‘Twilight at CALM’

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Curator Don Richardson and opossum Sweet Pea brought plenty of smiles to curious visitors Dylan Anzaldo, Mariah Flett, Brianna Mejia and Kyra Anzaldo during Twilight at CALM.

During the summer, Saturday nights at the California Living Museum (CALM) have become the place to be. They call it Twilight at CALM and since July 5 every Saturday night it’s been two-and-a-half hours of entertainment and education in a cool environment - both because of the content and the weather. CALM is located at 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway (between Lake Ming and Hart Park) in northeast Bakersfield.

"After a long, hot day, a cool breeze blows up from the Kern River making evenings a fantastic time to visit the animals at CALM," said manager Lana Fain.

CALM closes after the daytime session at 5 p.m., but when it re-opens from 5:30-8 p.m., it is "Twilight" time at the combination zoo, botanical garden and natural history museum.

Part of the fun is a lively, hour-long show by Curator of Animals Don Richardson who introduces visitors to mammals, birds of prey or reptiles, providing visitors with up close and personal experiences with a large variety of animals ranging from tarantulas to baby skunks. Presentations are entertaining, and everyone leaves a little more knowledgeable about the wildlife around them.

While it will not transport you to a different dimension, the Central California Children’s Railroad is on track for rides around the zoo with some great panoramas of the river, surrounding hills and vegetation. This is not a kiddie train ride - adults enjoy it as much as children. Tracks run east of the zoo and during the eight minute ride passengers frequently get glimpses of wildlife in their natural habitat. Train tickets are only $1, making it one of the most inexpensive modes of transportation in today’s economy.

As you walk around the sprawling 13 acre home for animals that have been injured or otherwise cannot survive in their native environment, some visiting families can be seen enjoying a picnic dinner they brought with them. CALM has a well-kept, scenic picnic area with plenty of picnic tables and benches to accommodate a night out for the whole family.

Twilight at CALM is even light on the pocketbook with regular admission prices of $7 for adults and $5 for seniors, plus children get $1 off the $4 admission price and CALM members are admitted free of charge.

If you have not had a chance to sample the Saturday night Twilight at CALM, there is still time. Three more dates remain on the calendar - August 9, 16 and 30. For more information about Twilight at CALM, CALM memberships and interesting facts about the animals that reside at CALM visit the Web site, http://www.calmzoo.org. or call (661) 872-2256.


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