Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary
A compassionate sanctuary for rescued animals, offering educational insights and a peaceful park setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A compassionate sanctuary for rescued animals, offering educational insights and a peaceful park setting.
"This sanctuary is my preferred destination, and I highly recommend it to anyone who has not yet had the opportunity to experience it."
🐾 Respect the Sanctuary
Remember this is a sanctuary for animals unable to thrive in the wild. Observe quietly and respect their space.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a good amount of walking to see all the animals.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Animal Stories & Sanctuary Mission
Animal enclosures
Discover the unique histories of rescued animals, understanding why they call this sanctuary home. It's more than a zoo; it's a haven.
Leopold the Serval
Serval enclosure
Witness Leopold, a serval, enjoying enrichment activities funded by the Friends of the Folsom Zoo. See how donations directly impact animal welfare.
Folsom Valley Railway
Adjacent to the zoo
Enjoy a charming train ride around the park for an affordable price, offering a different perspective of the area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Hours & Tickets
+1Accessibility & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Respect the Sanctuary
Remember this is a sanctuary for animals unable to thrive in the wild. Observe quietly and respect their space.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a good amount of walking to see all the animals.
📸 Patience for Photos
Animals may be resting or at the back of enclosures, especially when it's warm. Be patient for the perfect shot.
🚂 Train Ride Fun
Don't miss the affordable train ride adjacent to the zoo for a fun family experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Respect the Sanctuary
Remember this is a sanctuary for animals unable to thrive in the wild. Observe quietly and respect their space.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a good amount of walking to see all the animals.
📸 Patience for Photos
Animals may be resting or at the back of enclosures, especially when it's warm. Be patient for the perfect shot.
🚂 Train Ride Fun
Don't miss the affordable train ride adjacent to the zoo for a fun family experience.
💡 Learn Animal Stories
Read the detailed histories of each animal; it adds so much to the visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary for its educational focus, the well-cared-for animals, and the friendly, knowledgeable staff. Many appreciate the sanctuary's mission and the detailed stories of each animal. The accessibility and affordability also stand out as major positives. Some visitors note that animals can be elusive, especially during warmer weather, requiring patience to spot them.
"Its a beautiful small zoo neiboring Folsom's City Lions Park and the Library.
Ample parking, wheelchair friendly, restrooms, water fountains. Great staff.
There is a small train outside with affordable pricing.
No pets allowed except for service animals.
Open at 10 am closes at 4 pm Thursdays to Sundays.
Last admisdion at 3:30 pm
Under 2 years is free.
Above is $10."
Waleed Darwish (Wally Jo)
"I extended an invitation to another couple, my best friend and her husband, to celebrate my birthday with my husband and me on Halloween. I have a particular fondness for wolves and ravens, and I have previously visited this sanctuary on several occasions. It is important to note that this sanctuary differs significantly from conventional zoos. The animals housed here are not merely confined; rather, they reside voluntarily due to their inability to thrive in their natural habitats for various reasons. Each animal's unique history is thoughtfully presented below their enclosure for visitors to learn about as they observe them. The animals at this sanctuary are remarkably intelligent and responsive to human interaction, often engaging in reciprocal communication. This sanctuary is my preferred destination, and I highly recommend it to anyone who has not yet had the opportunity to experience it. I am personally grateful for the chance to visit, as each experience offers a distinct and enriching perspective.
CLynn"
Carey Reynolds
"Amazing little zoo. The animals are well cared for and the docent was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. I love seeing all bear, sand cat and mountain lion. You do need to have patience to wait around and look for the animals as they can be resting all the way at the back when it’s hot. But incredibly worth the experience for just $10. Definitely will revisit"
That Yadi Linn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is located at 403 Stafford Street in Folsom, CA, within Folsom City Lions Park. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available.
Information on public transportation routes to the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary can be found on local transit authority websites. It's often convenient to drive due to its park location.
There is ample parking available at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is very wheelchair friendly with ramps throughout the grounds, making it easy to navigate with strollers or for those with mobility needs.
No pets are allowed at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, with the exception of service animals.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The zoo is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last admission is at 3:30 p.m.
Admission is $7 per person. Children under 2 years old are free.
Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. For special events like Wild Nights & Holiday Lights, it's recommended to check the Friends of the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary website for advance ticket purchases.
While specific coupons aren't widely advertised, the admission price is considered affordable by visitors. Keep an eye on local event listings for potential promotions.
The last admission to the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is at 3:30 p.m., with the grounds closing at 4 p.m.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including monkeys, tigers, bears, sand cats, mountain lions, wolves, and ravens, among others. The sanctuary focuses on animals that cannot thrive in the wild.
Yes, there is a small train ride adjacent to the zoo, known as the Folsom Valley Railway, which is very affordable and a popular attraction for families.
Many visitors spend a good two hours exploring the sanctuary, taking time to read about the animals and enjoy the exhibits.
Yes, the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary provides restrooms and water fountains for visitor convenience.
The sanctuary's mission is to provide a safe haven for animals that cannot survive in their natural habitats, offering them care and a chance to live out their lives.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting for photography. Be patient, as animals may be resting or not immediately visible.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of posted signs and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals.
You can capture images of various animals, their habitats, and the educational signage. Keep an eye out for unique moments like squirrels zipping by!
Yes, the Folsom Valley Railway is a picturesque subject, and photos are welcome.
You can find many Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary photos on Instagram and TikTok by searching relevant hashtags or by looking at posts from the official zoo accounts and local visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The sanctuary's wheelchair-friendly paths make it easy to navigate with strollers, and the educational animal stories are engaging for young minds. ❤️ Animal Lovers & Advocates
♿ Visitors with Mobility Needs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sanctuary's Unique Approach
Visitors often highlight the educational value of these detailed narratives, which go beyond simple identification. It's an opportunity to learn about the challenges these animals face and the dedication of the sanctuary staff. The emphasis is on welfare and providing a safe, enriching environment, making it a place for learning and empathy.
This commitment to animal welfare is supported by donations, such as those from the Friends of Folsom Zoo, which fund enrichment activities designed to stimulate the animals mentally and physically. Seeing these activities, like Leopold the serval with a moving platform, demonstrates the sanctuary's dedication to the well-being of its residents.
Family Fun and Accessibility
+1Accessibility is a major plus, with the entire sanctuary being wheelchair-friendly and featuring ramps throughout. This ensures that families with strollers or members with mobility challenges can comfortably explore all areas.
Beyond the animals, the sanctuary is located within Folsom City Lions Park, offering additional space for recreation. Special events, like World Animal Day celebrations, further enhance the family experience with kid-friendly activities and animal encounters.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit