The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary was established in 1963 to provide a safe haven for a bear cub named Smokey, who was orphaned and burned in a forest fire. At that time, the University of California at Davis contacted Folsom Park Superintendent Gordon Brong, seeking a safe home for Smokey. Gordon had already been keeping several deer and a coyote in an area around the park’s office, and visitors would often come to see the animals.

Gordon persuaded the city to provide space, and local service clubs built an enclosure that would allow Smokey to join the other animals. From that time forward, the Folsom Zoo has been a safe haven for many rescued animals.

In 2002, the zoo name was changed to Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary and a mission statement was developed. The new name best described the goal of providing care for animals that are not able to be released back into the wild.

Some of the zoo sanctuary residents were illegal pets. Many have suffered injuries that would make life in the wild impossible, and some were captured as "problem animals." All residents of the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary are treated as individuals by the staff and offered the best environment for their needs.

Mission Statement

The basis of the zoo sanctuary mission statement is "Teaching Responsible Behavior Toward All Animals." Read the full mission statement.

Contact

For general zoo sanctuary information, please call the ticket booth at 916-461-6629 or email zoobooth@folsom.ca.us.

Information about New Exhibits and Buildings

The City of Folsom has a Zoo Sanctuary Master Plan which shows the city's commitment to improving conditions for the animals and the zoo sanctuary visitors.

Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary Master Plan

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