Meet Ursula!

Newest White Rhino Calf Born to Oldest Female on Record

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center welcomes the newest addition to their white rhino herd–a female calf whose mother is the oldest white rhino ever to calve in the US.

Edith was brought to Fossil Rim in 2008 to ‘retire’ with the herd and did not expect her to breed, much less produce a calf. But, after a 16 month gestation period she gave birth to a very healthy calf on October 27th, 2011 and is doing a fabulous job of raising her.

She is an experienced mom, having had 13 calves prior to this one. She’s traveled extensively as well, spending time in Ohio, Florida and Texas. This new calf will automatically become part of the Species Survival Plan for white rhinos and will help her wild cousins by producing more rhinos and being an ambassador for the public to see and learn about. We will keep her at the barn during the colder weather over the next couple of months, but look for her on display when the weather warms up.

From the International Rhino Foundation Web Site

“During the nineteenth century, southern white rhinos were decimated by poaching and habitat destruction in South Africa. By the turn of the twentieth century, there were fewer than 200 animals left. But, thanks to the dedicated efforts of conservationists, researchers and concerned individuals (especially in South Africa), southern white rhinos were protected and have recovered to about 18,000 individuals. They are now the most abundant rhino species in the world – their population is more than all the other individuals of all the other species of rhinos put together! – and they range throughout South Africa.”

Please read more about all five rhino species at the International Rhino Foundation web site.

Proud Parents!

A new baby giraffe was recently born here at Fossil Rim, to ‘Kathy’ a 24 year old Reticulated giraffe. This is her 6th calf. Father is ‘Emba’ a 16 year old Rothschild giraffe, who has sired 3 other calves at Fossil Rim. Calves are born between 5′ and 6′ tall and between 100 and 150 pounds, and this new one is somewhere in the middle. As long as the weather is agreeable and the mother healthy, we allow our expectant females to give birth where they please (as you can see in the video) in the 260 acre pasture, which is usually in a secluded, treed area, away from the rest of the herd.

Like deer and many antelope species, mother giraffes will ‘tuck’ their babies for the first couple of weeks in order to draw less attention from predators, so our new addition may or may not be visible to our guests, depending on the day. The rest of the giraffe herd has met the baby and all are getting along well. Mother and calf are healthy and after a 15 month gestation in Texas’ hottest summer, mom is certainly enjoying the cooler weather!

Although plentiful in captivity, both Rothschilds and Reticulated giraffes are endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and hunting, so Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is excited to welcome another giraffe ambassador, to show our guests why these are species worth saving!

Come On Along For The Ride!

For information, availability and/or to make reservations please call 254.897.2960.

You came... you saw... you drove. Want to see Fossil Rim from a whole new perspective? Let us show you around... take a tour! We have several to choose from, exclusive access to family fun, and a few things in-between.

Adventure Tour

Our Adventure Tour is as about as exclusive as you can get. One tour guide, one jeep and 1,700 acres for you to explore. You get to go places no other tour goes and meet the people behind our animal's care. This is our longest tour, plus you get lunch at the Pavilion within Foothills Safari Camp. And don't forget the bragging rights... you went on an ADVENTURE!

Pricing

Family Tour

Do you want to feed the animals and your family's heads? Try a guided Family Tour. You and your family will be whisked around the park in an open-air vehicle, by a trained tour guide that can tell you about every animal in the park... even the natives! So instead of being the "chauffeur" for your family's visit, join them in the back. We'll even let you ask a question or two... instead of having to try to answer them.

Pricing

But wait, there's more! We have a Behind the Scenes Tour that takes you to the Intensive Management Area (off-limits to the Scenic Drive guests) to see animals that require limited public interaction. Then there's the Feeding Tour, Photography Tours and even School/Youth/Senior Group Tours. So wherever your interests lie, we have a tour that can make everyone happy.

Click here to learn more about all of our guided tours.
Click here for pricing information on all of our tours.

Local Events

Looking to coordinate your trip to Fossil Rim with some other events? Almost every weekend the Glen Rose area has some event scheduled, and they're usually free! Below are some of the events scheduled in our area over the next couple of months. Please check the venue's web site or call their phone number if listed, for more information. All times and dates are subject to change without notice.

January

26th–29th • Jurassic Classic Barrel Race – Held at the Somervell County Expo Center. Click here to find out more.

February

2nd–3rd • Old Time Tractor Show – Held at the Somervell County Expo Center. Click here to find out more.

10th–18th • Bonanza Cutting – Held at the Somervell County Expo Center. Click here to find out more.

18th • Glen Rose Meander – Take to the country to explore, browse, shop and indulge. The Glen Rose Meander offers art studios, herb and flower farms, gardens, crafts and jewelry. For more information call 254.897.3081. Click here to see the flyer.

18th • Girls’ Night Out – Shop on the Historic Courthouse Square in Glen Rose. Shops will be open late with refreshments, specials and entertainment. Third Saturday of every month from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.

24th–26th • Tuley Truck Roping – Held at the Somervell County Expo Center. Click here to find out more.

Fossil Rim Gift Cards

Looking for that gift for friends or family that are hard to shop for? Or maybe you’re looking for that unique gift that will get you “thank-you’s” all year long. We suggest you get them a Fossil Rim Gift Card. These cards can be used to purchase anything at Fossil Rim. Tours, Scenic Drive admission, gifts at our Nature Store, Summer Camp for your children or grandchildren and even a stay at our award winning Lodge or Safari Camp!

By giving a Fossil Rim Gift Card, you will be giving a one-of-a-kind experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives. Not only that, but you will be contributing to the care of endangered species that we are striving to save for future generations to enjoy!

For more information, send us an e-mail*, or to order call, 254.897.2960 today.

*As a reminder, please DO NOT send your credit card number by e-mail, just a contact phone number or any other questions.

Save Some Money with our Mid-Week Discount!

We’re giving you discount admission Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, enjoy an exotic adventure with Scenic Drive admissions at a discount. Does not include feed and is not valid during Spring Break, Fossil Rim Holidays or with any other discount.

Fossil Rim is more than a drive thru zoo; your visit helps support our conservation and research programs around the world. The animals are waiting... bring your family... your experience starts here!

Click here to see our other discounts.