Folsom Zoo In California

Placer County's Animal Sanctuary

May 25, 2009 Janis Masyk-Jackson

Located in Folsom, California, the Folsom Zoo makes for a great family outing.

What makes the Folsom Zoo so unique is that it's actually a sanctuary for animals that cannot be released into the wild. The animals came to the zoo abandoned, hurt, or as wild pets. Each animal has its own special story.

History of the Folsom Zoo

The Folsom Zoo began in 1963 when a small bear, who was orphaned and burned in a fire, was brought to an area by Lion's Park in Folsom, CA.. Gordon Brong, the Folsom Park Superintendent, was able to persuade the city to let the bear stay. A cage was built and "Smokey" became the first resident of the zoo. (This is not to be confused with Smokey, the Bear.)

Birds at the Folsom Zoo and Sanctuary

A variety of birds reside at the Folsom Zoo. Darwin and Wallace are two Macaques who were born at Northern California research facilities and now make their home at the zoo. Hawks, ravens, owls, and parrots also called the zoo their home. Chickens, along with their babies, roam freely at the facility as do peacocks. Often times one can hear the peacocks calling out to each other.

Bears at the Folsom Zoo

Currently there are five Bears at the Folsom Zoo. Marty was suffering from a gunshot wound when found by the California Department of Fish and Game. Woody was orphaned when his mother was killed. Joining them are Fisher, Tahoe, and Sequoia.

Folsom Zoo Wolves and Wolf-Dog Hybrids

Granite, Red Bud, Joshua, and Yucca are the four wolves at the sanctuary. Cheyenne and Lincoln Rex are wolf-dog hybrids that came from animal control facilities. These beautiful animals would have been euthanized if the zoo hadn't taken them in.

Felines at the Folsom Zoo

A variety of cats live at the Folsom Zoo. Pouncer and Misty are the zoo's tigers. They were both starving and covered with mange when they were first found. Several feral cats are living out their lives at the sanctuary. Additionally, there are the mountain lions, Rio, Ventura, and Alder, along with bobcats who have made their way to this safe haven.

Wild Animals at the Folsom Zoo

Also living at the zoo is Gizmo, a blind skunk, monkeys, raccoons, rabbits and four red foxes named Jasper, Forrest, Fern, and Isabella who all came from a Southern California facility that supplies animals to the entertainment industry.

Visiting the Folsom Zoo

The Folsom Zoo is located at 403 Stafford St. next to Lions Park. The zoo is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 am-4 pm. Summer hours are 9 am-3 pm. Adult tickets are $4.00. Children 2-12 are $3.00 and seniors 55 and older are $3.00. Children two and under are free. This zoo offers 1/2 price days the first Tuesday of the month from September through February. Come enjoy almost 100 animals at the Folsom Zoo.

The copyright of the article Folsom Zoo In California in SW U.S./Hawaii Travel is owned by Janis Masyk-Jackson. Permission to republish Folsom Zoo In California in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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