CALM Zoo Unveils Bold 20-Year Plan to Protect Wildlife, Inspire Generations

For more than four decades, CALM Zoo has been Kern County’s window into the natural world — showcasing native plants and animals while educating thousands of children each year. Now, the zoo is looking ahead to the next two decades with an ambitious master plan designed to transform facilities, expand educational opportunities, and strengthen its role as a hub for conservation and community learning.

Founded in 1980 by former history teacher Michael Hopkins and a dedicated group of volunteers, CALM has long been guided by its mission to foster appreciation for California’s diverse ecosystems.

“As the story goes, [Hopkins’] three-year-old son asked him why Bakersfield didn’t have a zoo,” said Meg Maitland, CALM Zoo’s Senior Director. “His response? Let’s build one!”

Over the next three years, Hopkins rallied volunteers and CALM was made. Maitland described it as a huge, grassroots community effort.

“Every tree, every exhibit was made possible by volunteers,” she emphasized.

In 1995, CALM Zoo was acquired by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, a partnership that has enabled more than 25,000 students to take part in hands-on field trips and STEAM programming every year. In all, more than 100,000 community members visit the zoo each year to connect with wildlife and nature.

“CALM is a place where education, conservation, and wonder intersect,” said Steve Sanders, Chief of Staff at KCSOS and Administrator of CALM Zoo. “This plan ensures we can continue that mission for future generations, with facilities that meet modern standards of animal welfare and guest experience.”

The vision includes improvements to animal habitats, enhanced educational spaces, and expanded visitor amenities — all designed to continue to stamp CALM, not only as a local treasure, but a regional destination.

The initial phase, expected to span up to seven years, will focus on guest and educational enhancements, including a new entry plaza, updated parking, and expanded learning spaces. It will include building a new gift shop, while the existing shop will be converted into an Education Hub with an enlarged Coast Room. A new café and administrative offices are also planned.

Later phases call for significant animal welfare improvements. These include new animal exhibits, an expanded rehabilitation center, and specialized facilities to protect animals during extreme heat. A Rescue and Operations Hub, commissary, and intern housing are also in the vision. 

“Our current legacy campus spans about 14 acres,” Maitland said. “We have 40 more acres to work with, heading west toward the soccer park.”

For visitors, the master plan envisions a central promenade and woodland trail, expanded waterfowl habitats, and new west-side features such as Wolf Ridge, bear habitats, flight aviaries, a cave systems for nocturnal animals, botanical gardens, event pavilion, farm zone, and extended meadow walking trails.

A rendering of CALM Zoo’s planned west expansion.

Protecting Wildlife, Preserving Wonder

A hallmark of CALM’s work has been its Wildlife Rehabilitation Program, which rescues, rehabilitates, and releases native wildlife whenever possible. Animals that cannot return to the wild often become ambassadors, educating the public about the importance of protecting California’s ecosystems.

“Protecting native species is at our core,” said Maitland. “This plan gives us the tools to continue that vital work, while also creating unforgettable experiences for families and students who visit.”

The expansion will also strengthen CALM’s ability to host major community events such as HolidayLights, which draws more than 65,000 visitors each year, while expanding opportunities for weddings and special events.

Plans are underway to secure funding through the zoo’s nonprofit foundation and CALM’s leaders emphasize that the master plan is not just about construction — it’s about community.

“CALM is more than a zoo — it’s an educational and community gem in Kern County,” Sanders said. “This master plan is our commitment to preserving that role for the next 20 years and beyond.”

You can find the complete master plan HERE.