There is a quaint zoo sanctuary hidden in a town about 30 minutes east of Sacramento. Not many people know about the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, especially compared to the nearby Sacramento Zoo. But it’s filled with all the animals you’d see in any large zoo.

The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary differs from a zoo in the way the animals have been brought to the sanctuary.
Alison Toon/Flickr
The animals at this zoo sanctuary have been "pets" that proved too wild or were confiscated, or animals rescued because they suffered injuries or would not survive in the wild.
This zoo got its start in 1963 when the University of California, Davis veterinary department contacted the Folsom park superintendent at the time, Gordon Brong. They needed help finding a safe home for a bear that had been orphaned and burned in a forest fire.
Scott Schrantz/Flickr
Brong had already been keeping a few rescued animals but would need a sturdy cage for the bear. He was able to provide the cage and space for the bear, who would be known as "Smokey". And Folsom Zoo got its start.
Folsom Zoo became Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary in 2002 to better reflect its mission.
Scott Schrantz/Flickr
While at the sanctuary, the animals are given the best care possible, and are never sold, bred, or traded. Occasionally, the zoo is only a temporary home to a rescued animal until it is transferred to a permanent home.

Related Stories

The 9 Coolest Attractions In Northern California That Not Enough People Visit

The 9 Coolest Attractions In Northern California That Not Enough People Visit

 This Lush Farmland May Be Home To The Next State Park

This Lush Farmland May Be Home To The Next State Park

 Northern California Has A Brand New Gondola Connecting Two Major Ski Resorts

Northern California Has A Brand New Gondola Connecting Two Major Ski Resorts
While visiting Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary you might see bears, wolves, tigers, snakes, giraffes, primates, and a wide variety of birds.
Palmer House Photography/Flickr
Maps are available online and at the zoo. Spend an afternoon exploring the zoo, looking at the animals, and grab a bite to eat at the on-site cafe. Afterwards, stop in the gift shop– your purchase will support the sanctuary.
Tickets are $7 per person for visitors ages 2 and older. Anyone under 2 years of age gets in for free.
Scott Schrantz/Flickr
Save time by purchasing tickets online. The zoo is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pets are not allowed in the zoo.
The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is supported by The Friends of Folsom Zoo, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Jen/Flickr
The zoo is run with the help of volunteers who act as docents and give tours of the zoo. Arrange a group tour by contacting the zoo at least 30 days in advance.

Have you visited Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary? What is your favorite local zoo? Tell us in the comments.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Northern California

Featured Addresses
Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, 403 Stafford St, Folsom, CA 95630, USA