CALM Zoo Added Rescued Kit Fox to Exhibit
A San Joaquin kit fox named Davey has joined the resident population at the Bakersfield facility.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Wildlife
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The CALM Zoo in Bakersfield has officially welcomed a San Joaquin kit fox named Davey to its exhibits. The animal became a permanent resident after state officials prohibited his return to the wild.
Why it matters
The inclusion of Davey ensures the safety and well-being of a wildlife animal that suffered a severe injury. His permanent residency highlights the role of zoos in providing sanctuary for native animals unable to survive independently in their natural habitats.
Davey underwent an amputation of one leg following multiple fractures and treatment for sarcoptic mange. He now joins existing kit foxes Dot, Dash, and Franklin in their designated habitat.
The players
CALM Zoo
Located in Bakersfield, California, this facility serves as a wildlife rehabilitation center and zoo for native species.
Davey
Davey is a San Joaquin kit fox who now resides at the zoo as a permanent inhabitant following his rescue.
Dot, Dash, and Franklin
These are the existing kit foxes that share a habitat with Davey at the zoo.
The details
After arriving at the zoo for rehabilitation in April 2026, veterinarians determined that amputating his injured leg was necessary to ensure his quality of life. Following this procedure, state authorities ruled that his age and disability made him unsuitable for release into the wild.
Timeline
Davey arrived at the CALM Zoo for rehabilitation in April 2026.
The zoo publicly announced the fox's permanent residency in September 2026.
Culture Shift
This transition aligns with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's wildlife rehabilitation and non-releasable animal protocols. The zoo's decision to provide permanent residency follows the mandated protocol for animals deemed ineligible for release by state authorities.
Visitors to the CALM Zoo can now observe Davey in the shared kit fox habitat during regular operating hours. This addition provides the public with an opportunity to learn about the challenges facing the San Joaquin kit fox population in the region.
The takeaway
Sanctuary residents like Davey offer a unique educational window into the recovery of local wildlife species. Residents can support these efforts by visiting the facility or participating in zoo-led educational programs regarding native animal rehabilitation.
Further reading
Learn more about local conservation efforts in our Wildlife section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KGET 17.
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