworking animal care team a big THANK YOU!

Today marks the first day of   and here at CALM, we have the most amazing, hard working keepers! This week, we will be s...
07/20/2025

Today marks the first day of and here at CALM, we have the most amazing, hard working keepers! This week, we will be spotlighting some of our incredible animal care team because they deserve all of the recognition for what they do day in and day out to take such great care of CALM's animal residents.

First up, meet Talia, one of the newest members of our animal care team. She joined us this past May and has already made a big impact! Here she is with G3, one of our incredible Pacific gopher snakes.

Talia became a zookeeper thanks to her lifelong love of animals. When asked about her favorite species to work with, she said “the chuckwallas, because they have so much personality, and any of the gopher snakes they’re my favorite!”

Her most unforgettable moment so far? Meeting our resident coyotes, Zuko and Sandy!

Talia’s advice for anyone dreaming of working with animals is to “stay curious, read books, watch documentaries, and keep learning.”

We’re thrilled to have Talia on the team and can’t wait to see all the amazing things she’ll do!

Help us celebrate her this Zoo Keeper Week!

Address

10500 Alfred Harrell Highway
Bakersfield, CA
93306

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+16618722256

Website

https://calmzoo.org/events/

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Adults $10.00 Seniors (60+) $7.00 Children (3-12) $6.00 Children under 2 are FREE

Smoking, va**ng, e-cigarettes are not allowed

Pets are not allowed.