Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary

06/06/2026

Happy National Black Bear Day!

The zoo sanctuary is home to three black bears, Olive, Henry, and Herbie. They each have their own unique stories, and every day they help us educate guests about the important role black bears play in healthy ecosystems, how we can help keep black bears wild, and how we can live comfortably alongside them in bear country.

We hope to see you today and tomorrow as we celebrate black bears! Our Black Bear Awareness event is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be educational activities, fun enrichment, and various zookeeper chats throughout the day. See you soon!

06/05/2026

Someone didn't secure their food properly ... Or maybe it's just Henry enjoying some enrichment!

🐻 Want to learn more about our black bears, watch them receive fun enrichment, and find out how to be bear safe when you're out camping or hiking? Visit us this weekend, June 6 and 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for our Black Bear Awareness event!

06/05/2026

She may not be a black bear, but Matilda is a great ambassador for all bears!

Matilda wants you to know that it isn't just food that you should store away when you're out camping or hiking. It's soaps, deodorants, and even toothpaste, too! Bears only know that it smells good, and they'll do their best to get a taste of it (including pulling your car door off, rummaging in your tent, or maybe diving face-first into a tub of soap).

06/03/2026

A black bear's nose is incredibly powerful, they can even smell food from miles away!

Bear-safe canisters and proper food storage, like the one Herbie is licking, are so important when camping or hiking. Keeping food secure helps protect both people and wildlife by preventing bears from associating humans with easy meals.

06/02/2026

Olive reminds us that the best way to care for wildlife is to respect them from a distance and reach out to the correct organizations. She was brought to the zoo sanctuary after an individual took her in and attempted to rehabilitate her themselves. She now has a forever home here where she lives with Henry the black bear.

If you encounter an injured, orphaned, or sick-looking bear:
🐻 Keep your distance
🐻 Do not feed or handle the animal
🐻 Keep pets and people away
🐻 Contact your local wildlife authorities or licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.

06/01/2026

Black Bear Awareness Weekend is coming up June 6 and 7! 🐻

Meet Herbie, reminding us that bears are curious, intelligent, and always on the lookout for food (especially at picnic time). Help keep wildlife wild by securing food and giving bears space. Visit us this weekend to learn even more about being bear safe in bear country. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

05/29/2026

This is Barry. He’s handsome, he knows it, and he’s not taking questions. 💅

05/27/2026

Her royal highness, Princess Buttercup, has arrived for her daily basking session. 👑

05/25/2026

We think Herbie's face says it all. 😄

As silly as the photo is, it’s also a great learning moment! Herbie is a black bear, and Matilda is a brown bear. This side-by-side gives a fun glimpse at how different they really are.

One of the lesser-known identifiers is their shape. Brown bears (like Matilda) have a noticeable shoulder hump made of strong muscles they use for digging, while black bears (like Herbie) have a more streamlined back without that hump. Brown bears also tend to have a more dished (sloped) face, while black bears have a straighter profile.

05/23/2026

Thank you beary much to the Friends of the Folsom Zoo! ❤️🐻

Our beary best friends! 🐻

Did you know the Friends funded a good portion of Herbie and Matilda’s reunion? With your donations, we were able to assist in covering the costs of transportation and veterinary intake exams!

The warm weather has this pair as active as ever. Come visit and see them in person!