Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

What Fossil Rim Wildlife Center does

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) wildlife conservation organization founded in 1984 and headquartered on a 1,800-acre preserve in Glen Rose, Texas. It operates as the first facility of its kind accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is also ZAA-accredited, housing 1,100+ animals across 50+ species, with a programmatic emphasis on captive breeding and reintroduction of endangered and threatened species. Its core operations include semi-free-ranging wildlife management, veterinary care (field darting, immobilization, GPS/radio telemetry tracking, cooperative conditioning training), and participation in Species Survival Plans with partners such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi, and the International Rhino Foundation.

The organization monetizes its preserve through a diversified set of revenue streams: day-trip self-drive admission tickets, guided Safari Tours, exclusive overnight accommodation at The Lodge (capacity up to 16 guests) with private group and corporate retreat bookings, retail at the Nature Store, food and beverage at The Overlook Cafe, and subscription-style individual, family, and corporate memberships. Educational programming is delivered through Texas T.W.A.N.G. (Teaching What Affects Nature Globally) curriculum-aligned experiences and is supplemented by Twilight evening programs, the Dream Day community event, and a volunteer program. It also coordinates international wildlife transport and release operations, notably supplying 18 scimitar-horned oryx for reintroduction to Chad in 2016 and contributing over 6,000 Attwater's prairie chicken chicks released since 1992.

In April 2026, Charles Curnow was named Executive Director, succeeding Dan Simon, while Adam Eyres was elected to the Sahara Conservation Board and Dr. Julie Swenson was elected 2026 AAZV President. The organization recently merged its Education and Tours departments into a new Environmental Engagement Department, is preparing to reopen Safari Camp luxury tent accommodation, and continues to pursue conservation breeding, ecotourism, and policy-advising workstreams supported by a mobile app, multi-channel content marketing, and a 51-100 employee base.

Name

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

Legal name

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Inc.

Website

https://fossilrim.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) wildlife sanctuary on 1,800 acres in Glen Rose, Texas, operating AZA-accredited captive breeding and reintroduction programs for 50+ endangered species while generating revenue through ecotourism, lodging, educational programming, memberships, and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Conservation and Ecotourism

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife Sanctuaries & Rescue Centers (Visitor Operations) (THAAAFAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB), Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release Centers (Public Viewing/Education) (THAAAFAC), Wildlife Interpretation & Education Centers (Visitor Centers, Museums) (THAAAFAG), Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation (BPAGAGAA), Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens (Educational Collections) (THAJADAL)

Keywords

• Wildlife conservation
• Captive breeding programs
• Ecotourism experiences
• Environmental education
• Endangered species recovery

Headquarters

HQ city

Glen Rose

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Admission Tickets: Day trip visitors purchase tickets for self-drive tours and guided safari experiences through the wildlife preserve.
2. Lodging: Overnight accommodation at The Lodge with capacity for up to 16 guests, offering private group stays with bed-and-breakfast experience.
3. Donations and Memberships: Tax-deductible donations and membership programs supporting conservation operations. Individual, family, and corporate membership tiers available.
4. Retail and Food Service: Nature Store merchandise and The Overlook Cafe food and beverage sales to visitors.
5. Educational Programs: Texas T.W.A.N.G. programs offering environmental education experiences for students, scouts, families, and groups with immersive curriculum-based learning.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center operates a 1,800-acre wildlife preserve in Glen Rose, Texas, offering self-drive scenic tours, guided Safari Tours, overnight Lodge accommodations, on-site dining, and nature-themed retail. The center runs active conservation breeding programs for 50+ endangered and threatened species including rhinos, cheetahs, Attwater's prairie chickens, and Saharan antelope, and delivers immersive environmental education through its Texas T.W.A.N.G. programs. The organization is funded through admission tickets, memberships, donations, retail sales, and grants.

Product overview

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) wildlife conservation organization operating as a single unified offering centered on its 1,800-acre wildlife preserve in Glen Rose, Texas. The company provides an integrated portfolio of conservation-focused visitor experiences including self-guided scenic drives through the preserve, guided Safari Tours, overnight accommodations at The Lodge, on-site dining at The Overlook Cafe, and nature-themed retail at the Nature Store. Educational programming is delivered through the Texas T.W.A.N.G. Environmental Engagement programs combining interactive curriculum with immersive on-site instruction, while specialized offerings include Twilight evening programs, Private Group Stays & Events, and a Mobile App with location-based scavenger hunts. The organization maintains active Conservation Breeding Programs for over 1,100 animals across 50+ endangered and threatened species, supplemented by species-specific initiatives like the Attwater's Prairie Chicken conservation program. The Lodge offers exclusive four-room accommodation for up to 16 guests, while Safari Camp provides luxury safari tent experiences. Community engagement programs include the annual Dream Day for children in need and a structured Volunteer Program with diverse participation opportunities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Scenic Drive / Self-Drive Tour A self-guided 1,800-acre scenic drive through the wildlife preserve where visitors observe free-roaming endangered and threatened species in their habitats; open during park operating hours.
• Guided Safari Tours Guided experiences aboard safari vehicles led by knowledgeable Fossil Rim guides, offering up-close views of the preserve beyond the self-drive experience; can include Behind-the-Scenes Tours.
• The Lodge An exclusive overnight accommodation on the wildlife preserve offering all four guest rooms and shared common spaces with capacity for up to 16 overnight guests, providing a private bed-and-breakfast experience within the working wildlife preserve.
• Private Group Stays and Events Full Lodge rentals for exclusive wildlife experiences including corporate retreats, family reunions, milestone birthdays, anniversary celebrations, bachelorette parties, and holiday gatherings.
• The Overlook Cafe On-site dining facility at the Overlook area open to visitors, offering food and beverage service within the park's general operating hours.
• Nature Store Retail gift shop at the Animal Discoveries area offering nature-themed merchandise, toys, clothing, and souvenirs.
• Texas T.W.A.N.G. Environmental Engagement Programs Teaching What Affects Nature Globally - interactive educational programs combining the Education and Tours departments, offering immersive curriculum experiences for students, scouts, and families with up to 48 hours of on-site instruction.
• Animal Discoveries Interactive discovery stations and hands-on animal encounters where guests can learn about and engage with wildlife conservation.
• Twilight T.W.A.N.G. Programs Limited evening programs offering unique opportunities to experience wildlife during twilight hours, with four brand-new experiences tailored to specific interests.
• Fossil Rim Mobile App Mobile application available in Apple App Store and Google Play Store featuring an in-app scavenger hunt at the Overlook using location coordinates and clues, plus visitor information.
• Safari Camp Luxury safari tent accommodation experience on the preserve where guests can take in scenery and surrounding habitat from the deck of a safari tent.
• Conservation Breeding Programs Captive breeding programs for endangered and threatened species including Attwater's Prairie Chicken, black-footed cats, scimitar-horned oryx, addax, dama gazelle, rhinos, and Texas horned lizards, covering over 1,100 animals across 50+ species.
• Dream Day Program Annual holiday event welcoming children experiencing medical or emotional challenges or difficult circumstances as VIP guests, with private wildlife tours, animal encounters, festive lunch with Santa, and personalized gift bags.
• Volunteer Program Volunteer opportunities including Guest & Education Experience (greeting visitors, discovery stations), Tours & Events (safari tour drivers, special events), and Nature & Environment (nature explorations, trail maintenance).

Quantifiable outcome

• Successfully contributed to scimitar-horned oryx reclassification from 'extinct in the wild' to 'endangered' status in 2023
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Tarleton State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013MOU signed in 2013 for collaboration in wildlife and range/habitat research, student training, marketing, communications, business management, and horticulture. Includes hosting TSU Zoo and Exotics Club and 10-15 day field camps.
• Sahara ConservationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2009Active partner since 2009, deploying veterinary staff and hoofstock team to support release and transport of antelope across North Africa. Fossil Rim's Director of Animal Care, Adam Eyres, was elected to Sahara Conservation's Board of Directors in 2026.
• Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFossil Rim was the first facility of its kind to receive AZA accreditation, requiring rigorous application and on-site inspection. AZA-accredited institutions maintain professional staff and meaningful wildlife collections, united by commitment to conservation and scientifically grounded education.
• Zoological Association of America (ZAA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFossil Rim is a ZAA accredited institution. ZAA is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to responsible wildlife management, conservation, education, and advocacy with over 950 members and 75 accredited facilities.
• Conservation Centers for Species Survival (C2S2)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFossil Rim serves as both member and home base for C2S2, a coalition of large conservation facilities dedicated to cooperative research and species survival, particularly those requiring expansive habitats and minimal public disturbance.
• International Rhino Foundation (IRF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIRF was founded in 1989 with support from Fossil Rim's late owner Jim Jackson. IRF is involved in both in-situ and captive conservation programs with focus on all five rhino species.
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFossil Rim participates in USFWS recovery programs for Attwater's prairie chicken, red wolf, Mexican gray wolf, and Texas Horned Lizard. Birds raised at Fossil Rim are released into USFWS Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge.
• Glen Rose Independent School DistrictminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOU with Glen Rose High School to teach students about sustainability and encourage green practices. Fossil Rim serves as access point for students to learn about nature and wildlife careers.
• Texas Children in Nature NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFossil Rim is part of the Founders' Circle for TCiNN, working to connect kids with land and wildlife and provide equitable access to outdoors across Texas.
• Texan by NatureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFossil Rim participates in Texan by Nature initiatives uniting conservation and business leaders for Texas prosperity through natural resource conservation.
• Texas-New Mexico PowerminorOthersTexas-New Mexico Power helped Fossil Rim build new concrete walkways at the Overlook, replacing dirt and gravel paths and improving accessibility.
• San Diego Zoo Wildlife AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on peninsular pronghorn reintroduction in Mexico. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance partially funded radio collars and coordinates the Peninsular Pronghorn Recovery Project since 2004.
• Environment Agency—Abu DhabicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for transport and release of endangered antelope including scimitar-horned oryx, addax, and dama gazelle. EA-AD manages holding facilities and coordinates international releases to Chad.
• Chaco Center for Conservation and ResearchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFossil Rim personnel participated in tapir research and collaring project in Paraguay, contributing veterinary expertise and field experience to study team.
• Giraffe Conservation FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFossil Rim participates in GCF's World Giraffe Day to raise funds and awareness for giraffe conservation.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Operated by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, this 1,800+ acre open-range facility is the closest functional analog to Fossil Rim: large-acreage semi-free-ranging habitats, conservation breeding of endangered species (including addax and scimitar-horned oryx), and AZA accreditation with public safari visitation. Fossil Rim already partners with SDZWA on peninsular pronghorn recovery.
• The Wilds (Columbus Zoo): A 10,000-acre conservation center in Ohio operated by the Columbus Zoo, focused on large-hoofstock breeding, reintroduction programs, and conservation science. Shares the large-acreage, breeding-and-release model, AZA accreditation, and species-survival-plan collaboration that define Fossil Rim's operations.
• White Oak Conservation: A private conservation center in Florida operated by the Howard Gilman Foundation, focused on breeding and reintroduction of endangered species including rhinoceros, okapi, and bongo. Highly comparable as a captive-breeding and reintroduction specialist serving AZA Species Survival Plans.
• San Antonio Zoo: A large AZA-accredited zoo in Texas with active conservation breeding programs and the Center for Conservation and Research. Overlaps with Fossil Rim in accreditation status, Texas market, conservation mission, and educational programming for schools and families.
• Dallas Zoo: Major AZA-accredited Texas zoo with a strong conservation footprint; notably the previous employer of incoming Executive Director Charles Curnow. Comparable in mission, accreditation tier, and Texas regional visitor market.
• Houston Zoo: One of the largest AZA-accredited zoos in Texas, operating extensive conservation programs in Texas and globally, with significant education and visitor services infrastructure. Peer in scale, accreditation, and conservation programming.
• Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium: Nationally regarded AZA-accredited zoo in Omaha, Nebraska, known for large-scale conservation, breeding, and exhibit innovation. Comparable in scientific depth, AZA standing, and integrated zoo+conservation model.
• Sedgwick County Zoo: A mid-sized AZA-accredited zoo in Kansas known for significant conservation breeding and reintroduction work (including for Species Survival Plans). Comparable in scale, accreditation tier, and education/conservation mission orientation.

Broad incumbents

• Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute: A flagship AZA zoo paired with a dedicated conservation biology research institute operating global species recovery and reintroduction programs. Broader institutional scope and scale, but directly comparable on the conservation breeding, training, and SSP participation axes.
• Wildlife Conservation Society (Bronx Zoo): Operator of the Bronx Zoo and global field conservation programs across more than 60 countries. Comparable on AZA accreditation, global conservation footprint, and species survival plan participation, though substantially larger in scale and operating breadth.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/FossilRim

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fossil Rim Wildlife Center