BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — On Wednesday, the California Living Museum Zoo is reopening its gates for the first time since COVID-19 state guidelines shut down the business in March.
When COVID-19 hit, zoo manager Lana Fain said they had to cancel some of their biggest events of the year.
"Just like every other facility, every other zoo, every other business, it has had a financial impact," said Fain.
State guidelines have recently granted the zoo permission to reopen and Fain said the staff, and the animals, can’t wait.
“We’re so excited. You know the first official close down day was March 18. That seems like a lifetime ago," said Fain.
Face masks will be required while you’re inside the zoo and guests will be asked to stay “mountain lion length” apart from each other.
“Just a few different things but we’re here and we can’t wait to get everybody back out here and hear kids and people and all sorts of great stuff out at CALM," said Fain.
Some parts will be closed, like the gift store and reptile house, but Fain said the zoo’s fourteen acres should still allow for plenty of safe and healthy fun.
“All the animals can’t wait to see you. We have some newbies that we have talked about. Maybe you’ve seen on our Facebook page, we have Beatrice and our little Juniper right here," said Fain.
Fain said she appreciates the community’s patience as they navigate reopening, and she’s excited to see people enjoying the zoo once again.
“We’re 37 years old and the support has been there since day one, and we’re just convinced that the support will be there once we reopen again, get going and be the zoo that we always are," said Fain.
CALM is also accepting donations from community members and you can find their wish list on the zoo's Facebook page. Items can be dropped during the zoo's functioning hours.
CALM will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday's through Sunday's. For ticket information, click here.
