Africa is over 7,000 miles away from Dallas, but you can go on an African safari without leaving Texas! The Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, located only 90 minutes from most apartments in Uptown Dallas, offers drive-by tours of "The New Africa". This animal reserve uses Texas's landscape to simulate the natural habitat of giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and more.

Saving Endangered Species

The animals living at the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center are fun to observe, but that's not all they're here for. This reserve focuses on caring for and breeding threatened species. The exotic creatures you see on your tour may well be shipping off soon to their home countries. Some won't go too far though - the center's population of Texas prairie chickens are periodically released back into the desert.

Ecotourism

Because it focuses on preserving and caring for endangered species, the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a great way to support ecotourism (tourism that helps support the environment). Ecotourism has become essential in conservation by limiting habitat damage, such as deforestation. In fact, according to a study by Griffith University in Australia, it's increased the likelihood of survival for many threatened species. When you visit the reserve, you'll be admiring the animals and helping them too!

The Wildlife Experience

As you drive through the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, you'll encounter some of its 50 exotic species, including giraffes, cheetahs, wildebeests, armadillos, wolves, rhinosauruses, and zebras. After visiting with the animals, you can stop for a bite at the reserve's cafe or shop for souvenirs. Both adults and kids will appreciate the Children's Animal Center, which has even more animals and is free to the public. If you'd like to come again, the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center offers memberships so you can visit your new animal friends often!

If you love nature but need something closer to home, check out the Dallas Zoo (it's only 10 minutes from The Ashton). For more information about our Dallas luxury apartments, feel free to contact us and schedule a tour.