History
The Frank Buck Zoo has a long and colorful history. Located right in the heart of Gainesville, Texas, the Frank Buck Zoo has been serving the children, schools and citizens of North Central Texas and Southern Oklahoma for over 50 years.
The Zoo was born from the proud, rich heritage of the Gainesville Community
Circus. The “only show of its kind in the world” was
founded by A. Morton Smith and opened in 1930 at the Cooke County Fair
in Gainesville. This amusement enterprise delighted enthusiastic
audiences in Texas and Oklahoma for over 28 years. Former circus ringmaster,
entrepreneur and local philanthropist F.E. (Frankie) Schmitz helped
locate the animals from Fair Park to its current location on the west
bank of Elm Creek in 1962. Frankie Schmitz’s determined efforts
to keep the circus tradition alive and his love of animals helped make
the Zoo what it is today. After a devastating fire destroyed most of
its equipment in 1954, the circus closed and the animals stayed in their
permanent home at the Zoo.
The Zoo is named after the father and pioneer of modern era zoos, Frank
Buck. Frank Buck was born in Gainesville in 1884. He made
his first expedition to South America in 1911. From this date,
he crossed the Pacific Ocean forty-five times and traveled the globe
twelve times collecting animals. From these expeditions, he earned
the nickname Frank “Bring’em Back Alive” Buck. In
several performances, Frank Buck was also an honorary ringmaster for
the Gainesville Community Circus. Because of his commitment to
the community of Gainesville, the Zoo was named in his honor in 1954.
The Frank Buck Zoo has updated its image, upgraded existing elements
and created the most exciting new exhibit to the Zoo, the African Savannah. The
Frank Buck Zoo is now the home to over 130 animals from four continents
of the world! The Frank Buck Zoo is even more dedicated to delivering
an educational, quality, family-oriented recreation and cultural facility
that is a safe, enjoyable and exciting place for all to be entertained.
The Zoo staff pride themselves on making your visit a memorable one. Our
up-close exhibits help visitors get a better view of the animals and
our small size gives children a safe environment to do a little exploring
on their own. The Frank Buck Zoo is right in your own backyard
and you do not have to make a long drive to see all the wonderful animals
and exhibits!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
