Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is an Association of Zoos and Aquariums Accredited Institution.

"Fossil Rim Wildlife Center was founded in 1984 and is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 company organized specifically to create, coordinate, fund, educate, research, inform, motivate and conduct programs and endeavors that will directly or indirectly aid in the conservation of wildlife with special emphasis on endangered and threatened species."

"In the early 1970s, Fort Worth businessman Tom Mantzel had a penchant for making money in oil and a passion for exotic animals. In 1973, he purchased the Waterfall Ranch, an exotic game ranch. He renamed the place Fossil Rim Wildlife Ranch and enthusiastically set about adding to the exotic hoof stock that he found there. What begun as a weekend retreat for Tom soon became a full-time obsession... Fossil Rim became the first ranch to participate in a Species Survival Plan (SSP) of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA). Success with the Grevy’s SSP spurred work with other endangered animals such as the African addax... By 1987, Tom’s losses in the oil industry caused him to take a hard look at Fossil Rim. He realized the high maintenance costs of the ranch were draining him financially, but he refused to turn his back on the animals he loved. When he could no longer bear the costs of the ranch, Tom began a search for a partner.

Jim Jackson and Christine Jurzykowski were about to set sail on their own voyage of discovery. Each had worked hard to build successful, independent careers, and now they were ready for more. While building their sailboat in Denmark, Jim and Christine happened to see a television program on the wildlife propagation efforts of John Aspinall, an English businessman turned conservationist. The story struck a chord in both Jim and Christine, who already were committed to conservation, but were looking for a hands-on way to take action. The images of one man’s work to save endangered species were powerful and provocative. The fact that he was successfully breeding wild animals that might otherwise disappear drove home a crucial point—one person really can make a difference. Although Jim and Christine had long supported conservation efforts philosophically and financially, they had no actual experience with wildlife. The idea that they could develop a wildlife preserve much as Aspinall had done and make a substantial contribution to conservation had enormous impact upon their lives. Without any background in wildlife science other than personal interest, Jim and Christine had a lot to learn. They researched the subject voraciously, planning to buy land on the Caribbean island of Martinique to develop as a wildlife preserve for land and marine animals. It was while seeking advice from animal propagation experts that they first learned of Fossil Rim.

"When Tom Mantzel heard about their inquiries, he approached Jim and Christine about participating in Fossil Rim. After discussing Tom’s goals for the ranch and his financial difficulties, they decided to help.

"Initially, Jim and Christine advanced Tom operational funds for the ranch. Shortly after that, they learned that foreclosure was imminent. Realizing they had to make the ultimate commitment or witness the loss of Fossil Rim and its wildlife, Jim and Christine negotiated to buy the ranch. After a difficult transition that took them from partnership to outright ownership, the ranch became Fossil Rim Wildlife Center on May 7, 1987."

Contact
URL: http://www.fossilrim.org

Related Sourcewatch

 * Conservation Centers for Species Survival
 * RSF Social Finance
 * Jerry Millhon
 * W. Joseph King
 * Patrick Condy - executive director
 * Jim R. Jackson
 * Krystyna