Issue: Spring 2026

A very belated Happy New Year to our Friends! Your board has been hard at work fundraising for much needed improvements and partnering with Zoo Sanctuary staff and consultants on the Zoo Sanctuary business development plan, which is why we've been out of touch until now.

Thanks to the Individuals

We want to thank everyone who donated on Giving Tuesday and during the end of the year, raising nearly $28,500 for a new veterinary building on Zoo Sanctuary property to replace the old trailer built in the 1960's. With these funds, and generous gifts from anonymous donors, we have raised $158,628, enough to purchase and install the building this year!

Additionally, we raised $1,650 from sales of the holiday trees decorated during the Wild Nights & Holiday Lights event. (Maybe you want to decorate a tree next year.)

Thanks to the Businesses

The Friends are extremely grateful when local businesses partner with us to benefit the animals. We hope you will thank them the next time you patronize their businesses. (Email info@folsomzoofriends.org if your business wants to partner with the Friends.)

Red Bus Brewery

During the holidays last year, we partnered with Brian Wallace, who designed four original works of art of our animals, and Erik Schmid, owner of Red Bus Brewing Company, on the Wild Ones beer 4-pack. This special offering raised more than $6,000! Thanks to Brian, Erik, and everyone who purchased the beer. 

Ben & Jerry's

Amy and Justin Pierce, owners of the Sutter Street Ben & Jerry's adopted mini Zebu Ernie mid-year 2025, and then went above and beyond. What does that mean? Every Tuesday, 10% of their profits are donated to the Friends for Ernie's care, in addition to any animal in need. Last year's donation totaled almost $800. They're continuing the promotion indefinitely, so stop by any Tuesday for a treat for you, and a treat for the animals.

See the upcoming activities section below for information on Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day this Tuesday.

Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day - Tuesday, April 14, noon - 8 p.m.

Every year, Ben & Jerry's celebrates Free Cone Day at Scoop Shops around the globe, sharing the love with FREE cups and cones of your favorite Ben & Jerry's flavors. It's their way of saying THANK YOU for being the best fans ever. There's no catch and no fine print — just visit the Sutter Street Scoop Shop on April 14 and grab a free scoop of your favorite flavor. Each scoop shop choses a nonprofit organization to support during the day. The Sutter Street Scoop Shop chose the Friends of the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary! Friends board members and Zoo Sanctuary docents will be on hand scooping, and sharing information about the animals. You might even meet an animal or two! If you wish, you can easily donate to the Friends during the day with cash, checks, or Venmo. Visit the Ben & Jerry's Facebook page for more information.

Big DOG - Big Day of Giving - May 7

As mentioned previously, the Zoo Sanctuary needs a new facility for the veterinary treatment of our animal residents because the existing trailer is inadequate and in poor condition. While the amount raised so far will cover the building and infrastructure costs, there is still a need for funding to purchase durable medical equipment that will enhance the ability to perform necessary examinations and treatments on site. Examples of these items include surgical lights, mobile x-ray generator, table, and software, veterinary exam and grooming table (with plumbing), computer and workstation, plus upgraded server for connectivity, and a worktable, scrub sink, shelving, and rolling stools.

Your donations on May 7, the regional Big Day of Giving, will help the veterinary building become fully functional and available to assist in the care of our precious residents. You can donate via the Big DOG website, the Friends website, or even via check. Just let us know that you want your donation attributed to the Big DOG event.

Keep an eye out for more information on Big DOG, including donation links, in the weeks to come.

Meet Link and Zel, two charismatic two-year-old red fox brothers who joined the sanctuary in June 2024 from Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue. Because red foxes are a non-native species, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife classifies them as non-releasable—making our sanctuary a permanent home where they can thrive.

Link and Zel were part of a litter of four orphaned kits discovered in Livermore, California, after their mother was found deceased. All four were taken in by Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue, where they received critical early care. As they grew, Link and Zel showed greater comfort around people and were selected to transition to a sanctuary setting. Their more reserved sisters remain at the rescue.

When the brothers first arrived, they were believed to be a male-female pair and were named Link and Zelda by their keeper, inspired by the beloved video game series. However, during their first onsite veterinary exam, “Zelda” revealed a surprise—he was, in fact, male! The name was updated to Zel, and the brothers’ story gained an extra layer of charm.

Personality-wise, the two couldn’t be more different. Link is the outgoing explorer—curious about his keepers and visitors. Zel, on the other hand, is more cautious and observant, taking his time to build trust. Both foxes actively participate in positive reinforcement training, engaging in cooperative care behaviors like stepping onto a scale or entering a crate voluntarily. These practices not only strengthen their confidence but also help minimize stress during routine health checks.

As omnivores, Link and Zel enjoy a varied diet. While they naturally favor protein-rich foods, they’re also big fans of blueberries and carrots—though they’ve made their opinion on summer squash very clear: absolutely not!

We’re honored to provide Link and Zel with a safe, enriching home where their unique personalities can shine.