(FOLSOM, CA.) — Supporters of the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary urged city leaders to recognize the facility's educational, environmental and community value during a July 14 City Council meeting, citing attendance, volunteer contributions, and the sanctuary's role in caring for rescued wildlife as officials continue discussing its future.
Several residents spoke during public comment, arguing the zoo is more than a tourist attraction and serves as an important wildlife sanctuary, educational resource, and community asset.
One speaker told council members the sanctuary welcomes approximately 175,000 visitors annually. The speaker also said more than 400 volunteers contribute roughly 28,000 hours each year, estimating the value of those volunteer efforts at nearly $1 million annually.
Information later provided by the City of Folsom, however, shows lower attendance and volunteer figures.
(Credit: Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, zoospedia.com.)
According to city officials, the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary receives more than 115,000 visitors annually. The city said attendance figures are publicly available and will be included in an upcoming Parks and Recreation annual report summarizing attendance at city parks, recreation facilities, programs, events and zoo activities.
The city also reported the sanctuary currently has 484 active volunteers who contribute approximately 16,000 hours each year, representing an estimated value of more than $670,000 annually.
Supporters said many of the sanctuary's animal residents cannot survive in the wild because they were injured, orphaned or permanently imprinted on humans, making the facility an important refuge for wildlife that cannot be released.
Several speakers also highlighted the sanctuary's educational mission, saying thousands of schoolchildren visit each year to learn about California wildlife and conservation.
City budget documents also show the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary remains a significant investment for the city. The adopted FY 2026-27 budget includes approximately $2.75 million in General Fund spending for zoo operations, up from the FY 2025-26 mid-year budget of approximately $2.57 million. The city also maintains a separate Zoo Special Revenue Fund projected to receive $34,000 in revenue and spend $150,000 during the fiscal year.
While one speaker estimated the sanctuary generates approximately $1.2 million annually through admissions, memberships, gift shop sales and other sources, the city did not verify that figure in its response to OpGov.News. The adopted budget provides the zoo's operating budget but does not include a separate breakdown of zoo-generated revenue.
The public comments came as city officials continue evaluating long-term options for the zoo sanctuary, including future investments and operational planning. No council action was taken on Tuesday because the comments occurred during the public comment portion of the meeting.
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