Frank Buck Zoo facts for kids
Frank Buck Zoo logo
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Zoo entrance (photo July 2010)
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| Date opened | Opened in 1930 at Fair Park, Gainesville and relocated to present site in 1962 |
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| Location | Gainesville, Texas, United States |
| Coordinates | 33°37′18″N 97°09′15″W / 33.621678°N 97.154203°W |
| No. of animals | 130+ |
| Annual visitors | 65,000 (2009) |
| Memberships | ZAA |
The Frank Buck Zoo is a fun place to visit in Gainesville, Texas. It is a small zoo located inside the 30-acre Leonard Park. The zoo first opened its doors in 1930. Today, it is home to over 130 amazing animals from all around the world.
Contents
Discovering the Zoo's Past
How the Zoo Started
The Frank Buck Zoo began in 1930. It was first known as the Gainesville Community Circus. A. Morton Smith helped create this circus. It opened at the Cooke County Fair in Gainesville.
A New Name for the Zoo
In 1954, a fire damaged some circus equipment. After this, the animals stayed in their enclosures all the time. The zoo was then renamed after a famous person, Frank Buck. He was born in Gainesville. Frank Buck was a film actor and director. He was also known for collecting wild animals from many different countries. He even worked as a ringmaster at the zoo!
Moving to a New Home
The zoo moved to its current spot in Leonard Park in 1962. This new location gave the animals more space. It also made it easier for visitors to explore.
Special Exhibits and Awards
In March 2008, the Frank Buck Exhibit opened. It shows items that belonged to Frank Buck. His daughter, Barbara Buck, donated these items. They include tools he used and things from his movies. In 2020, the Frank Buck Zoo won an award. The ZAA gave them this award. It was for their newly updated prairie dog home.
Exploring the Zoo's Animals
Walking Through the Zoo
The path around the zoo is about one mile long. It is easy to use for wheelchairs and strollers. There is a special raised walkway. From here, you can see the Bennet's wallabies and swamp wallabies. You can also look down on the African savanna.
Animals of the African Savanna
On the African savanna, you can see tall giraffes. There are also large common ostriches. You might spot helmeted guinea fowl and Nubian ibex. Visitors can see the giraffes up close. You can even feed them every day during public feeding times!
Other Amazing Animals
The Frank Buck Zoo has many different animals. They come from all over the world. You can see playful Asian small-clawed otters. There are also colorful Chilean flamingos. Don't miss the American black bears! The zoo is home to many other exciting species too.
