Fossil Rim Wildlife Center — Zoo in Glen Rose

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and its collection

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, opened in 1984, is a zoo in Glen Rose, United States.

The centre covers 1,800 acres of Texas Hill Country, with guided and self-drive tours, lodging, dining and education facilities.

History

The site started as an exotic herding ranch, bought in 1973 by the Texas oil businessman Tom Mantzel, who renamed it Fossil Rim Wildlife Ranch and at first used it as a weekend retreat before it became his full-time work. Mantzel began breeding endangered animals in 1982, starting with Grévy's zebras.

Animals and collection

Over 1,000 animals are held across 50 species, 22 of them vulnerable or endangered.

Conservation and approach

The stated mission covers species conservation through research, resource management, professional training and public education.

What the venue says

• Gosdin Scenic Drive
• The Overlook Café sits approximately halfway through the drive, offering a variety of grill items, sandwiches (such as Philly cheesesteaks, wraps, and burgers), snacks, and drinks with expansive hill country views.
• On-site parking is available for personal vehicles. Note that trailers and riding in the open beds of pickup trucks are restricted.
• The facility accommodates guests with accessibility needs; visitors requiring specific ADA accommodations or traveling with service animals are encouraged to contact them directly ahead of time.