Back to Fossil Rim...

Fossil Rim is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) through which they join other zoological facilities and conservation organizations (national and international) in working cooperatively with many species. It's located south of Dallas, Texas. The employees we met were dedicated and passionate about their facility. I'd like to publicly thank our tour driver, Tamara, and Kelly, our black rhino and cheetah tour guide, for their hospitality, their knowledge and their patience in answering questions and putting up with us. We have discussed a return trip in the spring to take pictures of the babies. The following pictures were taken by my husband who is a much better photographer than I am, honey, your 50 cents is on the hutch....

Giraffe - Giraffa camelopardalis - Range: North eastern Africa, Somalia and north Kenya; Giraffes are the tallest living land animals, the patterns on a giraffe are unique to each individual, much like that of a human fingerprint. The giraffes were great fun, coming to the tour bus for treats and happily covering everyone with giraffe spit. Their lips are as soft as velvet.

Fallow Deer - Dama dama - Range: Europe, Asia Minor and Iran; The males have branched or palmate antlers (shaped like an open hand), fallow deer have spots and may be white, tan or chocolate brown, they have a prominent Adam's apple that distinguishes them from axis deer when antlers are absent.

Waterbuck occur in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. When exposed to a high level of human activity, they will become almost completely nocturnal, only entering grazing areas after sunset. This is a good example of how man not only affects the habitat of animals, but can also affect their normal behavior on a daily basis.

The color of waterbuck varies from grizzled gray to red-brown. They also possess white ear linings, eyebrows, snout and a white ring on their rump. Only the males have the impressive forward-curving horns

Blackbuck - Antilope cervicapra; Range: India and Pakistan; Adult males are black and white, females and young males are tan, only the male blackbuck have horns. Due to their popularity on hunting ranches, there are more blackbuck in Texas than in their native India although the creation of protected preserves in India has rescued this animal from almost certain extinction. It was comical to see them herding up 'their' females, it must be exhausting. They are constantly watching to make sure none roam or no other males approach their harem during mating season.

This is the female Blackbuck. They have the most beautiful eyes with long lashes.

You should allow four to five hours to drive the park. At the half-way mark, there is a restaurant and gift shop with tables outside overlooking the park. Since I collect teapots, my husband purchased me a zebra teapot and a white Fossil Rim bathrobe made of heavy terrycloth. It's so warm and comfy. I guess he got tired of seeing me in my ratty old one. I have lots more animals to show you, so stay tuned.