Frequently Asked Questions

What is CALM?
The California Living Museum exists to display and interpret native California animals, plants, fossils and artifacts to teach a respect for all living things through education, recreation, conservation and research.  Located on 14 park-like acres, CALM's zoo features over 80 species of medically unreleasable animals.  Only animals injured or who cannot survive in their native environment are housed at CALM.  Natural exhibits include: an open black bear exhibit, bird of prey exhibit with hawks, owls and eagles, a mammal round that houses bobcats, and several species of foxes, a waterfowl pond with resident mallards attracts spring and fall migrants, deer yard, an underground reptile house, and a contact area with domestic animals.  Several endangered species may be seen on exhibit.

The path through CALM takes you through several replicated plant communities.  Walk through the "Trees of California".  Follow the stream through a riparian habitat.  See brilliant flower blossoms in the desest community that belie its usual drabness.  The butterfly and hummingbird garden attracts these insects and small birds with ongoing and colorful blooms.

The DiGiorgio Education Center, which is the visitor's first stop, houses the gift store, a reading library, Miocene and Pleistocene fossils, and children's discovery rooms with rotating interactive activities.

CALM provides education to more than 13,000 Kern County school children annually through on-site programs.  Another 60 programs are presented off-site to classrooms, organizations and community events.

CALM is a permitted rehabilitation facility and has a staff trained to care for injured wildlife.  The primary goal of rehabilitation is to relaease the wildlife back into their natural habitat.

What do I feed a baby bird?

Most people want to take care of orphaned baby birds, but it is illegal for you to do so. THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO FOR AN ORPHANED BABY BIRD IS TO PUT IT BACK IN THE NEST. It is a myth that if you touch the baby bird mom bird will smell your scent and abandon her baby. Birds have a very poor sense of smell. Momma bird is the one best suited to raise her young. IF you can't get the baby back in the nest, bring it to CALM. CALM is a licensed rehab facility and has staff that has been trained in the care of wildlife. Our goal will be to raise the bird for release.

Please call to let us know you are coming; 661-872-2256.

CALM cannot accept house sparrows, rock doves, pigeons or starlings; they are not native bird species.


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