Rescued-animal zoo sanctuary

Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary

About 3.96 miles from the historical Hampton Station context · separate city attraction

Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary cares for rescued animals in a city park setting about 3.96 miles from the historical Hampton Station context.

The place

About Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary

Folsom's animal facility began in 1963 with Smokey, an orphaned bear cub, and developed around care for animals that could not be released to the wild. It adopted the Zoo Sanctuary name in 2002 to emphasize lifetime care, education and responsible behavior rather than a conventional breeding collection.

The official city page lists Thursday-Sunday hours of 9 a.m.-3 p.m. from May 1 through September 30, with last admission at 2:30, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. from October 1 through April 30, with last admission at 3:30. Holiday, special-event, weather and air-quality changes can override those seasonal hours.

Admission is $10 for visitors age two and older; children under two are free. Tickets are available online or at the gate, and the city lists free adjacent parking. Do not transfer P&SVRR tickets, parking or status to this independent attraction.

Pets and emotional-support animals are not admitted; genuine ADA service animals are allowed. The official zoo page does not publish a complete accessible-route, surface, restroom or exhibit inventory, so contact staff when a specific feature determines the visit. The adjacent Folsom Valley Railway is a separate miniature-train operator with its own $5 fare, weather dependence and ticketing; it is not Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad and is not included in zoo admission.

What stands out

Meet rescued animals

The sanctuary centers animals that cannot return to the wild and uses their stories for education.

Trace the sanctuary's 1963 beginning

Smokey the orphaned bear cub anchors the city facility's origin story.

Learn responsible wildlife behavior

Interpretation connects animal care with visitor choices and community stewardship.

Keep the two railways distinct

The adjacent Folsom Valley Railway is a separate miniature ride, not P&SVRR and not part of zoo admission.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad trip

The sanctuary ranks second as the broader family stop. It is slightly closer than the Powerhouse to the historical Hampton context, but the Powerhouse ranks first for the stronger rail-era infrastructure link. The zoo and adjacent Folsom Valley Railway remain independent from P&SVRR and from each other for tickets, hours and operations.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Seasonal hoursMay-September Thursday-Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m., last admission 2:30; October-April Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., last admission 3:30.
  • Admission$10 for age two and older; under two free. Buy online or at the gate and verify any special-event changes.
  • ParkingThe city lists free adjacent parking; current accessible-space and complete route details are not published.
  • Weather and air qualityConditions can shorten hours or close the sanctuary. Check the city update before traveling.
  • AnimalsNo pets or emotional-support animals; genuine ADA service animals are allowed.
  • AccessibilityA complete feature-level accessible route is unpublished. Contact the zoo about surfaces, restroom access and individual viewing areas.
  • Separate miniature railwayFolsom Valley Railway is not P&SVRR, costs $5 separately and is weather-dependent; zoo admission does not include it.

Continue into electric-power history

Add Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park

Add the preserved 1895 powerhouse when its separate visitor-center and main-building hours fit the day.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

When is Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary open?

It is normally Thursday-Sunday, 9-3 May through September and 10-4 October through April, with last admission 30 minutes before close. Recheck special and weather changes.

How much is admission?

$10 for age two and older; children under two are free. Tickets are sold online and at the gate.

Is parking free?

The city lists free parking adjacent to the zoo. Contact staff if accessible-space location or the parking-to-gate route matters.

Can the zoo close for weather?

Yes. Weather and air quality can change hours or close the sanctuary, so check the official city page before travel.

Can I bring a pet?

No pets or emotional-support animals are admitted. Genuine ADA service animals are allowed.

Is the sanctuary wheelchair-accessible?

The city does not publish a complete feature-level accessible-route inventory. Contact the zoo about the exact surface, restroom or viewing need.

Is the Folsom Valley Railway part of P&SVRR?

No. It is a separate miniature railway adjacent to the zoo, with separate $5 tickets and weather-dependent operations.

When did the sanctuary begin?

The city facility began in 1963 with Smokey, an orphaned bear cub, and adopted the Zoo Sanctuary name in 2002.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-17. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.