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.
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, 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 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, and if you register before March 1, 2012, you receive a 20 percent discount off of the regular price of camp! 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
Off Season Pricing November - February – $300 per person
Peak Season Pricing March - October – $325 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
Off Season Pricing November - February – $32 per person
Peak Season Pricing March - October – $38 per person
Scheduled Departures
September - June
July and August
Daily: 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
Daily: 10:00 am and 6:00 pm
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.
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.
March
17th • 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.
17th • 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.
Upcoming Photo Workshops
1-Day Photo Workshop April 14, 2012
Join us at Fossil Rim for this exciting and educational photography workshop. Taught by noted outdoor photographers and authors, Brian and Shirley Loflin, this workshop features hands-on instruction in wildlife photography and up close and personal photography within the Center’s 1,700 acre facility.
The workshop will consist of a classroom session which will cover different aspects of wildlife photography, a photo tour conducted during the best light possible, lunch at the Overlook Café, and evaluation of the day’s photos by the instructors.
The photography tour travels nine miles of remote road-ways and is timed to make the best use of the quality light and behavior of 52 species of animals on Fossil Rim’s pastures. The drive is conducted in spacious, open vehicles designed to maximize the experience for wildlife photography. Some of the animals that you may photograph include white rhinoceros, blackbuck, European red deer, water buck, gemsbok, zebra, addax, giraffe, sable, aoudad and greater kudu, just to name a few.
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.
Audience: Adults 21 and up. Length: 8 hours, 9:00am–5:00pm
Cost:$149 per person.
This full day photo workshop is limited to twelve participants.
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.
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!
Mid-Week Discount
Every Tuesday through Thursday
Mid-Week Discount not valid during Spring Break,
Fossil Rim Holidays or with any other discount.
Adults $22.95 per person • Children(3-11) $16.95 per person • Seniors(62+) $19.95 per person
How to Enjoy Your Spring Break Holiday
Spring Break Holiday Pricing in effect March 10-18, 2012.
Spring Break is getting closer; you are looking for ideas for fun, informative things to do with your children. At Fossil Rim we see a lot of you who have made the decision to include us in those plans. Thank you, we are so pleased to have your support and that you have chosen to increase your children’s awareness of our natural world. Here are some ideas to make your visit more enjoyable.
Come early in the day when it is less crowded. Those guests that arrive and are in the admission line BEFORE 8:30am will be given a ticket to redeem for one free bag of feed. No ticket, no free bag of feed. No extra bags may be purchased, one bag per vehicle.
The most important thing to do is to pack your patience. We do have a lot of people visit at this time of year and we want everyone to enjoy themselves. Remember that the cars in front of you all want the same chance to feed the giraffe or look at the zebras as you. When it gets to be your turn remember that there are many people behind you who are waiting to enjoy the same experience you are having. Please be patient and considerate.
Avoid long lines, become a member. You can become one by going here online or look for the membership booth at the front gate.
Check your gas before you get here. We cannot stress this enough... due to our small staff and heavy traffic it may take a while for us to be able to deliver gas. Please also be aware that we charge $6.00 a gallon to do this and that our minimum/maximum for delivery is 2 gallons.
Visit restroom facilities before entering the drive-through. There are restrooms at the front gate (which is also your exit point) and at the Overlook (the halfway point of the drive) but there are no restrooms to be found in the animal pastures.
Allow yourself plenty of time to complete your drive.
Consider taking a guided tour and let us do the driving. Tour times are 8:00am, 10:30am and 2:00pm. All tours leave from the Overlook.
Read all the rules handed out when you enter the drive-through and share them with everyone in your vehicle. If you like, you can download and print them by clicking here. They were originated to keep you and our animals safe. Particularly pay attention to allowing plenty of room between your car and the cattle guards when you stop near them. Some of the animals may not be paying attention to the cattle guards when looking for “handouts” and they may break a leg if they were to slip into the bars.
Giraffe are usually put in their yard around 4:30 to 5:00 pm (depending on the weather).
Stay in your car and stay safe. We don’t want to see any of our guests injured. The safety of our visitors is a great concern here at Fossil Rim.
Vehicle doors must remain closed for your safety. Convertibles with tops down and passengers in pickup beds (with tailgate up) ARE permitted. Pickup passengers CANNOT “change places” (i.e., move from cab to bed or visa versa) once you’re inside the park (you can switch at the Overlook.)
Please show your respect for the animals in our care by only feeding them the food purchased at the front gate. It has been formulated for the optimum health of these animals. Only one bag of food per car is allowed during spring break.
To expedite traffic flow, please make sure that other visitors can get around you when you stop to take photographs or feed the animals.
Please do not take any unauthorized detours from the tour route.
Enjoy the views if you find yourself moving slower than expected.
Please refrain from the temptation to honk at any offending cars. This could frighten some of the animals and possibly cause them to injure themselves.
Consider bringing water for yourselves as it will be a longer time than usual before you get to a place to stop and get something. Snacks for the younger members of your group may be helpful, just please watch that they don’t end up in the mouths of the animals.
Remember that we do have a café with an excellent menu but you are also welcomed to bring your own picnic lunch. There are numerous picnic tables located around the Overlook stop for your use.
If you must exit the park before the end of your tour – notify someone at the Nature Store or Children’s Animal Center or look for one of our helpful parking attendants. They can assist you in exiting at the halfway point. There are no other places to exit besides the front gate and Overlook.
We would like to request that parents monitor their children when in the Nature Store or the Children’s Animal Center. Please do not take feed into the Children’s Animal Center as this may cause the animals to become aggressive. Also be mindful that when the animals walk away they have probably had enough attention and would like to be left alone.
Remember that mid-week discount is not in effect during month of March.
There will be no entry into the drive-through after the posted closing time of 5:30. ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS! Again, this is for your safety. It would not be a safe or fun experience for you to be driving through the park after dark.
Be sure to watch the weather and determine your comfort level regarding the temperature, rain, etc. The animals are usually out and about, we just want you to be happy with your window down if that is your preference.
While this may seem like a lot of rules and regulations to you, our experience has shown that consideration of the above will greatly enhance the quality of your visit. We want your experience to be enjoyable. Your cooperation will be appreciated by all involved.
Click here
Join us at Fossil Rim for this exciting and educational photography workshop. Taught by noted outdoor photographers and authors, Brian and Shirley Loflin, this workshop features hands-on instruction in wildlife photography and up close and personal photography within the Center’s 1,700 acre facility.
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.
Spring Break is getting closer; you are looking for ideas for fun, informative things to do with your children. At Fossil Rim we see a lot of you who have made the decision to include us in those plans. Thank you, we are so pleased to have your support and that you have chosen to increase your children’s awareness of our natural world. Here are some ideas to make your visit more enjoyable.
