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Welcome to

Friends of the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary

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Welcome, Matilda!

In March, the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary welcomed Herbie, a Black Bear in need of a home after the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) stepped in due to the closure of a Northern California wildlife facility. When we learned that Herbie had been living with another bear, we advocated to keep the pair together. Sadly, at the time, the facility declined to allow her to be placed with Herbie.

But now—we’re thrilled to share that circumstances have changed! Herbie’s longtime companion, a beautiful female Eurasian Brown Bear, has joined him here at the zoo sanctuary.

To mark this heartwarming reunion, we invited the community to help name her through a special fundraising vote. Thanks to your incredible support, the votes are in—and her name is Matilda!

Funds raised during the naming contest will directly support the care of both bears.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated and helped write this new chapter for Matilda and Herbie. Your compassion truly makes a difference.

Welcome home, Matilda! 

Eurasian bear

Quarterly Newsletter!

The Friends of the Folsom Zoo have launched Tracks and Tales, our new quarterly newsletter! Stay informed about the impactful work of the Friends, updates on our resident animals, and the dedicated volunteers who keep them happy while educating and entertaining our visitors. The newsletter will be emailed to members and donors, ensuring they stay connected with our mission. Here is a PDF of the latest edition.

Help I Found a Wild Animal!

Have you found an animal that has obvious injuries or is in immediate peril? Do not give any food or water as this can be harmful to the animal. Keep warm, dark and quiet and away from other animals and people. Transfer to your nearest rehab facility as soon as possible. Click the following link for a list of organizations that specialize in rehab of found wildlife - Wildlife Contact List

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The Animals would love to see you.
Come visit us!

The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is located at 403 Stafford Street, Folsom, California, in the heart of the City of Folsom. Operating since 1963, the zoo has been the home to hundreds of animals from squirrels and deer to bobcats and bears.

Each year the zoo welcomes over 100,000 visitors in a simple and unassuming park like environment. With close to 100 animals and adjacent to Lions Park (featuring tables, BBQ’s and children’s play areas) and the Folsom Valley (mini-scale) Railway, not to mention City Hall, Dan Russell Arena, and the Folsom City Library, we know you and your family will enjoy your visit.

Leopold

News

Coloring Contest Winners 2024

It was our great pleasure to showcase the winners of our 2024 coloring contest featuring Bingo and Rocky, our blue and gold macaws! We received many submissions and the judges ...

Come see some of our newer residents!

Omar is the father of three sand cats at the zoo sanctuary -- Tracy, Tina, and Sally. All three are off living on their own now, and Omar gets to ...

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 ...