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The Folsom
Zoo is part of the City Park on Natoma Street, next to the Community
Center and City Hall. This zoo is a unique facility in that it
houses animals that are native to Northern California and cannot be
released. This zoo is sometimes
called the "Misfit Zoo"; The animals in the zoo were either injured, abandoned in the wild, or were pets that became too unruly for
their owners. After being relocated, these animals were nursed back
to health and acclimated to their new surroundings. Although other
zoos may have larger and more exotic animals than the Folsom Zoo,
none have animals with more personality. Each animal has its own
story, which visitors can learn on their self-guided tour, or
on a guided tour that can be arranged for groups over 15.
Probably the most
popular animals at the Folsom Zoo are the black bears, as well as
the 2 new tigers. Wolves, foxes, coyotes, mountain lions,
feral pigs, a variety of birds, and even tiny squirrel monkeys can
be seen at the zoo. Although these are the types of animals you
would expect to see on a farm, the Folsom Zoo also has a variety of
more common animals such as barbados sheep, pigmy goats, a badger,
raccoons, squirrels, peacocks, and even chickens.
The zoo in undergoing serious renovations as it grows to accommodate
Folsom's growing population.
The Zoo has
classes, activities, story-times, and a "ZooMobile", which
brings animals and teachers to schools as well as private events.
Programs can be directed at different age groups and all stress the
importance of responsible and appropriate behavior toward all
animals. The Folsom Zoo is always looking for volunteers with
a variety of skills. Friends of the Folsom Zoo are members
who pay an annual membership fee, which supports the Zoo and
provides them special benefits. If you are interested in
becoming a Friend or volunteer, contact the Zoo office. The
Zoo gift shop has wonderful animal souvenirs and is a great first or
last stop for visitors.
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