It was a quiet, Nov. 2, Monday morning at the California Living Museum (CALM) in Bakersfield, after a busy weekend. Les and Pat Gilbert from Taft, who have enjoyed zoos their entire lives, thought it might be a good time to bring their great grandchildren to CALM to learn about the native animals and natural vegetation on display. What they did not know was there would be a surprise for them, too. Every Monday at CALM is Senior Discovery Day, which meant the Gilberts got in for half price. “We did not know about that until we got here, but I’m all for it,” Pat said. “We like to take our kids on excursions once a year. It’s a great experience for them. With CALM reducing the price for seniors it really helps out those of us on fixed incomes.” Things had been a little bit quiet for CALM volunteer docent Marilyn Radon (pictured at right) up to that point. She was getting ready for her 10 a.m. wildlife presentation and had retrieved a rosy boa snake from its enclosure to display in the Al Robbins Reptile House. That’s when Joe McCoy, who had also been unaware of the discount for seniors, wandered by with his three year-old, twin grandchildren Madi and Jaxon. More

Sunny, comfortable weather, only briefly interrupted by one day of wind and dust, helped make the California Living Museum’s (CALM) second annual Spring Fling from April 3-11, a huge success. Having the kids home from school during that vacation week and looking for an affordable, entertaining place to go, many parents found the allure of free admission for their children at CALM irresistible. It was the second year CALM had experimented with the free admission idea and preliminary reports indicate that the crowds easily topped the 3,561 that came through the gates a year ago. "Yes, adults still had to pay to get in, but, you know, they didn’t seem to mind," Zoo Manager Lana Fain said. "They were actually thanking us because admitting the kids for free was helping them handle the economy, especially at this time of year." And the parents were also talking about the extras CALM put in for this year’s Spring Fling, such as the three times-a-day "Animal Keeper Chats" that usually only take place on the weekends. Another big crowd favorite was the running of the Central California Children’s Railroad, which normally does not run during the week. More

It would be hard growing up in new surroundings with people referring to you as "Odocoileus hemionus." Oh sure, you could bring it down a notch - simplifying your name to "Mule Deer." But even then, since there are two of you, how would you know which one they were talking about when the name was mentioned? Such is the current fate of the two newest residents at the California Living Museum (CALM) in Bakersfield. They had their coming out party on the Oct. 25 "Boo-at-the-Zoo" pre-Halloween event at CALM. Ironically, very little, short of a blatant attempt to scare them, seems to frighten these six month-old fawns. They are facing a brave new world, nameless, but apparently not clueless. And they will not be nameless much longer. A "Help Us Name CALM's New Male Mule Deer Fawns" drive is underway. Got some names in mind? All you have to do is go to CALM's Web site, http://www.calmzoo.org. On the right hand side of the page click for an entry blank right below the words, "Help us name CALM's new Mule Deer Fawns." Fill in the names on the form and with a one dollar entry fee, mail it to: Name the Mule Deer Fawns — CALM, 10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93306. Or on an upcoming visit to CALM, drop off the entry form and your dollar at the front desk. Deadline for entries is Dec. 31. Grand prize winners will receive a CALM Family Membership and a plush toy fawn. Winners will be announced Jan. 7. More

Normally, if you went to an art museum, the last thing you would expect or want to see would be a live snake. Throw in a couple of high profile birds, and no one would fault you for thinking perhaps someone forgot to close the windows over night. Not so on Sept. 5 at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. The animals, residents of the California Living Museum (CALM), were part of the entertainment for Senior Wednesday, a monthly cooperative effort between the museum and the Kern Senior Collaborative, exposing senior citizens to many kinds of art, even the slithery and winged, moving variety. Approximately a dozen seniors were introduced to a long, gopher snake, a dignified looking red tail hawk and a curious-looking owl, that never once said, "Who." More

Every year, local residents, familiar with the California Living Museum (CALM) in Bakersfield, circle their calendar for the annual Barbecue and Ice Cream Social, which is always the last week of August and kind of celebrates the end of summer. This year, true to form, it was held on Aug. 25. But this time a surprise -- a guest of honor -- a new bear. Actually, the new resident, a one-year-old, male black bear, was introduced to the public two days earlier, during an Aug. 23 news conference. The, as yet un-named, bear weighs approximately 150 pounds and was delivered to CALM by the California Department of Fish and Game on June 21 from San Luis Obispo County. The bear reportedly had become a danger to himself and fishermen in the area whose huts he had wandered into looking for leftover fish. CALM animal keepers say he has a gentle disposition and appears to be very intelligent. More

Eddie Zepeda's job is that of animal keeper but from June 25-29, between cleaning habitats and feeding animals, Zepeda became the CALM Answer Man. It was the second week of Zoo Camp at Bakersfield's California Living Museum (CALM) for children ages 6-12, and as they were led behind the scenes to learn about animals in the Mammal Round, the friendly and informative Zepeda suddenly found himself answering all kinds of questions from his curious and inquisitive guests. "Have you ever been hurt feeding the animals," one youngster wanted to know. "No, I just have to pay close attention and be aware of the animals' body language," Zepeda said. "Is a coati (Kwah-tee, long-nosed relative of the raccoon) fierce," wondered another child. "No. We have two of them, and one is timid, while the other is mischievous," Zepeda laughed. "One just wants to play, and the other just to be rubbed and scratched." "Do you teach coyotes tricks cause yesterday one was acting kind of crazy," asked a young man. "No, he's just like that," Zepeda replied. "Working with the animals is hard work everyday, but I love it. And because I am with them everyday, I get to know their habits. For instance, bobcats like feathers in their cages, and today, I am going to put a windup mouse toy in the coati habitat to give them something to play with and to see their reaction."

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Hundreds of Kern County residents helped the California Living Museum (CALM) celebrate its 24th "Birthday Bash" on May 19, and, as a special treat, all children (ages 3-17 years) were admitted free. Birthday celebrations are not uncommon at CALM but with the theft of long-time petting zoo pony Thomas in February and the death of veteran black bear Dart, a couple of weeks ago, the huge outpouring of more than 1,000 visitors was a joyful sight. "Our animals and staff are like family, and when we suffer a loss such as Dart's it's difficult but brings us all closer together," said Zoo Manager/Curator Lana Fain. "And to see this support by the community - it's tremendous. One five-year-old girl drew a picture of a black bear and wrote, 'I loved Dart.' It just makes you puddle up." The 24th birthday celebration had plenty of fun activities for everyone. The Central Valley Children's Railroad provided $1 rides, and the "can't miss" attraction was Steve Martin's Working Wildlife from Frazier Park. Wildlife's Jeff Lee gave presentations with eight animals from around the world.

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HolidayLights at CALM, already a big seasonal attraction and tradition for Kern County residents, will be featured nationally on the Home and Garden Television (HGTV) network in a program called Over The Top Christmas on Dec. 17 at 9 p.m. Cable television viewers can see the program on Bright House Networks Channel 58 and on Suddenlink Communications Channel 62. Using a local production crew, Nancy Glass Productions Producer Bart Makatche spent an entire day at CALM on Nov. 10 capturing volunteer crews readying displays containing more than 2 million lights for HolidayLights, which opened on Nov. 24. Makatche also focused on the injured and abandoned animals at CALM, tying the enjoyment of the event to the need for the dollars it raises. More

When the California Living Museum (CALM) hosts a barbecue, as it did on Aug. 26, it is a treat for the whole family. Every year, CALM, located between Hart Park and Lake Ming in northeast Bakersfield, hosts its annual Barbecue and Ice Cream Social. This time, between 6-9 p.m., it offered an outstanding barbecue tri-tip or chicken dinner. Visitors also had the option of choosing a vegetarian lasagna or hamburger meal. All dinners included salad, beans, dinner roll, salsa and the choice of iced tea or lemonade. Then, it was bring on the ice cream, nuts and chocolate syrup. Dessert became an artistic experience with the more than 350 in attendance digging in to make their own, refreshing, ice cream sundaes. Talented George Dickey served up live country music. Amid the music and the enticing smells of the barbecue, many of the young visitors and their young-at-heart relatives took advantage of a relaxing, free ride to view CALM's beautiful surroundings aboard the Central California Children's Railroad. More

Summer is twice the fun for children when you double the number of museums they can experience, twice-a-day, for a week. That unique idea was spawned by the California Living Museum (CALM) and the Kern County Museum. Both operate half day summer camps for children. This year, they combined resources to give children an additional, two weeks of full day camps at one location -- the museum -- from July 24-28 and Aug. 7-11. Morning sessions involve children in fun CALM activities focusing on animals, nature and the environment. Afternoons, museum staff offer children opportunities to discover exciting and thought-provoking adventures with science, music and geography. Friday field trips to CALM culminate the week long, daily-doubles. Founded in 1983, CALM is home to native animals that because of injury or abandonment can no longer live on their own in the wild. It is actually three venues in one -- a zoo featuring the native animals, a botanical garden sprawling with lush native vegetation and a natural history museum containing finds dating back to prehistoric times. More

Both the California Living Museum (CALM) and the Kern County Museum are combining efforts to provide local children with an ambitious and exciting summer camp experience. Besides offering nine weeks of half day summer camps, the two organizations have partnered for two more weeks of full day camps in which children will get to experience both CALM and the museum every day at one location. During the weeks of July 24-28 and August 7-11, parents who have signed up their children (ages 5-12), can take them to the museum (3801 Chester Ave., in Bakersfield) at 7:30 each morning and pick them up at the museum at 5:30 that night. During the morning, CALM's creative staff will get children involved in fun activities that focus on animals, nature and the environment. Then, in the afternoon, the Kern County Museum staff takes over, offering children opportunities to discover exciting and thought-provoking adventures with science, music and geography. Campers take a field trip on Fridays to CALM for an up close continuation of the zoo experience seeing and learning about animals in their natural habitat. More

When is a zoo not a zoo? Well, actually the California Living Museum (CALM) in Bakersfield is a zoo, housing native animals who have been injured and/or abandoned that cannot care for themselves. But it has always been much more with a vibrant landscape featuring native vegetation and a natural history museum, too. Still, from July 18-22, CALM was even more – it was a "Zoo School" from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for children in grades 4-6. More

Part of the excitement of "HolidayLights @ CALM," currently on display through Dec. 30, is taking home the memories. The California Living Museum's (CALM) newly expanded gift shop is now a fourth larger and features one-of-a-kind treasures sure to leave a memorable impression of visiting CALM long after the "HolidayLights" season concludes. By expanding in size, the gift shop has added space to offer a wider variety of items and allow visitors to shop in relative ease. During "HolidayLights," part of the auditorium is even being utilized, providing extra room for CALM's extended holiday inventory of gifts including Wildlife Artists Association artwork of which part of the proceeds will benefit CALM. More

An unusual sight greets visitors to the California Living Museum (CALM) in Bakersfield these days — a train festively decorated with holiday lights. It is the Central California Children's Railroad and was delivered to CALM on Nov. 18, just in time for the Nov. 26 opening of the annual "HolidayLights @ CALM designed by Josh Barnett's Lightasmic!" As members of the local news media gathered around, Warner Brooks, retired educator and architect for the small scale railroad, answered questions about the unique display which will become a permanent attraction at CALM in the not too distant future. Brooks said, that when the project is complete, it will be part of a planned one third expansion of CALM, affording families an opportunity to view new animal habitats and scenic landscapes on the one-half mile railroad loop around the zoo. More

Oct. 20 started out as just another typical day at the California Living Museum (CALM). Citizens dropped by with sick and injured wild animals. Bears, raccoons, eagles, tortoises and all the other animal residents were fed and cared for. Crew members installed lights for the Nov. 30 opening of HolidayLights@CALM. Then, the TV crew showed up. "I don't want Lloyd (CALM animal keeper Lloyd Klingenberg) sneaking up behind me with a snake," said “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" Designer/Actor Preston Sharp. "Don't worry, he's not like that," assured Field Producer Emily Sinclair. Sharp, Sinclair and five other crew members from the popular ABC-TV hit series had come to CALM to videotape a segment for the show being shot south of Bakersfield. More

Preparing preschool children for their future education is getting a helping hand from the United Way of Kern County. Fourteen teachers employed by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools’ Child Development Services were recipients of United Way minigrants at the annual Kern County Superintendent of Schools’ Child Development Services orientation, held on Aug. 25 at the Beale Memorial Library in Bakersfield. More

When was the last time, someone walked a raccoon on a leash through your classroom? If the answer is "never," it only means you have not experienced Zoo School. The past week at the California Living Museum (CALM) in Bakersfield children in grades 1-6 not only had a raccoon in their classroom, they also received visits from a barn owl, tortoise and gopher snake.

Tuesdays-Fridays, from 8 a.m.-12 p.m., for five weeks during the summer, CALM's Zoo School lets imaginations run wild as it teaches youngsters about animals that live in the world around them. More

It is not too early to start making plans that will include your children in activities to entertain and educate them through the entire summer. The California Living Museum (CALM), located between Lake Ming and Hart Park and the Kern County Museum located at 3801 Chester Avenue in Bakersfield have joined forces to provide an entire summer of weekly, fun activities for the children, beginning June 7 and concluding August 26. More

Three years ago it started out as a young man’s dream and has grown into an award-winning spectacular that brought the cameras of NBC News to Bakersfield. It is “Josh Barnett’s Lightasmic” — bigger and better than ever with two million lights in 32 displays, featuring animation and thematic music — and it is coming to the California Living Museum (CALM) from November 28-December 30. Admission prices are $3.50 for children ages 3-17, $4.50 for seniors above age 60 and $6.50 for adults. Parking is $1. Proceeds benefit the non-profit CALM Foundation providing funding for developing new and exciting animal exhibits at CALM. More

Even if it is called “Boo at the Zoo,” parents know their children won’t be frightened by the annual event at the California Living Museum (CALM). For the 12th year, CALM presented Boo at the Zoo on October 25, a fun, educational and entertaining prelude, sponsored in part by Yellow Book, to the trick-or-treating that takes place at other venues on October 31. More

While the California Living Museum (CALM) couldn’t do anything about the sizzling Saturday temperatures of July 12, it did offer an entertaining diversion with an enjoyable way to avoid cooking. It was CALM’s annual Country Barbecue and Ice Cream Social which took place from 6-9 p.m., when temperatures were cooling. More

Ever attend a school where you could pet a snake, crawl through a cave or create a new species of animal with your own bare hands? If the answer is “yes,” then it means at some time in your life you did what dozens of Kern County children are doing this summer. They are attending “Zoo School” at the California Living Museum (CALM) in Bakersfield. More

Two hundred excited and anxious visitors waited patiently outside the bear habitat at the California Living Museum (CALM) on June 12. At approximately, 10:10 a.m., CALM Director Rick Hewett uttered the words they had been waiting to hear. More

A little rain fell on May 3, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of those who came out to celebrate the California Living Museum’s (CALM) 20th birthday celebration in Bakersfield. “When the rains came, visitors just took refuge in the gift shop waited out the wet weather and came back outside to join in the fun when the drops stopped,” said Debby Kroeger, CALM manager. “Very few people left.” More

While it is unlikely CALM has a bald eagle that can sing “Happy Birthday” or a bear that can blow out candles, everything else about the California Living Museum’s 20th birthday celebration on May 3 and 4, is pretty special. More

As if weather in the 80s, beautiful spring landscaping and the intrigue of observing 200 kinds of animals wasn’t enough, the California Living Museum (CALM) brought art to its visitors on March 29. The event was called Zoo Arts Day. CALM provided the venue. The Arts Council of Kern provided artists, dancers, actors and musicians. More

A new bear cub took up residence at the California Living Museum (CALM) on March 19 and will begin receiving visitors soon after his 30-day quarantine concludes. Meanwhile, Kern County students are invited to submit possible names for the one-year-old cub. More

What do you do for the person that has everything? During the holiday season, a charitable contribution to the California Living Museum (CALM) “Adopt-an-Animal” program can produce a warm feeling for a loved one and one of CALM’s cared for creatures. More

WASHINGTON (AP) -- An overhauled version of the much-maligned D.A.R.E. anti-drug program shows promising results in early trials, researchers said, suggesting that lessons once reserved for fifth-graders could be reborn someday for pupils in elementary school through high school. More

Grants and private contributions have made it possible for the California Living Museum's (CALM) ambassador birds of prey to nest in their own private digs. CALM calls them mews, and Webster's dictionary defines mews as “a cage for hawks, especially when molting -- a secret place: hideaway -- a small street behind a residential street that contains small apartments.” CALM's mews fit all three definitions. More

What would you do if you came face-to-face with a snake? Walk up and pet it? Under most circumstances, that would not be the recommended approach when encountering a slippery serpent in the wild. But at the California Living Museum (CALM) in Bakersfield humans and snakes are bonding during five weeks of fun and education called the Zoo School. More

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. More

When many people retire, they swap hard work for relaxing recreation. Not life long educator Warner Brooks. When he retired as Kern County Superintendent of Schools’(KCSOS) Administrator of Museum Education Services, he began building a railroad. More

Americans may have enjoyed Thanksgiving on Nov. 22, but the feast came a day later and will last all winter for animals residing at the California Living Museum (CALM). Over the years, the day after Thanksgiving has become known as the “Feast for the Beasts” at CALM. It is a time when visitors can receive free admission to the combination zoo, botanical gardens and natural history museum by bringing food that can be stockpiled for animals to eat through the winter. More

Sometimes art imitates life and this summer an excellent example of that is on display at the California Living Museum (CALM) in Bakersfield. Students from Kern County high schools are creating artworks that add another dimension to learning about CALM’s animals and plants. More

“Lay your heads on the ground, curl up your bodies and pretend you are a tortoise egg.” Thus, began a valuable lesson in learning the life cycle of the desert tortoise as taught by Manager Debby Kroeger to children attending the California Living Museum’s (CALM) annual Zoo School the week of June 26-29. More

The California Living Museum (CALM) gave visitors double the reasons to celebrate on the weekend of May 11-12. On the 11th, school children helped Kern County Superintendent of Schools Larry E. Reider unfurl a 15-foot banner dedicating the completion of the Aera Family Recreation and Special Events Commons at CALM. The following day CALM provided extra attractions, crafts and snacks for those who attended, helping the living museum celebrate its 18th birthday. More

Kern County Superintendent of Schools Larry E. Reider called it “an outdoor classroom where children and adults can observe and learn about nature." A young visitor from the Panama-Buena Vista School District whispered to a classmate, “I like em.” And a worldly docent named Shirley Lipco told a dozen school children, “Bald Eagles aren’t really bald. They get their name from the Old English word “bald” which means ‘white.’” More