Come When It’s Cool and
Save on Our Crack O’ Dawn Tour
Starting Memorial Day Weekend (including Monday the 28th), our "Crack O’ Dawn" Tour will be offered every Saturday and Sunday until (and including) Labor Day Weekend! Costing only $29.00 per person, this tour is a savings of almost 25% off the regular tour price.
Get an early start to your day while it’s cool and see the animals when they are the most active. This two-hour tour will leave the Overlook in an open-air vehicle. Price includes one cup of feed. Reservations are strongly recommended and seating is limited. Check-in at the Overlook is 7:30am, so please don’t be late, next tour doesn’t leave till 10:00am (a regular tour that leaves from the front gate and if space is available, you’ll pay full tour price). Suitable for all ages! Recommended for those of you with vehicles who’s rear windows do not roll down, allowing everyone to feed the animals. Weekend Crack O’ Dawn tours end September 3rd.
Detail Recap:
Every Saturday and Sunday starting May 26th thru September 2nd, including Monday, May 28th and Monday, September 3rd.
Reservations – not required, but are strongly recommended
Free cup of feed
Suitable for all ages
Check in at 7:30 am
Tour leaves promptly at 8:00am
Late arrivals are not accepted
Doesn’t include Scenic Drive Pass
Leave from the Overlook, NOT Main Gate
The Crack O’ Dawn Tour costs $29.00 per person. Need more information? Click here for our printable/downloadable flyer.
Call 254.897.2960 if you would like to make reservations.
Overlook address: 1789 County Road 2009, Glen Rose, TX 76043.
Animal Spotlight
Click on a photo link above to see the video.
Sable Antelope
Sable Herd Welcomes Newborn Calf
Please welcome Fossil Rim’s first sable calf of the year. This cutie was born March 7th to a practiced mom. Sable antelope are native to Africa, and Fossil Rim has held a herd for over 25 years. Sable are one of Fossil Rim’s focus species for our long term investigation of the captive management of large herds, a multifaceted study of herd management, including behavior, herd health, effects of vasectomized male, and concentrated calving interval. Several years ago management changes were implemented to improve demographics, optimize use of pasture and resources, while continuing to maintain good genetic diversity through strategic bull rotation and holding back female offspring based on population modeling studies. One of the questions we are trying to answer through a collaborative behavioral study with Texas A&M, is whether maintaining multiple generations of antelope together may produce a more behaviorally resilient animal, one that is able to cope well with changes such as moving to different facilities or one day becoming a herd bull. You can see in this video, that the offspring from last year are very curious about this new calf, perhaps they are gaining experiences that will be important years from now.
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is one of the key institutions working with United Stated Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in keeping this species from extinction. The captive breeding and rearing of chicks is a critical component and we’ve been producing Attwater’s Prairie Chicken chicks since this programs inception in 1992. To date, over 1000 of our chicks have gone to the release sites. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center produces two-thirds of the total population annually and is a significant contributor to the release of Attwater’s Prairie Chickens back into the wilds of Texas.
Attwater’s Prairie Chicken Festival
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Service is hold this year’s Attwater’s Prairie Chicken Festival, April 14–15, at the refuge located in Eagle Lake, Texas. Click here to view their brochure.
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, the 42 year old mom, 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.”
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.
May
19th • 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.
19th • 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.
19th–20th • 2012 Women’s UFO Symposium – Held at the Somervell County Expo Center. Click here to find out more.
26th • Tuley Roping – Held at the Somervell County Expo Center. Click here to find out more.
June
7th–9th • All Around Ranch Rodeo – Held at the Somervell County Expo Center. Click here to find out more.
16th • 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.
16th • 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.
30th • Texas Bash W-W Derby – Held at the Somervell County Expo Center. Click here to find out more.
Did You See Dr. Condy on “60 Minutes”?
From the CBS “60 Minutes” Web Site
Originally aired January 29, 2012. “Some exotic animal species that are endangered in Africa are thriving on ranches in Texas, where a limited number are hunted for a high price. Ranchers say they need the income to care for the rest of the herd. Animal rights activists want the hunting to end.”
“Animal rights activists have brought about bureaucratic interventions to bring the hunting to an end. What now for three elegant North African antelope species – scimitar horned oryx extinct in the wild, addax and Dama or Addra gazelle almost extinct in the wild – that have thrived on TX ranches because they had a commercial value through hunting? The Exotic Wildlife Association predicts they will now disappear from TX ranches in the next 10-15 years, bringing about the severe depletion of the last large resource of these species on earth.”
Watch this episode as Fossil Rim Wildlife Center weighs in on how the Texas ranchers are helping some species that are extinct in the wild remain on the planet and how some are trying to stop them. Dr. Pat Condy, Fossil Rim’s Executive Director, was interviewed as a top conservationist stating that no one wins when these types of constraints are imposed on those helping sustain species.
Summer Camps – 2012!
Looking for something fun and WILD to do this summer? Come to summer camp at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center! This year, our Education staff is offering two AWESOME summer camp themes: “Wild at Work” & “It Matters to Me”. If you want to learn about some of the fun jobs that people have at wildlife facilities such as Fossil Rim, then “Wild at Work” is for you. Come learn what it takes to be a vet, how to make animal enrichment items, explore our park and interact with our animals! “It Matters to Me” asks: Why does conservation matter? And to what creatures does it matter? Does it matter to you? This camp teaches stewardship as an active lifestyle. View/download the 2012 Summer Camps flyer by clicking here.
Register now as space is limited! For reservations or further questions call 254.897.2960 or email.
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
Peak Season Pricing March - October – $325 per person
Off Season Pricing November - February – $300 per person
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
Peak Season Pricing March - October – $38 per person
Off Season Pricing November - February – $32 per person
Scheduled Departures
September - June*
July and August
Daily: 10:00am and 2:00pm.
Daily: 10:00am and 6:00pm.
*During Spring Break
March 10th–25th, 2012
Daily: 10:30am and 2:00pm. Leaves from the Overlook
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.
Upcoming Photo Workshop
2-Day Photo Workshop May 19–20, 2012
Join us at Fossil Rim for this exciting and educational two-day photography workshop. Taught by noted outdoor photographers, writers and instructors, Brian and Shirley Loflin, this workshop features hands-on instruction in wildlife photography, up close and personal photography within the Center’s 1,700 acre facility and a group review of participants’ images.
The workshop will consist of the following:
3–4 hour classroom session which will cover different aspects of wildlife photography
a tour conducted during dusk for the best light possible
dinner at the Safari Camp Pavilion
evaluation of the day’s photos by the instructor
an overnight stay in a tented cabin at Fossil Rim’s Foothills Safari Camp
breakfast at Safari Camp
a tour conducted during dawn for the best light possible
a sack lunch.
There are 52 species of animals on Fossil Rim’s 1,700 acre pastures. Some of the animals that you may photograph include white rhinoceros, blackbuck, European red deer, gemsbok, zebras, addax, waterbuck, giraffe, sable, aoudad and greater kudu, just to name a few.
Imagine your view on the hillside overlooking one of the popular watering holes from the comfort of your camp. The photography workshop is based at Foothills Safari Camp, a comfortable African-style tent camp with extreme comfort and amenities. Each Tent Cabin is custom designed and fitted with two twin beds, fresh linens, a private bath, ceiling fans and central heat & air.
You can relax on your own small patio, stroll over to the guest pavilion, gather at the bar (located in the Lodge) or trade the day’s stories while observing the animals as they go about their daily activities. You may want to bring a flashlight for evening activities!
The educational sessions and meals are held at the spacious Safari Camp Pavilion, just a few steps from your lodging. Air conditioned comfort and a great view of an ever changing variety of animals complete the wildlife sensation.
The photography tour travels the nine miles of remote roadways and are timed to make the best use of the quality light and animal behavior. The drive is conducted in open vehicles. These are designed to maximize the experience and are spacious and most comfortable shooting platforms.
Workshop participants are encouraged to bring their favorite SLR camera, a zoom lens or two that reaches out to 200 or 300 mm. Longer lenses are not needed. A small tripod or monopod has been found helpful to previous photographers. Don’t forget to bring clothing suited to the current outdoor weather.
Cost:$450 per person.
Single participants will share a tent with other single participants since the Safari tents each have 2 twin beds. Workshop is limited to 12 participants.
Click here
Join us at Fossil Rim for this exciting and educational two-day photography workshop. Taught by noted outdoor photographers, writers and instructors, Brian and Shirley Loflin, this workshop features hands-on instruction in wildlife photography, up close and personal photography within the Center’s 1,700 acre facility and a group review of participants’ images.
The educational sessions and meals are held at the spacious Safari Camp Pavilion, just a few steps from your lodging. Air conditioned comfort and a great view of an ever changing variety of animals complete the wildlife sensation.
