Since 1963, the small Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary has been home to some very special animals. All the animals are non-releasable, according to zoo officials.

Many were raised, and rejected, as wild pets. Others were injured or orphaned in the wild. Most are native to North America. All have names and personalities, and their individual stories are posted at the exhibits, along with factual, up-to-date information about their species. The distinctive educational focus of the zoo promotes responsible and appropriate behavior toward all animals. The zoo teaches about common and uncommon animals, both wild and domestic, and includes those in between, like feral pigs and wolf-dog hybrids. Zoo programs stress that wild animals don’t make good pets.

This is not a “mainstream” zoo, according to officials. Rather, it is a sanctuary in management and philosophy, except that it is open to the public, for a fee, six days a week. Animals live out their lives here.

“Our primary goal is teaching responsible behavior toward all animals,”?the zoo’s website states. “The zoo/sanctuary is not American Zoo and Aquarium accredited because the AZA code of ethics is not in keeping with our own (we don't breed, sell or trade animals). The zoo is never troubled by animal rights people because we have a mission statement and supporting principles that ensures animals always come first, and are treated as individuals. Actually, we are the champion and darling of some animal rights folks. This zoo features temporary public service informational exhibits.”

The black bears work in conjunction with The National Park Service (out of Yosemite) to test prototype “bear-proof” food containers for backcountry use. They have sent numerous designs back to the drawing board. The bears also have had design input on “bear-proof” food lockers and trash receptacles. Their work helps the zoo and the National Park Service keep wild bears in the wild.

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BEST FAMILY ACTIVITY

Winner: Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary

Address: 403 Stafford St., Folsom

Phone: (916) 351-3527

Online: folsom.ca.us and click on “zoo”