60 Years

It has been 60 years since the humble beginnings of the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary began in 1963 when a small bear became the first official resident. Gordon Brong, Folsom Park Superintendent, was contacted by the University of California at Davis Veterinary Department who were seeking a safe home for a cub that have been orphaned and burned in a forest fire. Gordon managed to persuade the city to provide space and local service clubs build an enclosure where “Smokey”, the bear, joined the other animals to create what would be the Folsom Zoo.