Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Glen Rose, TX

Glen Rose, Texas is a small town with plenty of adventure for visitors. One option for guests of Glen Rose is to attend the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. The facility was built in 1984 to protect the wildlife of Texas and the world. In fact it is an endangered species research and conservation facility. They have over 1,000 animals from more than 50 species. The park is set up for visitors to drive through the park. It is possible to feed the animals from the cars, as one drives along.

The park center also has picnic areas for any family or visitor who wishes to get out of the car. The picnic area is secured from the animals allowing guests to eat in peace. Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is set on 1,700 acres. The land used for the center was originally Waterfall Ranch. When it was a ranch the owners had 1,400 acres for wild game. For a quarter of a century the ranch was open, but in the 80's the owners began to protect endangered species. Their preservation efforts included Grevy's Zebra, Cheetah, African Addax, and African Scimitar- Horned Oryx.

The ranch was heading towards an end until the idea for a wildlife protection center was hatched. Now the center is a place for conservation efforts and education. It is considered one of the more progressive places. The tour at Fossil Rim is 9.5 miles long for driving. It is a nice half hour ride around the park. If it is not too busy visitors are encouraged to stop along the way, remain in their cars, and just watch the animals. The animals can be fed, but precaution is needed to avoid issues.

Fossil Rim as an active participant in conservation has helped raise several species of animals. In 1986 their first litter of cheetahs were born, and in 2002 20 percent of North American cheetahs were born at Fossil Rim. The Haas Family Cheetah Center at the park houses 30 cheetahs at any given time.

Fossil Rim is about more than just the animals. They also ensure the land is protected and the plants. Fossil Rim is part of the Species Survival Plans which means they take care of 14 endangered or threatened animals. Along with the breeding program for cheetahs, the center has bred Southern African black and white rhinos, Mexican gray wolves, red wolves, Attwater's Prairie chickens, and Brazilian maned wolves.

Fossil Rim offers guided tours that must be booked at least three days in advance. The tour price will include the price of admission. The tour takes groups like school children around in a vehicle. There is a host or hostess who will discuss the animals the entire tour, as well as their efforts to protect the various species. Hours of operation are between 8:30am and 5:30pm during the entire year. For any visitor who wants to feed the animals it is $7.95 per bag, and only one bag per car is allowed. Admission into the park is $9.95 to $15.95 depending on age and season.