California Living Museum

Give Big to Native Wildlife and Education!

On Give Big Kern Day, your generosity helps protect California’s native wildlife and inspire future conservationists. A donation to the CALM Foundation directly supports wildlife care, conservation, and hands-on education programs for schoolchildren and the greater Kern County community. No gift is too small as every dollar makes a meaningful impact.

Founded in 1980, the California Living Museum (CALM) exists to forge a connection and appreciation between our community and the California ecosystem through education, guest experiences and conservation. More than a zoo, CALM is a safe space for animals that cannot be released back into the wild.

CALM is home to over 200 non-releasable animals representing more than 80 native species, including black bears, hawks, owls, eagles, mountain lions, bobcats, reptiles, and more. CALM also participates in cooperative conservation efforts and proudly cares for endangered desert bighorn sheep, a rare species with very limited representation on exhibit nationwide. In addition, CALM is home to California condors, one of the most endangered birds in the world, helping support global recovery efforts for the species.

Guests can connect with California’s diverse ecosystems through immersive experiences, including keeper talks and the California Coast Room, which features a volunteer-led touch tank and a moon jelly exhibit. These interactive experiences help guests of all ages develop a deeper appreciation for native wildlife and the importance of conservation.

Each year, more than 100,000 guests visit CALM, making it a treasured community destination. CALM is committed to accessibility and inclusion by offering multilingual programs and materials, discounted admission for seniors, and educational opportunities for families from all backgrounds.

Education is at the core of CALM’s mission. The museum provides wildlife education programs for more than 25,000 Kern County students annually, along with dozens of outreach presentations at schools and community events. These programs inspire curiosity, encourage environmental responsibility, and create meaningful connections between people and the natural world.

The CALM Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit governed by local community leaders, supports capital projects, animal care, and educational initiatives at the zoo. When you Give Big, you help provide daily animal care, essential veterinary services, conservation programming, and transformative educational experiences for students and families.

Your support, no matter the size, helps ensure CALM remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a hub for conservation, education, and community engagement for generations to come.

Give Big. Protect Native Wildlife. Support CALM.