Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary in Folsom, California, is home to a variety of wild animals rescued from bad situations. This includes some big predators like mountains lions, deer, and bears. But along with these sanctuary residents, there are also some animals who come to visit, including a pack of feral cats. And one cat in particular has made herself at home in the sactuary.
This cat has taken up residence in one of the bears’ enclosures!
Senior lead zookeeper Jill Faust explained what happened when the cat first started appearing.
“Every morning, we scatter dog food for the bears, and [the cat] started coming in the exhibit and eating the dog food,” Faust told Inside Edition. “Once we realized she was coming in here on a regular basis, we started putting food out for her in the morning as well.”
Zoo visitors are often shocked to see Little Bear, as the cat has been named, roaming around the black bear enclosure. But zoo officials say Little Bear doesn’t just like hanging out in the exhibit— she comes to visit her best friend Sequoia!
Essentially Little Bear and Sequoia are both older animals who have a few common interests.
Mainly, they love the shade and each other’s company.
“Sequoia is an older, 550-pound black bear who suffers from arthritis. “He’s slowed down quite a bit,” Jill said. “I think that’s why the cat feels comfortable around him.”
In a public statement (courtesy of ABC News), the zoo said:
“Often when Sequoia takes a hike through the ‘bear forest’ his cat friend walks with him. She rubs against walls and visitors can hear her raspy purr from quite a distance.”
Lead zookeeper Jill Faust said, “Sequoia walks right be her, she’ll walk right by Sequoia. And they’ll stay, you know, pretty close to each other.”
The zoo posted a video where they explain, “Many visitors have pointed out over the years that there is a feral cat in the Black Bear exhibit with Tahoe and Sequoia. Little Bear […] stops daily to visit and then moves along his day.”
In the video, you see her enjoying the sun while Sequoia munches on some fresh grass.
Little Bear and Sequoia seem like total opposites, but the aging animals have formed a years-long bond that is unlikely to ever be broken.
Despite their differences, they’ve learned to get along, and they are a reminder to never judge a book by its cover— cause you never know when you’ll have the chance to meet an amazing friend.
Little Bear and Sequoia are an adorable pair, and we’re so glad they’re spending their golden years together.
Check out their story below!
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