FAQS
GOSDIN SCENIC DRIVE
Do you take credit cards?
How long does the Gosdin Scenic Drive take?
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not permitted on the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center premises, including emotional support animals. Pets are also not allowed to be left in a parked vehicle in our parking lot. However, there are some vets in Glen Rose who can board your pet: Dr. Mike Jones – (254) 897-4339 / Dr. Rocky Terry – (254) 897-7846.
Only ADA service animals are permitted. For more information, see www.ada.gov.
Is there a place where we can eat a picnic lunch?
Can we drive through the park in a convertible with the top down?
Can we ride in the bed of a pickup truck?
Yes, you can. One adult must ride in the back with children, plus the tailgate must be up. Everyone must remain seated in the bed.
Is there anything there to entertain the children besides the animals?
At the Overlook, which is free to visit, our Overlook Café sells some tasty menu items, plus we have a wide variety of toys in our Nature Store. At the nearby Children’s Animal Center, they can brush our goats, check out some exotic birds and see our tortoises, among other animals. There is also a nature trail accessible from the Overlook area.
Are there coupons or discounts available?
Yes, we do offer discounts, but only one discount is allowed at a time. To find out more, click here.
Are the animals out? Are they out in the rain (sleet, snow, etc.)? What time of day are the animals out?
Our animals live on approximately 1,800 acres that is divided into different pastures. On our Gosdin Scenic Drive, you wind through four of these pastures where the majority of our animals live. The animals really do not mind the weather, as they are built to live in the elements. Early morning or evening will provide the best opportunities to see more animals. In the summer, the morning is ideal because of the lowest-possible temperature. In the winter, time of day is not as significant of a factor. Please be advised that the only animals ever put up in barns are giraffes and rhinos – only when the temperature is cold enough to be uncomfortable for them. The other animals stay outside at all times, although the carnivores are able to go inside their shelters if they want to.
Can we pet the zebras, cheetahs, giraffes, etc.?
The animals that live at Fossil Rim are wild animals and petting them is NEVER a good idea, plus it is not permitted. To get better pictures or closer looks at them, you may purchase food to drop on the ground and lure them closer to your vehicle. If you want to pet an animal, it is okay to pet the goats that live at the Children's Animal Center.
We came when it was hot and didn’t see any animals, so can we get our money back?
We do not give refunds, but do suggest that you take your time and keep looking under the trees and into the woods as you drive. Especially if it is hot, the animals may be seeking shade. After all, they wear their fur coats year-round. Many staff members would agree the ideal time to visit is early in the morning during April, May, October, or November.
Can we bring our own animal food?
My child is allergic to peanuts. Are there any peanut products in the animal food?
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Can you take in animals that are injured, abandoned, etc.?
Can your vet staff give me medical advice regarding injured animals?
Who do I contact to request donations?
GUIDED TOURS
We have booked a tour and wonder what you do if we get there and a heavy rain starts? Do you refund our money or delay the tour?
We ask that you make the decision the day before based on the weather forecast as to whether you want to take a chance or reschedule your tour. If you decided to chance it, we do have a top on the touring vehicles and ponchos for sale. If it is storming with lightning and dangerous, we will not go out and any money paid for the tour will be refunded.
What is the largest-sized bus your tour route can accommodate?
Is there enough animal activity in late February to warrant a photography session visit?
Yes, animal activity is good year-round, especially when it is cooler. You can either book a private tour that is good for photography or check out one of our scheduled photo tour opportunities on our website. You are welcome to photograph from inside your own vehicle while taking the Gosdin Scenic Drive, but you must stay inside at all times with the doors closed for safety. Also, please pull to the right side of the road to allow other cars to pass.
We are on the way and will be a few minutes late; will they hold the Front Gate open for us?
Do you have group rates available?
We do offer group rates on the tours if you have at least 10 people in your group. In this case, you qualify and must make a reservation to capitalize on the discounted prices. We ask that one person collect the payment for the entire group and pay with one transaction upon arrival. See our Guided Tours page for an explanation of groups and rates.
HOMESCHOOL
How do I sign up for a homeschool event listed on the Fossil Rim Calendar?
We have approximately two events per month that are advertised on our website and social media platforms. These events are open to any homeschoolers – just call (254) 897-2960 and register. A child does not have to be a member of a particular homeschool group to sign up for one of these events, and a public school student will be accepted for the event. A parent must accompany the child. We do not accept drop-off children for homeschool events.
Can I schedule a private event on another day for my own homeschool group?
We also have homeschool events that are not posted on our calendar or in advertisements. If a homeschool group would like to experience an event at Fossil Rim, we can plan a day specifically for that group. There is a list of classes to choose from, and for these “private” homeschool group events the price is based on a sliding scale. The more participants who attend, the lower the price per person will be. To plan an event for your homeschool group, call (254) 897-2960 and we will help with all the details.
Why do I have to make reservations?
In planning for a homeschool event, we need to know how many people will be attending. This determines the cost of materials that need to be purchased, how many vehicles must be reserved, etc. It helps us not only plan for your event, but also for other education events that may be scheduled at Fossil Rim at the same time. We do not want to be short of materials, vehicles or personnel. Many of the people who help with programs at Fossil Rim are volunteers, and we try to be considerate of their time through careful planning. Also, calling to make reservations is the only way for you to know if we can accommodate your group for a specific event on a particular day. Some of our homeschool events are quite popular and can fill up quickly.
Do you really know what homeschoolers want?
Do you teach evolution?
The short answer is no. Since many homeschoolers find it offensive, evolution is not addressed in our programs.
We are a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation. Since it would jeopardize our nonprofit status, we also do not teach from a biblical worldview.
We concentrate on the main concept which creationists and evolutionists agree on – stewardship. We focus on the idea of conserving what exists, not on how what exists came to be.
It has always seemed fitting to us that our homeschool programs must be based on stewardship or conservation; because that is what Fossil Rim itself is all about.
What do I need to bring with me?
A few days before your scheduled event, we will send you a confirmation letter that includes last-minute instructions and directions to the appropriate building at Fossil Rim. If a particular class requires that you bring materials, you will be notified of that.
You will also need to fill out one copy of the liability/photo release form, which you may download by clicking here.
Generally, however, you want to come prepared for being outdoors in unpredictable weather. Do not wear open-toed shoes or heels. The terrain at Fossil Rim can be rough and rocky.
Bring plenty of water. Also, bring a raincoat if you have one. Our vehicles have canvas tops, which provide some protection from rain, but you could still get wet to some degree if it does rain.
Will my class/event be cancelled due to weather?
If Fossil Rim makes the decision to cancel a homeschool event due to inclement weather or insufficient participation, you will be notified 48 hours in advance whenever possible and your money will be refunded. Generally, what is considered “bad weather conditions” will be based on the type of event in question. If we are doing a fossil dig, for example, and it is pouring rain that day, we would have to cancel.
If we are doing an indoor class, however, it will not be cancelled due to inclement weather. Also, we generally do not cancel tours. We do tours 362 days per year in a wide variety of weather and temperatures because the animals are usually active regardless. But severe ice on the roads would bring a high probability of cancellation.
Can I cancel my attendance at an event?
If you are unable to attend a homeschool event for which you have signed up, we must be notified 48 hours in advance of the event in order to refund your payment.
What else is there to do in Glen Rose?
See our Local Links page for attractions and events in and around Glen Rose.
How do I get there?
You can find directions here.
INTERNS
What are the requirements for an internship at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center?
At least two years of undergraduate work in wildlife management, conservation biology or a related scientific discipline are required, as well as a valid and current driver’s license.
How do I apply for internships?
To apply, please see our Careers page. Click the name of the position you are interested in and follow the application guidelines on that page. Some internships have online applications; others require you to mail in your application. Please read the description carefully.
What are the deadlines for applications?
Animal Care Internship (hoofstock, black rhinos, carnivores, Children’s Animal Center) – Spring Term: October 1 / Summer Term: March 1 / Fall Term: June 1
Avian Internship – Spring Term: March 1
Conservation Education Internship – February to June Term: November 1 / July to November Term: April 1
How can I learn more about the various internship opportunities?
Please see our Internships page for further details.
Since we need a valid driver’s license, would we need to bring our own vehicles to Fossil Rim, or would we be driving staff vehicles?
You would have a vehicle to drive for work, but it’s recommended that you bring your own transportation, considering we are a rural facility and not within walking distance of any stores.
Since housing is available, is it on the property or within an easy drive of the facility?
Housing is on the property. You will need a vehicle to leave the fenced area of the intern house.
What is the available stipend for, in regard to these internships?
The stipend is $300 per month to be used as you see fit for monthly expenses. There is no fee for housing.
All the descriptions mention the completion of an individual project. What does that entail?
There is no general answer, as each intern comes up with their own project while they are here.
If I have to fly in, would there be someone available to take me from the airport to the property, or would I be responsible for that?
You would be responsible for that. There is a limousine service you can use.
LOCAL AREA
Where is the nearest town?
Glen Rose is approximately five miles from our Front Gate.
Are the restaurants in Glen Rose open on Sundays?
Yes, and you have a variety of choices. You can always visit our Overlook Café for a meal, as well.
LODGING AND RETAIL
What group sizes can your Wolf Ridge Nature Camp accommodate?
We are limited to a maximum of 80 guests due to bunkhouse constraints.
Does Fossil Rim have RV facilities?
We do not have any RV facilities at this time. However, you will find several within about 10 minutes of our Front Gate.
Can we bring our own food and use the cooking facilities at The Lodge?
The Lodge has an oven and a microwave. You can bring your own food.
Are campfires or cooking fires allowed?
We do not allow campfires at Fossil Rim because escaping sparks could be disastrous for our animals. No cooking fires are allowed either, so roasting hot dogs or making s’mores is not permitted.
If we rent all but one room of The Lodge, can we still use all of the common areas?
The common areas are for use by any of our guests at The Lodge.
Can we walk from The Lodge to Foothills Safari Camp?
No, this is not permitted. It is approximately three-quarters of a mile and you travel through one of our larger animal pastures.
Is there a discount for renting The Lodge or Foothills Safari Camp cabins entirely?
No, each room/cabin is rented out on an individual basis.
Do the animals roam inside the Foothills Safari Camp area?
No, both The Lodge and Foothills Safari Camp have a two-acre fence around the area.
Can the dining pavilion at Foothills Safari Camp be used for a gathering place?
Yes, as long as it is not rented out at the time.
Are The Lodge and Foothills Safari Camp accessible for the handicapped?
The Lodge was our original owner’s former home and thus not designed with ADA regulations in mind. There are steep, narrow stairs between the first and second floors, as well as the second and third floors. There are also steps to enter the front of the building. However, the Attwater Room has parking access just next two it with only a couple of steps to navigate.
Foothills Safari Camp was built before ADA guidelines were applicable, so it is also not very accommodating to handicapped individuals.
How many guests do you recommend per room or cabin?
At The Lodge, we recommend a limit of four guests in The Attwater Room, The Peregrine Room and The Parrot Room. We recommend a limit of five guests in The Egret Room and the Hummingbird Room. In each cabin at The Foothills Safari Camp, we recommend a limit of three adults or two adults and two small children. Each cabin should not exceed three people unless there are two small children among the four.
Which lodging option is most appropriate for children?
The Foothills Safari Camp offers children more freedom to run and play, plus many of them seem to enjoy the idea of “camping” in our cabins.
What is included in the overnight package?
All rentals at The Lodge and Foothills Safari Camp come with a complimentary drive through our park in your own vehicle, plus a large breakfast buffet when you wake up.
Is admission included in Wolf Ridge Nature Camp bunkhouse rentals?
Neither admission nor breakfast is included with your Wolf Ridge bunkhouse rental. However, breakfast and admission are included in rentals at The Lodge and Foothills Safari Camp.
When is dinner offered?
Dinner is served Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. - if there is deemed sufficient advance interest among guests by the lodging department - for an additional fee and must be scheduled in advance.
Are there televisions in the rooms or cabins?
There are no televisions in the rooms or cabins. However, there are big-screen TVs in the common areas of The Lodge on the first and second floors. There is also a TV in the pavilion at Foothills Safari Camp.
What is there to do at night to entertain kids?
There is a sky full of stars to enjoy, especially for a child from the city who may never have been able to see so many before. Plus, The Lodge has several games to choose from.
Where are meals served?
All meals are served in the pavilion at Foothills Safari Camp.
Where can I go for dinner on the evenings when dinner is not served on-site?
Glen Rose is only a few miles down the highway and the lodging staff can suggest several restaurants for you.
Is entering or leaving The Lodge or Foothills Safari Camp restricted to certain hours?
No, you can come and go as you please. But we ask that you respect quiet time between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Also, you may not access the tour route from The Lodge or Foothills Safari Camp. You are only permitted to drive between the two lodging areas and to exit the wildlife center. All self-guided tours must begin at the Admission Center.