Why We Round Up for Conservation
When you visit Fossil Rim, you likely leave having learned a thing or two about the many animals we have on property. As amazing as it is to see these animals up close and personal, it can be bittersweet as you learn more about the critically endangered and at-risk species we are working to conserve. As part of our mission, we aim to provide our guests with an experience that gets them thinking about nature and the ways they might be able to help. But we don’t stop there! We believe in empowering guests just like you to get involved in the global fight for conservation through something as simple as a purchase at our Nature Store.
It’s true! Every time you make a purchase through Fossil Rim, you will have the option to round up your payment to the nearest dollar or more as a donation to Fossil Rim’s own Conservation Research Support Program, or CRSP. CRSP then takes the funds our guests have contributed and puts them towards conservational and educational causes across the world, and right here at home. By rounding up, you are doing your part to help support and care for animals exactly like the ones you come to see in our park!
All Kinds of Causes
CRSP got its start in 2009 in an effort by Fossil Rim to extend their mission beyond the park. Our committee works to find causes we think are on the cutting edge of conservation, and that our guests would be proud to aid. Now, nearly 13 years later, CRSP has contributed tens of thousands of donations directly from our guests through Round-Up! This money has gone towards scientific research projects, like 2018’s addax anesthesia study, and to foundations like Marwell Wildlife to support their mission of reintroducing the scimitar-horned oryx and addax into their native habitat.
New Frontiers
So, what causes are your dollars supporting this year? Well, in 2021, Fossil Rim has contributed to the recovery and conservation of the Peninsular pronghorn, a specialized subspecies with less than 700 individuals left in the wild. These animals only exist in Baja California, Mexico, and without funding their population would likely be even lower. This year we have also begun allocating funds to the Texas Children in Nature Network (TCiNN). We believe that education is a key component of conservation, and the TCiNN is dedicated to helping children learn and love the world around them.
By creating a foundation of respect for the earth, we are helping to build the next generation of environmentally-conscious and conservation-minded citizens! Next up, we plan to begin contributing funds towards advancing artificial insemination techniques that can help improve genetic diversity and increase the overall population production of the vulnerable black-footed cat. 100% of your Round-Up for Conservation donations go to these causes, each of which positively impacts the lives of countless people and animals in a real way.
If you’re interested in supporting CRSP and the work it does, consider taking part in our Round-Up for Conservation the next time you make a purchase at our park. If you’d rather give in another way, visit our donate page on our site to find out all the ways there are to contribute to the cause today.
