The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary provides a home to a wide variety of avian species, many of which are native to the area. Many of the raptors here were injured and are no longer able to survive on their own in the wild. In addition to native birds like great horned owls and golden eagles, you’ll also meet macaws and Amazon parrots.

The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is home to two North American black bears who were no longer able to live in the wild. Visit Henry and Olive, and learn how to co-exist safely with bears so they can stay wild.

Listen carefully, and you might hear our wolf-hybrids bark and howl in excitement!

Big cats and not-so-big cats can be found at the zoo sanctuary. Look up high and see mountain lions lounging on the catwalk. You’ll also see bobcats Xena and Ophelia alternating between chasing toys and (cat) napping in the sunshine.

Some of the zoo sanctuary’s smallest residents are also our most fascinating! Don’t miss the exhibits housing scorpions, honey bees, and a very fuzzy tarantula named Hermione.

In addition to providing homes for non-releasable native wildlife, the zoo sanctuary also houses a family of domestic hoofstock with some unique personalities. Horses, miniature donkeys, and a Zebu named Ernie call the Barnyard Experience home. The open pastures feature Nigerian dwarf and Nubian goats along with rescued deer Snowberry.

Squirrel monkeys and long-tailed macaques have found their forever home with us at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. Watch crab-eating macaques Wallace and Kayli groom each other while observing zoo sanctuary guests, and the tiny troop of squirrel monkeys forage through enrichment toys for their favorite food treats.

Don’t miss prehensile-tailed skink Solomon’s sweet sleepy face when you first enter the zoo sanctuary! On sunny days desert tortoise Lily is often seen munching on her kabob of veggies and cruising around the grass. Zookeepers also care for other reptile animal ambassadors including a variety of snakes, geckos, and bearded dragon Mushu.

Keep your eyes open for the many non-releasable deer that have found sanctuary with us in our expansive deer exhibit. Along the way you’ll also meet orphaned raccoon Bernie, kinkajous, opossums, and other small mammals.

Purchase Items on Our Wish List

We have an ongoing need for a wide variety of items that are used to provide enrichment for the zoo sanctuary animals. Enrichment items help keep our animals' minds and bodies active and encourage them to use their natural instincts and behaviors. Donations are accepted year-round.

Our Amazon Wish List

Our Enrichment Wish List

Adopt a Zoo Sanctuary Animal

You can become a zoo parent! An honorary adoption makes a wonderful and unique gift for any animal lover, no matter the occasion. Sponsoring a zoo sanctuary resident allows you to become an honorary mom, dad, or maybe a monkey's uncle! Adoption packages are available at the $25, $50, $100, $250, and $500 levels. Animal adoption is a donation that helps with the care and feeding of a special zoo sanctuary resident.

Learn more and complete your animal adoption online