Rehabilitation and Animal Operations Hub
The Master Plan’s Rehabilitation and Animal Operations Hub will expand rehab facilities, allowing CALM to serve more native California species beyond their current capacity limits.
With an increased focus on rehabilitation and releasing wildlife, it was important to develop a true Rehabilitation & Animal Operations Hub to optimize its expanding animal care operations as well as showcase this important work to visitors.
For more than 40 years, CALM Zoo has cared for California’s native wildlife. As the need for wildlife rehabilitation has grown, so has the need for modern facilities designed specifically for rescue, treatment, and recovery. The Rehabilitation & Animal Operations Hub represents the next chapter in that mission, giving CALM Zoo the space and resources to care for more native species while expanding educational opportunities for visitors.
What's Included in the Rehabilitation & Animal Operations Hub
Rehab Entry
Dedicated intake area that provides safe, efficient access for wildlife entering CALM Zoo’s care.
Veterinary Support Building
A dedicated on-site facility for the clinical care that CALM Zoo’s animals need.
Rehab Building
A dedicated rehabilitation space for the wildlife in CALM Zoo’s care.
Animal Holding Building
On-site holding facilities to support the safe and humane care of animals throughout the rehabilitation process.
Flight Aviaries (x3)
Three full-scale aviaries give birds the space to recover, rebuild strength, and prepare for release.
Large Mammal Yards
Large outdoor area to support mammal rehabilitation.
Avian Yards
Dedicated outdoor yard space sized for the birds in CALM Zoo’s care.
Commissary Building
A two-story building with commissary and intern housing.
Conceptual site plan showing how the Rehabilitation & Animal Operations Hub expands wildlife care, rehabilitation facilities, and visitor education within CALM Zoo.
The Big Picture
Most wildlife rehabilitation cases fall between $500 and $5,000 per animal. Some animals recover quickly, while others require months of specialized care before they can safely return to the wild. The cost for most rehabilitation cases vary based on severity of injury, length of stay, species-specific needs, and level of veterinary intervention.
What Goes Into Caring for One Animal?
Veterinary care
(exams, diagnostics, treatment)
Staff time
(feeding, cleaning, monitoring, treatment)
Food and nutrition
Extended housing and recovery
Preparation for release
What Does Wildlife Rehabilitation Cost
Wild animals come to rehab due to injury, illness, orphaning, or human-related impacts (vehicle strikes, window collisions, etc.). To ensure we are doing it right, CALM Zoo uses trained staff, veterinary services, proper nutrition, and safe recovery space. CALM does not make money from wildlife rehabilitation.
Due to current capacity, CALM is only taking oiled wildlife and endangered species when able, but if the measure passes, CALM will be able to serve more California native species again.
Cost Breakdown by Animal Type
Small Mammals & Songbirds
(squirrels, raccoons, doves, etc.)
Typical Stay: Days to several week
Cost Per Animal: $500–$1,500
Raptors & Medium Mammals
(hawks, owls, foxes, etc.)
Typical Stay: Weeks to months
Cost Per Animal: $1,500–$5,000+
Large Mammals
(coyotes, bobcats, etc.)
Typical Stay: 1–4 months+
Cost Per Animal: $3,000–$9,000+
Oiled Wildlife
Typical Stay: Varies
Cost Per Animal: $1,500–$6,000+
San Joaquin Kit Fox
Endangered
Typical Stay: Extended
Cost Per Animal: $3,000–$10,000+
Want to Learn More?
CALM Zoo’s Master Plan funds this hub through the measure on the November 2026 ballot. One penny for every eight dollars spent in Kern County builds these facilities, expands wildlife care, and protects what Kern County has spent more than 40 years building.