Folsom Zoo Sanctuary
Folsom Zoo cougar Juniper
It’s really much more than a zoo. It’s a one-on-one personal visit with Fisher the bear, Darwin the macaque, Willow the cougar, Redbud the wolf and a host of very special animals.
Since 1963, this unique zoo sanctuary has been home to mostly native animals that are non-releasable in the wild. Many were former pets and some were injured or orphaned in the wild. It not considered a “mainstream” zoo as animals are not bred, sold or traded with other animal facilities.
The Folsom Zoo Sanctuary is located in the Folsom City Park, just behind the Folsom City Municipal Complex.
The zoo sanctuary’s mission is to educate the public and promote responsible behavior toward all animals. Each resident has a name and a story detailing their personality as well as their breed posted outside their living areas. Visitors who have favorite animals such as the coyotes or wolves can hear tales about their antics from volunteer zoo docents. The zoo sanctuary also hosts special events throughout the year benefiting the welfare of its residents as well as educating the public on current issues of wildlife conservation.
During their visits, families are encouraged to keep a sharp eye out so they can be personally introduced to special zoo residents who are often taken out for a stroll through the facility with a zookeeper. Zoo snakes Cleo and Lucy enjoy meeting children as does Isabella, a very friendly rabbit.
Some of the zoo animals have important jobs. Fisher the bear is the official “tester” of “bear-proof” food containers, trash receptacles and camping lockers for the National Park Service. According to zoo staff, he has sent “numerous designs back to the drawing board.”
The Folsom Zoo Sanctuary is open Tuesday through Sunday and most holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry fee into the facility is $4 for adults, $3 for children 12 and younger and seniors. Children under 4 years of age are free.
Take a trail ride
Folsom Valley Railway
Do you hear that train whistle? Following a visit to the zoo sanctuary, families can jump on the
Folsom Valley Railway located adjacent to the zoo.
The railway was constructed in 1970 and features The Cricket, a 12-inch narrow gauge 4-4-0 locomotive originally built in 1950 by Erich Thompson in Berkeley, California. The locomotive operated in Tilden Park in Berkeley for 20 years prior to being brought to Folsom.
As The Cricket is currently undergoing major renovation, railway fans can enjoy a ride on the 3001, a black heavy Atlantic 4-4-2 oil firer locomotive which formerly ran in William Land Park in Sacramento in 1953. The train runs Tuesday though Sunday during the summer and weekends and holidays during the winter. Special events are featured including an October Ghost Train. Fares for the 10 minute train ride are $2 per person.