What is That Smell?
by Mary Jo Stearns

You will probably smell our new residents at the Children’s Animal Center before you see them. And once you see them, you may wonder exactly what it is that you are seeing and smelling. What appear to be giant red foxes, are actually maned wolves, an endangered species that is native to the South American countries of Brazil, Bolivia and Argentina. Chrysocyon brachyurus is neither a wolf nor a fox, but an animal so unique that it has been given a genus of its own. Continued

Notes from the Field: Return of the Rhino Dance to Way Kambas A collaborative agreement between Way Kambas village and the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary
Submitted by Robin W. Radcliffe, DVM, DACZM Rhino Conservation Medicine Program, IRF, FRWC, CUCVM

Sponsored by the International Rhino Foundation - Rhino Conservation Medicine Program and the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary

Need: No dance materials remain in the Way Kambas village. The previous musical instruments and tiger costume were on loan from Java. The only items remaining are the two rhino dance costumes owned by the SRS. With no musical instruments or dance costumes, the routine celebrations that were once commonplace in the Way Kambas region are now gone. In addition to a loss for its conservation value, the loss also represents a significant pauperization of local tradition and culture. Continued

Rainy Day Observations

This year’s rain storms have left most of Texas a little soggy, but it didn’t seem to stop the animals from having fun and carrying on as usual. You can see from these pictures that a little rain is no reason to do anything but rejoice if you are an animal (and aren’t we all?). We have observed much running and prancing as a result of the ‘cooler’ temperatures and the great feeling that only a refreshing shower can bring. Please take a moment to share our “rainy day observations”.

New lower prices!

A great offer just got even better! The Education Department has lowered some of its prices for its education programs. This new pricing reflects an even bigger bargain for families, groups, and members. The Encounter Series, a family program offered once a month, which was previously $25 for two people, has been reduced in price to $10 per person. Discovery after Dark, also offered once a month, now includes admission to Fossil Rim’s scenic drive-through – so you can enjoy the animals during the day and the evening – all for the price of one $45 tour! This reduced pricing is also great news for members, who also enjoy a 10% discount on all educational programs and tours. For more information on scheduled education programs and new prices, check our events calendar.

Group discounts now available!
Not only have we lowered the cost of our regularly scheduled education programs, but we are offering many of these same programs at discounts of up to 35% to groups of 12 or more wanting to schedule for Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday. To find out prices and availability, please call 254-897-2960 ext. 207. For descriptions and information about the wide variety of education programs that we offer for families, visitors, and groups, see our new web page.

Don’t Forget Your Summer Souvenirs!

Visit our Nature Store and discover some great finds for your special young friends. Pictured are just a few of our many varied offerings. Check out the kits that will let you make molds depicting an entire giraffe family or pour and paint your own animal-themed magnets with the Safari Paint and Mold kit. Continued

Members Corner

Hello to all Members!
We hope that you’ve had a great summer and hope that you’ve had the chance to make many visits to Fossil Rim – and that you will take the opportunity for final August visit (or two) before your family heads back into fall work and school schedules. Fossil Rim is absolutely beautiful in August with all of the green and vibrant colors of our foliage (after the rain)! The animals have multiplied and you can expect to see lots of moms, dads and babies in every species. Continued

Special Offer!

For Fossil Rim Members Only, get 10% off a one-day admission to the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco. See details and get coupon