Volunteer Opportunities

CALM is proud of the community support we receive through volunteers.

Download the CALM Volunteer Application

CALM can always use volunteers in areas of individual interest and facility needs. CALM volunteers perform daily/ routine chores, which enable staff to complete more complex tasks or projects. CALM volunteers may assist animal keepers, adopt a garden area, assist the maintenance staff or educate the visiting public.

Animal Keeper Assistant: Animal keeper volunteers will work side by side with animal keeper staff performing daily cleaning and animal care duties. Working with these animals, will show your reliability and responsibility in the care for all animals within the zoo. Minimum time requirement: 2 hours.
Minimum age requirement: 13 years old with an adult. Contact Don Richardson at 872-2256 Ext. 15

Docent: The word “docent” comes from the Latin meaning to teach. Docents are volunteer “teachers” who educate school children and general visitors about California wildlife and their habitats. Completion of the training class is necessary. The training class meets on a weekly basis for 3 months. To see if you are interested in learning and presenting what you learn, schedule a time to come observe some of our educational programs. Minimum time requirement: 4 hours per month for 2 years after training. Minimum age requirement: 18 years old. Contact Don Richardson at 872-2256 Ext. 15

Eagle Scout Projects:
Eagle Scout projects are always needed at CALM. Scouts help beautify the zoo and earn their title while providing a valued service. Contact Don Richardson at 667-872-2256 Ext. 15

Garden Assistant: Adults or families are invited to adopt a garden area. Your personal care helps keep our gardens aesthetic for the public and maintains the health of the plant community. You will choose an available garden area and be instructed in the plants and needs of that area.
Minimum age requirement: 10 years old with an adult. Contact Jordan Reed at 872-2256 Ext. 14.

Maintenance Assistant: Volunteers assist our grounds, maintenance, and custodial staff in a wide variety of jobs. Planned jobs (construction or general repairs) may need to be put off due to daily emergencies (broken water lines). No skills are required, but a willingness to work hard and be flexible is a must. Minimum age requirement: 16 years old. Contact Jordan Reed at 872-2256 Ext. 14

Special Events: Volunteers are needed for special events including our Spring Fling, CALM’s Birthday Bash, Ice Cream Zoofari, Boo at the Zoo and HolidayLights at CALM (just to name a few). Contact Lana Fain at 871-1822

Download the CALM Volunteer Application

All volunteers under 16 years of age, must be accompanied by an adult.

For additional information, contact Jordan Reed at 872-2256 Ext. 14 joreed@kern.org

  • Featured Creature

    Porcupine

    COMMON NAME: Porcupine
    SCIENTIFIC NAME: Erethizon dorsatum
    DESCRIPTION:
    Porcupine looks deceitfully cuddly! His face has short black hair and small dark eyes. His long guard hairs lay over his specialized hairs; he appears to be soft. But, there are tens-of-thousands of those “specialized hairs”, better known as quills. His body, about inches long is chunky, his back is arched. There are more quills on his rump and tail. His legs are short with long curved claws on his toes. If you have a chance to see the front of his face, you may notice his large, orange incisors.