Fossil Rim Wildlife Park

Glen Rose, Texas

Weather: low 40 degrees, high 44 degrees, cloudy, sprinkles, windy


Our plan today was to go to the Fossil Rim Wildlife Park, located just east of Glen Rose. As usual, it was left up to me to organize things and attempt (attempt, that's the key word) to get everyone lined up and ready to go at the appointed time. Well, folks, have you ever tried to herd a bunch of cats? I think herding cats may have been easier than what I went through today, getting everyone out the door and down to the lobby so we could leave at a decent time. Finally, we left at about 1000 hours (that's not too early, is it?) and drove to the park.


Fossil Rim Wildlife Park is located about four miles west of Glen Rose, and is composed of 1700 acres with more than 1100 animals. Most of the animals range freely over land that is a near approximation of their natural habitats. Some of the species we saw are extinct or nearly extinct in the wild, while some of the others have dwindling populations. The park is dedicated to preserving and growing the populations of the species they own, and is cooperating with several organizations toward those goals.


After paying our admission, we drove into the park. The format is based on people driving their cars along designated roads while viewing the animals. Animal feed is provided for a price that can be given to the animals as they come up to the car. Sometimes, the animals stick their heads into the cars, looking for hand outs.

People take pictures and feed the animals along the route, but are cautioned to stay inside their vehicles. Does that mean you can't stick your head up through the sun roof?



Some of the animals are isolated from the others for obvious reasons. This cheetah wouldn't look at me when I took his picture.



Following is a selection of pictures I took of different animals in the park.

Axis Deer


Dama Gazelle


Fallow Deer


Sable Antelope


There were many other species of animals, and I won't bore everyone by putting them all in this post. I will say that we had a good time touring the park, and what they are trying to do as far as preserving the species is a worthwhile effort. If any of you are ever in the Glen Rose area, this would be a good place to visit. The young people really appreciate it.

Snow flurries are expected here overnight. It would be great if we got enough to stick to the ground.

This is the last day of 2009. There is supposed to be a blue moon tonight, which means that there will have been two full moons in the month of December. Remember the old expression about "Once in a blue moon"? That means it seldom happens, and we won't have this occurrence again until 2028.

Happy New Year.

More later, be safe.

Today's Town - Glen Rose, Texas: 2004 American Dream Town Winner

Not all who wander are lost.