Zoos

Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary

Name: Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary
Address: 403 Stafford St, Folsom, CA 95630, Folsom, CA, US
Telephone: (916) 461-6629
Rating: 4.5

★★★★☆ 4.5 (2393 reviews)

📍 403 Stafford St, Folsom, CA 95630

📞 (916) 461-6629

🌐 www.folsom.ca.us/government/parks-recreation/facilities/zoo-sanctuary

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	10 AM–4 PM
Friday	10 AM–4 PM
Saturday	10 AM–4 PM
Sunday	10 AM–4 PM

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About Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary

Compact zoo with an educational focus. Quaint zoo with an educational bent providing sanctuary to varied animals, from monkeys to tigers. Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is a unique facility where animals reside voluntarily due to their inability to thrive in natural habitats, distinguishing it from conventional zoos where animals are confined. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,393 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Zoo
Best For: All ages, especially families with younger children
Highlights: Bears, wolves, bobcats, tigers, mountain lions, Starlight Express train, educational animal stories
Admission: Free under 2 years, $10 ages 2+
Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 10 am-4 pm (last admission 3:30 pm)

💡 Did You Know?

⭐Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary is a unique facility where animals reside voluntarily due to their inability to thrive in natural habitats, distinguishing it from conventional zoos where animals are confined
⭐The zoo houses an unusually diverse collection including big cats (tigers, cougars, bobcats, sand cats), canids (wolves, wolfdogs), bears, primates, and birds across a compact footprint, with detailed educational stories displayed below each exhibit
⭐The Starlight Express train ride is integrated into the zoo experience with affordable pricing, allowing visitors to view illuminated displays and additional animal habitats during special nighttime events
⭐Wild Nights and Holiday Lights is a seasonal nighttime event held on weekend nights that features illuminated displays throughout the zoo and requires online advance ticket purchase, specifically designed to showcase nocturnal animals

💬 What Visitors Say

🕐Visit during cooler times of day (morning or fall/winter) to see more active animals. During hot weather, animals rest in the back of enclosures, so patience is needed. Plan for 2+ hours to fully explore and wait for animal sightings.
💬Arrive by 3:00 PM since last admission is 3:30 PM. The zoo closes at 4 PM and is only open Thursday-Sunday, 10 AM-4 PM. Plan accordingly to avoid rushed visits.
💡Read the educational stories posted below each animal enclosure to learn why each animal lives at the sanctuary. This transforms the experience from simple viewing into understanding each animal's unique rescue history and intelligence.
💬At just $10 per person (children under 2 free), this is extremely affordable. Bundle the experience by riding the Starlight Express train and ending at the adjacent playground to create a full day of activities in one visit.
💡The paths are steep with benches throughout. The zoo is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible with ramps everywhere. Plan rest stops and know the exit leads directly to a playground, so save that for after exploring the sanctuary.