The Frank Buck Zoo has been hopping! Oct. 28th celebrated the 2nd annual Zoo Boo event since the zoo reopened March 2005.

Zoo Boo is both a really fun and challenging event for the zoo’s small staff to pull together. This year, Zoo Director Susan Kleven, engaged the help of Radio Disney to make the event extra special.

Radio Disney presided over several activities including a lively hula-hoop contest and costume contest in the Leonard Park Pavilion. Prizes and giveaways provided by Radio Disney partners included ripe delicious pears from the Pear Council, tickets to Six Flags’ Fright Fest, tickets to Disney’s new “Flushed Away” movie and more. Radio Disney will return to Gainesville on May 5, 2007 for Spring Fling.

Over 825 guests over the age of two attended the two-hour Zoo Boo celebration this year.

Guests were directed through OZ where they encountered Dorothy, Glenda the Good Witch, Scarecrow, Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the not-so-wicked Wicked Witch before viewing the great OZ himself. Guests went on to encounter stranded pirates sharing their treasures on the outpost, and passed a spooky house on a hill “haunted” by a beautiful dancing spirit clothed in white, before arriving at pumpkin bowling, a duck pond game, and a cakewalk. In addition to a bevy of candy, guests were treated to ripe pears, Blue Bunny popsicles and mini cans of Dr. Pepper as they exited the zoo.

Now that the zoo staff has had a chance to catch their breath, several thank you’s are in order!

Zoo Boo would not have been possible without the following community partners: Adam’s & Bennett Attorneys, American Bank, Best Western, Bosco’s Gym, Chicken Express, Chief Carpet, City Credit Union, Dominos, Dr. Martin DDS, First State Bank, GNB Financial, Hutcherson Insurance, Kelly Wimmer DDS, Main River Quarter Horse, Medical Care Center, Nascoga Credit Union, Panda Express, Petroflex, Refinery Road Vet Clinic, Schalk & Smith CPA, Sears Medical, State Farm Insurance, Suddenlink, and York Eye Associates.

Zoo staff would also like to extend a big thank you to the Gainesville ISD cheerleaders, Frank Buck Zoological Society Board, Frank Buck Zoo Junior Zookeepers, docents and volunteers. We could not have pulled it off without all the extra help! Thank you.

Join us in the zoo Dec. 2nd following the Chamber’s Lighted Christmas Parade. Santa will be on hand down in the zoo for cookies warm beverages and pictures. Please visit www.frankbuckzoo.com often for an up to date schedule of events. See you at the zoo!