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Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary facts for kids

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Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary
Folsom Zoo May 16 2010 001.JPG
Sign at the entrance to the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary
Date opened 1963
Location Folsom, California, United States
Coordinates 38°40′55″N 121°09′54″W / 38.682°N 121.165°W / 38.682; -121.165
No. of animals ~100

The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is a unique place in Folsom, California, United States. It opened in 1963. This facility is different from many traditional zoos. It acts more like an animal sanctuary.

The zoo takes in animals that cannot go back to the wild. These animals get special care here. Visitors can still come and see the animals. However, the zoo does not breed, sell, or trade its animals. The Friends of the Folsom Zoo is a non-profit group. They help the zoo with money and volunteers.

The History of Folsom's Animal Sanctuary

How the Folsom Zoo Began

The Folsom Zoo took in its first animal in 1963. The University of California at Davis Veterinary Department had an orphaned bear cub. They asked the Folsom Park superintendent to care for it. He already had a few animals near his office. A cage was built for the bear, named Smokey. With Smokey joining, the Folsom Zoo officially started.

Why the Name Changed to Sanctuary

In 2002, the zoo's name changed. It became the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. This new name better describes its main goal. The zoo focuses on caring for animals that cannot survive on their own in the wild.

These animals often come from private owners. Sometimes, they are wild animals with injuries. These injuries prevent them from being released. Other times, wild animals are brought in because they have had too much contact with people. Once an animal arrives at the sanctuary, it usually stays there for life. The staff provides care for them until they pass away naturally.

Meet the Animals at Folsom Zoo Sanctuary

What Kinds of Animals Live Here?

Many animals at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary are native to North America. However, some come from other parts of the world. The sanctuary is home to many different species.

You can see bears and mountain lions. There are also smaller wild animals like bobcats, foxes, raccoons, and skunks. The zoo also cares for wolves and wolf hybrids. Other residents include coyotes, sheep, and mule deer.

Exotic Animals and Their Stories

The sanctuary also provides a home for some exotic animals. These include macaques and squirrel monkeys. You can also find various birds like eagles, parrots, and ravens.

In 2004, the zoo welcomed two tigers. These tigers came from a facility in Riverside County, California. The facility had many animals living in poor conditions. The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary stepped in to give these tigers a safe and caring home.

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