Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary

The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary offers a unique and intimate wildlife experience.

This special sanctuary provides a safe, permanent home for dozens of rescued wild and domestic animals that cannot be released back into the wild, embodying its mission of "Teaching Responsible Behavior Toward All Animals." Unlike traditional zoos, the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary focuses on the individual stories of its residents, many of whom were injured, orphaned, confiscated from illegal ownership, or deemed "problem animals." It’s a place where animals are cared for with dedication, not bred, sold, or traded, ensuring they live out their lives in a compassionate environment.

Visitors can encounter a diverse array of animals, from popular North American black bears like Henry, Olive, and Herbie, to the active Eurasian brown bear, Matilda, who often enjoys dips in her pool. The sanctuary also houses majestic mountain lions lounging on catwalks, playful bobcats such as Barry and Ophelia, and intriguing wolf-hybrids whose howls you might hear echoing through the park. Other highlights include agile long-tailed macaques, tiny squirrel monkeys foraging for treats, a variety of magnificent raptors like golden eagles and great horned owls, and even fascinating reptiles such as the prehensile-tailed skink, Solomon, and the desert tortoise, Lily.

Visiting the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is more than just seeing animals; it's an educational journey that promotes responsible behavior towards all creatures. Strolling the scenic pathways allows guests to learn the individual history and story of each animal resident, adding depth and meaning to every encounter. This intimate setting, combined with its dedication to animal welfare and conservation education, and the opportunity to ride the Folsom Valley Railway nearby, makes it a truly memorable and heartwarming destination for visitors of all ages. Enhance your adventure: download the Snappit app to identify the local species you encounter.