Unusual animals at CALM’s birthday

calmInside4-22-02: Kern County residents looking for a place to find an alligator, capuchin monkey, ferret, green wing macaw, blue streaked lorie, a couple of bears, some really big birds and something called a binturong only had to travel as far as the California Living Museum (CALM) in Bakersfield on April 20. Approximately 1,500 people did. It was CALM’s 19th birthday celebration, featuring Steve Martin’s Working Wildlife which introduced visitors to animals trained for movies, including a caracal, alligator, capuchin monkey and binturong.

“The binturong was an interesting looking animal,” said CALM Director Rick Hewett. “It kind of had the face of a cat, a long prehensile tail to hang from trees and its body was bulky like a bear. All the animals, trainers Jeff and Kim brought out, created an audible buzz throughout the crowd of really interested children and parents. Then, when the trainers had the animals demonstrate some of the routines they had been taught for movies and TV, it definitely created more excitement.”

There were also exotic bird shows which focused on responsible pet ownership and bird behavior. Local breeder and presenter Amy McDaniel of “Old McDaniel’s Farm” showcased her collection of cockatoos, green wing macaws, blue streaked lories and yellow nape conures.

Visitors were kept in a festive mood with the sounds of the Thompson Junior High jazz band. Kiwanis Club volunteers prepared hotdogs and hamburgers. Approximately 700 were served to those celebrating the birthday, according to Hewett.

Children were also entertained by the Bakersfield Police Department’s Canine Corps, and they had a chance to get their faces decoratively painted.

Spring is a great time to have a birthday celebration at CALM because of the all the natural native landscaping that is in full bloom. Those interested in CALM’s scenery had the opportunity to learn more about it and the planning that went into the mammal round and riparian habitat walkway from the Green Thumb Garden Club.

“It was the biggest birthday celebration ever at CALM,” Hewett said. “My only regret is that we didn’t have more parking space. The lot was packed, and our loyal visitors still found creative ways to park so they could be a part of a fun celebration.”

CALM (located between Lake Ming and Hart Park) is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday. Admission is $4.50 for adults, $3.25 for senior citizens and $2.75 for children ages 3-12 or students with school I.D. cards. Children under 3 years are admitted free.
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