The topic of Zoological Societies (zoo) can be controversial and inspire strong sentiments amongst many. For me, they create a very mixed reaction.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to see beautiful creatures and be near them when I might otherwise never have the opportunity. I also welcome the opportunity to learn about animals and I do believe that if humans were not able to see animals up close and personal, they wouldn't care or learn to love these animals that are so worthy of love, admiration, and of saving!
As Steve Irwin once said,
"If we can teach people about wildlife, they will be touched...humans want to save the things they love."
Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary lives up to this philosophy. This small zoo was started in 1963 by Folsom City Parks Superintendent who kept a rescued coyote and and several deer. It's a really cool story which you can read about here.
Today, the Zoo takes in animals that, due to injury or other reasons, cannot be returned to the wild. In February of 2018, my daughter and I decided to spend the gorgeous, sunny day visiting this intimate zoo and it's amazing animal population.
Because of the intimate nature and enclosures that ensure privacy for the animals if they desire it, photography becomes a bit of a challenge. But I had fun capturing the beautiful creatures even if I couldn't always get a full "beauty" shot.
Bobcat!
Golden Eagle!
Puma!
Cougar!
Panther!
Sleeping Bear!
Sleeping Little Bear!! Seriously, this little kitty lives with the bear. He showed up one day and never left so they named him Little Bear!
Deer!
Fuzzy Antlers!
Wolf!
Seriously, the wolves are so awesome to watch.
I have a deer!
Tiger! Be sure to notice that both the Cougar and the Tiger have their tongues out. Just like house kitties!
Turkey Vulture!
Fun Fact: Vultures are bald so the blood and guts can be cleaned off their heads easily after sticking them in carcasses. Not so fun fact: I don't actually know if that's a fact. lol
Be sure to check out the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary if you're in the Sacramento area! The Sacramento Zoo is pretty awesome too.
I don't go to animal parks where the animals are forced to perform and the living situation is not ideal. Zoos are often not up to standard and I think you have to be discerning and make sure to patronize worthy zoos that focus on providing education and the correct living circumstances for the animals in their car. Just my two cents worth.
xoxo
