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Fossil Rim Bids Farewell to a Beloved Resident

Magnum’s most outstanding quality was a 90” horn spread that immediately attracted everyone’s attention. This figure is just 2” short of the world record for his species. Horns of this size are quite heavy and put extra stress on the front legs generally causing a shortened life span. With an original estimated life expectancy of 20 years and taking 2 years off for those massive horns, no one expected Magnum to live past 18 years of age.

He came to Fossil Rim in August of 1993 on loan from Larry Smith II of Glen Rose. At that time he was 13 years old and the animal care staff never expected him to survive more than a couple of years. He lived with the bison most of his time here, but as he got older he couldn't compete with them for food so we gave him his own pasture. Larry and Adam Eyres, our Supervisor of Hoofstock, spoke often about him. Larry would come visit Magnum at least once a month just to see how he was doing.

Magnum spent the last few weeks of his life in a lush pasture of his own with his food and water delivered right to his favorite spot. Magnum enjoyed good health to the end and passed away peacefully.
We will all miss him greatly.