At The - Calmzoo.org

INSIDE
Who is New at the Zoo......2
Feast for the Beasts...........3
Wish List......................... 3
Making it Happen.........4-5
A quarterly publication for members & supporters of the California Living Museum
Fall 2013
Fall
Treat yourself to
at the
Boo-at-the-Zoo at the California Living Museum is set
for October 26 and 27, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Guests of all ages
are encouraged to wear costumes.
Visiting goblins will be able to trick-or-treat their
way around the zoo, visit with the animals at CALM and
experience the natural gardens just as the foliage is
beginning to turn. Children up to 12 years old are FREE, and
of course, CALM members are free as well.
There will be spooktacular games, festive decorations,
food and beverage booths and treats for all, as well as a
wildlife presentation and animal encounters. The Bounce
House and rides on the Central California Children’s
Railroad are only $1.
Boo-at-the-Zoo is a safe, kid-friendly, not-so-scary way
of trick-or-treating that makes this event educational and
enjoyable for all.
Calendar of Events............6
Turkey Vultures................6
Volunteers for
Holiday Lights.................6
In Memory of Gizmo
and Luigi......................... 7
Who is new at the zoo?!?
I
In August, CALM received Hazel,
a two-year-old female North American
beaver from Sea World in San Diego
to join our male beaver, Lilo. The
introduction was very smooth and the
two are getting along “swimmingly.” With
any luck, we will have a kit (baby beaver)
within a year as breeding is seasonal.
Don Richardson, curator, said, “Hazel
is a wonderful exhibit animal and enjoys
the company of humans. Beavers are an
interesting species and we are lucky to
have this exhibit at CALM.”
Due to their natural trait of building
dams on rivers and streams they are
known as “Nature’s Engineer.” They use
powerful front teeth to cut trees and other
plants that they utilize both for building
and food.
They are slow on land, but are good
swimmers, and can stay under water
for as long as 15 minutes. Beavers are
herbivores, and prefer the wood of many
trees. They also eat sedges, pondweed,
and water lilies.
Beavers have webbed hind-feet,
and a broad, scaly tail. They have poor
eyesight, but keen senses of hearing,
smell, and touch. A beaver’s teeth grow
continuously so that they will not be worn
down by chewing on wood. They are
North America’s largest rodent.
Nubbins, a Nelson’s antelope squirrel,
came to CALM last April when he was
caught in a trap on the Carrizo Plains.
Sadly, a predator had found him and
chewed off his front feet. With his high
energy and rapid movement, you would
never know he had such a severe injury.
Nubbins is quite a treat to watch!
This squirrel is listed as a threatened
species.
Next time you visit CALM, be sure to
stop by and welcome Hazel and Nubbins
to your zoo!
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Hazel, North American beaver
Nubbins, Nelson's antelope squirrel
CALM Wish List
Feast for the Beasts:
A CALM tradition
After your Thanksgiving feast, come to CALM and contribute
to a Feast for the Beasts, an annual tradition at the zoo. On
November 29, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., visitors may donate animal
food and supplies in exchange for regular admission to CALM.
This year, a donation from the following list of food/supply
items will admit one person to the zoo:
•3 lbs. pecans, walnuts or almonds (all without salt or flavoring)
•2 large bags frozen blueberries, blackberries or raspberries
•2 large bags of frozen mixed vegetables
(corn, carrot, green and lima bean blend)
Gift cards from Pet, Grocery,
Hardware, Feed or Office
Supply Stores
Dried fruit—apricots, apples,
banana chips, etc. (no raisins)
Nuts—almonds, pecans, walnuts
(unsalted and unflavored)
Yams—raw/fresh
Ziploc bags—quart and gallon
Alfalfa
Copy paper-white
Heavy-Duty plastic feed bowls—
various sizes
Bleach
Songbird prefab cage—8’
•2 lb. jar of peanut butter, jam or honey
Rolls of Aviary Weld Wire
•2 lbs. dried fruit (apricots, banana chips, etc.)
½ HP Sump Pump
•5 lbs of frozen chicken thighs or breasts
•5 lbs raw, fresh yams
•5 lbs apples
•3.5 lb bag dry dog food—Pedigree, IAMS, or Science Diet
•3.5 lb bag dry cat food—Purina cat chow
•4-boxes Zip Lock freezer bags (quart or gallon)
•2 reams of white multi-purpose copy paper (500 sheets)
•$25 gift card from any pet, grocery, hardware or office supply store will admit two adults and two children
Gas powered wet steam & hot
water Power Washer
Grass fertilizer
Industrial air compressor
Chop saw
PVC pipe-schedule 40—
1”, ¾” or ½”
Rodent Breeding System—
14”x14”x7”
Battery powered saw
Leaf vacuum
Don’t forget...
Solar powered electric fence
charger
CALM Members, if you have any changes don’t forget
to update your address, phone number or email
address for our database. By doing this, we are able
to send you information about upcoming events, send
you the current newsletter and membership reminders.
Scott’s EZ Seed
Mist system tubing—1/2”
Medical equipment:
Vet Hospital caging units
X-ray system
It’s simple! Just call 661-872-2256 and our Office
Assistants will be able to update your information
immediately!
3
Making it happen…
CALM received the following donations and memberships June – August 2013. We are sincerely grateful for the support of the following
businesses, organizations and individuals.
MEMBERS
Chad & Melissa Abby
Alxandria Adam
Fiona & James Agee
Mary & Rodney Aguirre
Laura Alfaro
Erin & Gerard Alonzo
Nimisha Amin
Frank & Tosha Ansel
Alyssa Antongiovanni
Jennifer & Greg Anzalone
Jennifer Asaro
Teresa Atkison
Christie & Paul Badger
Robert & Lynnea Bakman
R. Eric & Wilma Bakman
Philip & Shawna Banning
Miranda Barboza
Kim Barks
Tina Barnett
Betty & Jennifer Bean
Joanna & Daniel Beard
Melissa & Clint Beaty
Maureen Beck
Kristen & Joseph Behill
Marvin & Virginia Belcher
Don & Sally Belflower
Mindy & Russ Bennett
Randy & Yurina Bennett
Jennifer Bentley
Ingrid Berntsen-James
Carmen Berrones
Amy Betancourt
Angela & Roy Biamonte
Diane Bilyeu
Stacie Bingham
Kristen Blackwell
Carolyn Boldt
Kim Bonham-Arnold
Marjorie & Spencer Bothwell
Jennifer & Arthur Bourgea
Lorenzo & Sara Briones
Mark & Laurel Britton
Tiffany Brodgon
Barbara Bruck
James & Debbie Brunsell
Julie & Tony Buksa
Shiela Burch
Julie Ann Burell
Rhonda & M. Shawn Burke
Bambi Cagle
Devra & John Caminiti
Stacie & Clayton Campbell
David & Diana Campbell
Karen Capehart
Rebecca & Eric Cardona
Geraldine Carlson
Roberto & Deanna Castillo
Alice Castillo
Mark Castro
Shirley Castro
Rachelle Chaney
Connie Cheney
Jessica & James Chester
Steve & Linda Christensen
Kelly Christian
Cassandra & Joseph Clark
Chris & Linda Clovin
Diana Coburn
Julene Colkers
Robbin Collagan
Artie & Maureen Colson
Tracy & John Compton
Rosa E. Constancio
Katerina & Gunter Copeland
Heather & Jessie Cordero
Meredyth Cowley
Larry & Joan Cox
Barry & Nancy Culli
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Corey Cullip
Virginia Dallas-Dull
Rachelle & Matthew Damron
Mark & Tammy Decker
Ashley Del Toro
Heather & David DeLand
Sarah Delgado
Serenity Destefani
Michael & Kate DeVelbuiss
Karmjit & Sandeep Dhaliwal
Angie & Andy Diaz
Denise Dilley
Raj & Veena Doddakashi
Eli & Jennifer Donati
Ryan & Tamara Doughty
Steve Drewry
Dan Duke
Chelsea Dungan
Tamara & Steven Eastlick
Helen Echenique
Janet & Gerald Edwards
Tiffany Edwards
Jack & Marlene Elbert
Madeline Elsea
Larry Emlet
Alan & Stephanie Esla
Frances Espy
Marcia Eyherabide
Rick & Karen Falk
Jennifer Falk
Elizbeth & Jeffrey Fariss
Rene Roberto & Claudia
Faudoa
Natasha Felkins
Sarah & Timothy Findley
Dylan Fletchall
Sylvia Flores
Gene Fonseca
Ivan C. & Shirley Foster
Craig & Michelle Foust
Dennis & Joyce Fox
Barbara Frangione
Ken Fry
Joshua Gaeta
Larry Gailey
Carol Galagan
Nelson Galindo
Ju Ying Gao
Gabe & Brittany Garcia
Jamy Garcia
Rene Garcia
Stevie Garcia
Elvira Gauna
Leticia & Felix Gaytan
Benjamin Gil
Tom & Hillary Gilmartin
Donald & Charlotte Gonzales
Tawnya Gonzales
Edna & Marta Gonzalez
Terri & Jayme Gooding
Juliet & George Granger
Cindy Green
Jenna & Chris Grundt
Scott Guinn
Troy Gunter
Gary & Lori Gutierrez
Elizabeth Haber-Lopez
Robert & Lynne Hall
Shona Hall
Mary & John Hansen
Jolene & Jonathan Hansen
Eric & Lori Hansen
Melissa Hanssen-Rivera
Rosalie & BAbette Harleston
Jack & Sara Harrison
Celeste Hawksley
Terri Hayes
Jed & Nitthaya Hazen
Rebecca Herndon
Phanthipha Higa
Cheryl Hilzer
Vidalia Hogan
Stacy Hogg
Fred & Sue Ellen Hohnbaum
William Holbrook
George & Janice Holder
Nick Holman
Renee & Luke Holton
Anton & Julie Holty
Barbara & John Hopkins
Ben Horn
Martha Horvat
Lynne Hoskins
Arian Hughes
Michelle Hunter
Jennifer Ianiero
Albert & Raquel Idolyantes
Roberta & Carlton Isbell
Megan Jacobs
Natalie & Isaac Jaime
David James
Dana Jannett
Richard & Barbara Jarrett
Jones Jeremy
Cara Johns
Paul Johnston
Lana & David Jolley
Robert & Andrea Jones
Emilee Jones
Karen & Ron K`Miller
Brandy Kapitza-Gunter
Michael & Dianne Kennedy
Ahmed Khieralla
Lynnda Kidd
Gary & Kathleen Kilby
Jacob & Cori Kitchen
Colette Kite
Diane Koeth
Karen Krausse-Roesle
Betty Kyker
Ken & Brenda Kyle
James & Mary Frances
Langille
Colleen Lanza
Troy Large
Richard & Beverly Laughman
Rod Lee
Cathy & Richard Legan
Erica & Jeff Leggio
Fred III & Karen Linder
Tanna & Seth Lindgren
Melissa Llama
Maria & Danny Lobb
David & Susan Loomis
Gustavo & Diana Lopez
Conway Lopez
Serenity Lopez
Theresa Louie
Lowell & Shannon Lueck
Lolita Luna
James & Vicky Lycan
Stephanie & Ed Lynch
Jeanne Malm
Kathe Malouf
Megan Mantas
Raymond & Chris Maranda
Rene Marroquin
Rowena & Paul Martin
Shelby Martin
Josie Martinez
Ismael Martinez
Diane Martinez
Nicholas Martinez
Rebecca Mason
Katie & Leif Mathiesen
Joseph Mayeda
Wynona Mayo
Tracie McAlister
Pamela & Terrance McCarthy
Nathan & Victoria McCauley
John & Edith McCormick
Shawn & Nicole McDanell
Mark McGowan
Mary Ann & David McKinley
Dusty McLeod
Ginnie McMillan
Jesse & Heather McNaughnn
James McNemar
Natalie Mears
Crystal & Darren Megowan
Janette Melendez
Jenaye & Louis Mendez
Lori & Mike Mendoza
Zenaida Mendoza
T.R. & Tracy Merickel
J.F. & S.J. Milledge
Marjorie & Warren Minner
Kat Minnick
Stephanie & Simona Minoz
Nicholus & Allison Moir
Lorie Monaco
Timi Ann & David Mongold
Miguel & Edith Montano
Dianna & Tim Morales
Kelly Morrison-Reller
Estela Munoz
Peggy & Justin Murphy
Daniel Navarro
Regina Neira
Annie & Thomas Nicoll
Mindi & Patrick Niebuhr
Tomoko Nishida-Castro
Phil & Terri Nixon
Sam Noble
Mark Nystrom
Deborah Nystrom
Beth O`Neill
Ronnie & Leah Oates
Cortnie & Josh Ogden
Sandra & Gary Olson
Cristia Olson
Judy Olson-Peterson
Lindsey & Gregory Organ
Trish Oscarson
Linda & John Owens
Lisa Page
Helen & Joe Parker
Dayla & Victor Parra
Robert & Marilyn Patterson
Nick & Lisa Paulson
John & Maria Peet
Michael Peet
Joseph Perales
Crystal & Styles Perdue
Israel Perez
James & Desirie Perry
Alice & Mark Perry
Elizabeth Perry
Miki & Ed Persel
Margaret Philippe
Katie & Linda Phillips
Kim Phillips
Ruth & Charles Poehlitz
Jacob & Laura Pollock
Antonio Ponce
Monica Powell
Alexandra & Chad Powers
Albert & Margie Prinster
Joe & Tania Prothro
Frances Quiroz
Guadalupe & Miguel Ramirez
Julia & Alexander Ramos
Mary & Victoria Ramsey
Stefanie & Walter Ray
Christopher & Deborah
Reagan
Linda Redman
Jennifer Reimel
Jeff Reller
Budd & Brenda Retzloff
Daman & Erin Richardson
Donna & George Richaud
Josh Rickett
Anthony Rivera
Pam Roark
Isaac & Sofia Rodriguez
Jack Roesle
Vince & Linda Rojas
Carolyn & Carl Romo
Christina & Cory Rothman
Brian Royer
Lawrence & Wilma Ruby
Patricia Russell
Patti Russell
Tracy & Greg Saiki
Nashid & Zaimah Salahud-din
Melissa Salgado
Eileen & Andrew Sanders
Senem Saner
Jamie Sargeant
Henry Scharf
Gary & Janice Schmasow
Kassey Schooley
Jarrod & Kara Schulte
Alice Scrimshire
Robb Seibly
Janet Sennewald
Steve & Sherry Shapiro
Jason Sharpe
Heather Sherman
Judy Silver
Cesar & Teresa Sital
Kevin & Jennifer Smith
Steve & Julie Smith
T. Mark & Juliet Smith
Shannon Smith
Veronica Solorio
Paul & Marisa Sorensen
Kelly & Kirk Sorenson
Teresa Spears
John & Jessica Stahler
Jenna Stanek
Paulina & Ted Stanfield
John Stegall
Shelton & Melina Stevens
Susan Stoddard
Logan & Rebecca Street
Matthew & Melinda Summitt
Matt & Suzanne Tasos
Steve & Pat Taylor
Lynn Taylor
Victoria Theriault
Jacquie Thomas
Jason Thomasy
Joe & Cathie Thompson
Denise & Jacob Thompson
Lauren & Nathaniel Thompson
Florencia Thompson
Christine Tijerina
Robert & Jana Tingle
Ashley Torres
Norma A. Torres
Marjorie Trens
Jacob & Erin Turner
Brenda Turner
Eric Tyler
Joan Utt
Kathleen Valenzuela
Vernon & Janis Varner
Tynna & Edward Vega
Robert & Jennifer Velasco
Earl & Monica Vendsel
Frank Viera
Brande & Daniel Vigil
Cindy & Ted Villa
James & Maria Von Normann
Christa Walker
Kathleen Walker
Teresa Walker
Justin Walls
John Washington
Lois Watson
Louie Wayland
Joshua & Nicole Weesner
Evelyn Wegis
Leon & Kasey Wells
Nancy Wells
Robert & Dana Wernli
Tiffany & Karen West
Debra Wheat
Helen Wheatley
Cheryl Wheeler
Randy Wheeler
Joshua & Elizabeth Whipp
Jeremy Whittaker
Tara Wilcox
Scott Willams
Pam Williams
Shanna Williams
Deborah Wilson
Ami & Dairen Winders
Matthew Woodman
Jeremy & Sarah Yadon
Andria Yamamoto
Jennifer Yeley
Susan & Barry Young
Amber Young
Milt & Betty Younger
Vincent & Belma Zaninovich
Jackie & Tom Zauder
Delia Zendejas
Erika Zuazo
Julie & Christopher Zunino
BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP
Nile Point Veterinary Hospital
DONORS
Assoc. of Petroleum Wives
Auburn Animal Hospital
Shannon Badowski
Steve Coffman
Culligan Water
Custom Home Alarm
Discovery Shop
Joe Eberwine
Granite Construction
Halliburton
Carlton & Roberta Isbell
KGET-TV, Channel 17
KERO-TV, Channel 23
KBAK-TV, Channel 29
Andrew Kehyon
Kiwanis Club of Oildale
Lassen's Natural Foods &
Vitamins
John & Linda Lindsay
Carol Ann Miller
Lori Molina
P.J. Nguyen
Tom Pinell
Nestle Purina PetCare Co.
Margaret Robles
Southern Sierra Research
Station
Royce Thearctic
Janet Tinkle
Triple-E Trucking
Joan Utt
Debra Wingo
WILDLIFE REHABILITATION
DONORS
Wade Aldean
Carol Ashbrook
Jo Barrick
Brent Berry
Josh Blair
Jan Brown
Carole Cadle
Terri Carroll
Le Chang
Cindy Cotta
Ami Coughlin
Jeff Cullen
Monica Diaz
James Douglas
Margaret Elliot
Cecelia Escobedo
Shannon Fanshier
Terry Galzada
Mary Hagenston
James Hart
Robin Hartney
Daniel Hoff
Diana Howry
Leslie Jensen
Krista Keesling
Jim Killiam
Steve Kramyak
Richard Kresha
Bette Kyle
Mary Lawrence
Jean Lucas
Bill Lydecker
Michael & Susie Mears
Doug Mendez
Janelle Miranda
Alan Neumann
Lidia Ornelas
Robin Owen
Andy Paulden
Jennifer Pfahler
Diana Poke
Haylie Portillo
Tanya Pruitt
Tanya Pruitt
Matt Reid
Chris Reid
Elizabeth Rheina
Candace Robinson
Ralph Robles
Margaret Robles
Bob Rutledge
VOLUNTEERS
Desi Saleen
David Schultz
April Slankard
Jane Smith
Stephanie Snow
Tony Sotero
Joe Stramaglia
Chris Tilley
Gerald Tonnelli
Kay Tucker
Kimberly Tumbaugh
Laveda Wren
MEMORIALS/HONORS
In Memory of
Richard Regedal
From Delores Regedal
In Memory of John E. Ross
From Yolanda Griffiths
David & Beth Ross
Cats of CA Habitat
Delores & Richard Regedal
ANIMAL ADOPTIONS
Albino kingsnake
Seth Doyle
Bald eagle
Cora Ramirez
California toad
Jamie K. Dieckman
Coyote
Jared Dilley
Mountain lion
Stephanie Doyle
Andrew Martinez
Jasmine Moll
Kyle Moores
Brad A.
Ashely Acres
Jackie Alberda
Blanca Aldana
Jennifer Alvarado
Sal Arias
AVP
Kayla B.
Judy Baird
Christina Baltazar
Donna Barry
Johnna Beachel
Karen Beals
Jamie Belflower
Don Belflower
Sally Belflower
Jayme Bennett
Kayla Berlanga
Jade Bratu
James Brunsell
Sydney Brunsell
Ava Brunsell
Christian Capusi
Rosie Cardenas
Sylvia Cariker
Kylynn Chandler
Richard Cottrill
Christy Cuevas
Cameron Cuevas
Felipe Curry
Jennifer Curtis
Bradley Davis
Victor De Los Santos
Alejandra Escalante
Carol Ewing
Isaac Gamino
Jamy Garcia
Lupe Garcia
Grace Goslin
Daniella Gutierrez
Efren Gutierrez
Breanne Hall
Edna Harbin
Lisa Harper
Alex Harrison
Lynn Haskins
Jeff Hathorn
Terri Hayes
Chris Hengst
Sara Hernandez
Fabian Highfall
Kate Hopwood
Lynne Hoskins
Darlene Jehnsen
Madi Juul
Kelsey K.
Nathan Kaing
Kelsey Keels
Heather Kiger
Brandon King
Lynn Knapp
Hayley Lampela
Ceara Lockhart
Brittany Lonh
Gabriel Lopez
Nicole Lowery
Karen Lu
Jasmine M
Catherine Marshall
Sandra Martinez
Andrew Martinez
Nicole Matthias
Scott McArthur
Elizabeth McGill
Elizabeth McGill
Dinah McHone
MaryAlice Means
Jackson Mettler
Eric Minkes
Noah Mitts
Jasmine Moll
Vasminc Moll
Kyle Mooers
Mary Mooreland
Garrett Moss
Jacob Newman
Willie Nichols
Michael P
Cora Padilla
Marilyn Radon
Larry Reese
Keegan Reeves
Don Richardson
Arianna Rodriguez
Rafael Rodriguez
Sarah Ross
Raeyana Ross
Gary Rugger
Joseph Ruiz
Dolores S.
Jose Salas
Tara Sanders
Laura Scheiber
Jean Scheiber
Lena Silerrio
Sara Skinner
Ginger Smith
Juan Soberon
Nathan Sosa
Kaylee Switzer
Jordan Thompson
Sally Torris
Davon Tyson
Amy Voss
Austin Will
Jennifer Willette
Leilani Witt
Jaimi Woodall
Gwen Zander
DOCENTS
Veronica Andrade
Peyton Bishop
Tom Blackmon
Sharon Brown
Carol Casey-Newell
Shirley Castro
Art Colson
Ron Cooper
Carol Downs
Carol Ewing
Greg Glenn
Celeste Hawksley
Terri Hayes
Robin Jaske
Lloyd Klingenberg
Lynn Knapp
Holly Lazzerini
Andrew Lynch
Christopher Manyan
Mary Alice Means
Mary Moreland
Hal Morgan
Dede Pere
Marilyn Radon
Donna Richaud
Tara Sanders
Janet Sennewald
Alaura Silas
Cindy Stodola
Victoria Theriault
Lei Trusty
Don Turkal
Yvonne Turkal
Joan Utt
George Washington
Lois Watson
Daniel Weinheimer
Red fox
Valley Medical Transport
San Joaquin kit fox
Eli Chinniah
From: Jake &
Brianna Pledger
Reciprocal Zoo List
CALM Membership has added value!
Visit our Web site calmzoo.org to see a list of
reciprocating zoos and museums.
Ice Cream Zoofari at CALM
was a wonderful success!
Our appreciation to the following individuals and businesses who helped make it happen!
CALM Docents & Volunteers • Central CA Children’s Railroad Volunteers • The Dixie Nuts
Valley Oaks Charter School • EVENT SERVICES by Peter Wonderly
Ice Cream Zoofari was sponsored by:
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Calendar of Events
Boo at the Zoo!
Saturday & Sunday, October 26 &27
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Children (up to 12 years)–FREE
with paying adult
Veterans Day
Monday, November 11
Thank you for your service!
All veterans with military ID are
FREE!
Volunteers needed for
HolidayLights at CALM
T
Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 28
CALM Closed
Feast for the Beasts
Friday, November 29
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
See page 3 for approved list
HolidayLights at CALM
November 29-December 31
5:30-9 p.m.
Closed Christmas
Other than paid admission, ONLY
HolidayLights coupons, discounts
or passes will be accepted.
The California Living Museum is looking for a few
good Trail Elves to volunteer at HolidayLights at CALM.
Approximately 30 volunteers are needed each night, 5-10
p.m., November 29-December 31, (closed Christmas) to act
as hosts directing our guests through two million lights!
Businesses or organizations that sponsor a night
by supplying 30 volunteers will be able to set up an
information table the evening(s) they volunteer.
As our way of thanking those who volunteer their
time, CALM is giving each volunteer a free admission pass to
HolidayLights for each full night worked.
If you are interested in volunteering for HolidayLights, call Lana Fain, (661) 871-1822.
Turkey vultures:
Nature’s clean up crew
T
Christmas Eve
Tuesday, December24
Zoo Closed
HolidayLights Open-5:30-9 p.m.
Christmas
Wednesday, December25
CALM Closed
HolidayLights closed
New Year’s Eve
Tuesday, December 31
CALM Open
HolidayLights Open-5:30-9 p.m.
Happy New Year!
Tuesday, January 1
CALM Closed
Kids Free Day
The last Saturday of each month,
kids (up to 12 years) are admitted
to the zoo FREE!
Senior Discovery Day
Each Monday,
seniors 60+ receive
50% discount on admission and
10% discount in the Gift Store
For more information, call 661-872-2256.
They have been vilified in movies, cartoons,
advertising and by society in general. When we
want to describe a not-so-nice human, we call them
vultures. But in reality, The turkey vulture (Cathartes
aura) plays a vital role in an ecological system.
As scavengers, turkey vultures clean their (our)
habitat of rotting, dead flesh. In fact, their scientific
name means “cleanser.” They can even eat infected
and diseased meat without suffering the negative
side effects. The turkey vultures most common
characteristic is its bald head and neck, revealing red
to red-purple skin. The rest of their body is covered
in black or brownish-black feathers, with pale legs
and grey-brown eyes. They are also known to have a
Turkey vulture
silver lining to their wings.
Perhaps they won’t win a beauty contest, but these birds are a magnificent
sight to see when they soar. Turkey vultures are usually 26-32 inches in length
with a 68-72 inch wingspan. With their large wingspan that forms a “V” when
flying, turkey vultures are able to soar great distances with hardly any effort.
Turkey vultures live across the United States during the summer in dry, open
areas, deciduous forests and woodlands. In warmer climates, turkey vultures
may stay year-round. If migrating, the bird will soar at 4,000-5,000 feet. The
largest turkey vulture migration in the world can be seen over CALM in October!
A turkey vulture’s diet is almost exclusively carrion. Their feet and beak are
too weak to kill their own food. They have a highly developed sense of smell,
which they locate dead flesh while soaring at 200 feet.
Turkey vultures have a very interesting and effective defense mechanism
whereas they regurgitate when they are stressed or feel threatened. Animal
Keepers agree that this only has to happen once for you to remember this
incredible “distraction.”
The next time you are out and see a turkey vulture, don’t think “Yuck!” send
up a nice “thank you” to this amazing, misunderstood bird who helps keep our
environment clean.
Source: www.gwf.org, the Georgia Wildlife Federation
animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu, the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
6
We remember Gizmo and Luigi
C
CALM recently lost a longtime resident, a white-tailed
antelope squirrel named Gizmo. We considered Gizmo our
little Hollywood star as he was the model for “Hammy” in
Over the Hedge, DreamWorks Animation’s 2006 animated
film about the consequences of urban sprawl as the
wildlife attempt to take back their neighborhood. In the
movie, Hammy did not physically resemble Gizmo who
was a whitetail antelope ground squirrels; however, the
manic movement does. The Over the
Hedge official website characterized
“Hammy” as “…coming with a full dose
of childlike hyperactivity….practically
vibrates with enthusiastic energy---and
blistering fast.” That’s was our Gizmo!
He was a great exhibit animal who
would interact with zoo guests. Gizmo
lived an amazing 10 years when most
of his species has a one to five year
lifespan. The reptile house will not
be the same without this lively little
squirrel.
In August and September we
also lost two of our ambassador
animals: Luigi the burrowing
owl and Molly the
opossum.
Luigi was a docent favorite who was brought to CALM
from a Los Angeles wildlife rehabilitation center in 2008.
Over that time, thousands of CALM patrons were able to
have a close encounter with this interesting little owl.
While we are not promised these animals for a long
time, they certainly brought joy to thousands of people
throughout their lifetime. That is honorable for any
species.
Gizmo, white-tailed antelope squirrel.
Vol 15 No 4
Fall 2013
A quarterly publication of the
California Living Museum (CALM).
Photo courtesy of Terri Hayes.
Contributors:
Lana Fain
Jordan Reed
Editor:
Lana Fain
Lay-out:
Denise Avery
Production: Kern County Superintendent
of Schools Office
California Living Museum (CALM)
10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy.
(661) 872-2256
FAX (661) 872-2205
Visit CALM’s Web site
www.calmzoo.org
Luigi, burrowing owl.
7
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BAKERSFIELD CA
PERMIT #861
10500 Alfred Harrell Highway
Bakersfield, CA 93306-9654
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CALM’s mission is to teach a respect for all living things through education, recreation, conservation and research.
Membership Application
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In addition to the above, all CALM
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discount on gift shop purchases,
advance notification of education programs and special events,
admission to members-only events
and a one-year subscription to
“Critter Capers,” CALM’s member
newsletter.
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$125
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