School Fieldtrips & Programs

Bringing Students Closer to Nature!

Our Mission: To strengthen the connection to the natural world
by entertaining, educating & empowering zoo visitors.

School Group Discounted Admission: Students $4.00   Teachers/Chaperones $6.00

Field Trip Form

View Field Trip Tips.

Self-guided tour field trips can be scheduled for any time that you would like.  If you would like to schedule a program (see information below), please call (940) 668-4539 or email us at zooinfo@cogtx.org to check for available dates and times.


Students will experience a “giraffe’s eye-view” of a
4.5 acre mixed species African Savannah exhibit from
Frank Buck Zoo's elevated walkway.

Feed friendly goats at our Petting Zoo. 

25¢ for feed

Zebras and Pals Kelby Anderko
Child Playing with a Goat

 ~On-Site Programming~

Enhance your zoo visit with an on-site Animal Encounter Program, held in the zoo amphitheater, featuring live animals!
(During school year only, not available in summer)

Group of People Gathered

Animal Connections

(Kindergarten through High-school)

Our Animal Connections Program allows students a closer look
at arthropods, birds of prey, mammals, reptiles and more. This 30-minute educational presentation explores animal adaptations, niches & is aligned with TEKS guidelines.
Please schedule at least one week in advance.
Available during school year.

50 person maximum per program.
$105.00 - First Program
If your require additional programs for a larger group, $95.00 each subsequent program.

Program price does not include admission.

ZOOKEEPING 101

(Jr. High, High-School & College Students)

Zoo keeping is more than rakes and shovels!  Students learn about various careers in the zoo world as they get a glimpse at what goes on behind the scenes at the Frank Buck Zoo.
In this 45-minute program, discover what hands-on opportunities are available to students ages 14-18 when they are enrolled in Frank Buck Zoo's Zoo Team summer volunteer program & College Intern opportunities.
Available during school year.

These programs are scheduled to start at 11:00 am.

25 Person Maximum per program
$105.00 - First Program
Add $5 per person for groups over 25 up to 30 people.  If you require additional programs for groups larger than 30 people, additional programs are $95.00 each subsequent program.

Program price does not include admission.

Kids Petting a Llama

IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Giraffe Encounter is available for $5 per person; however, we are not able to accept pre-payment, it is cash only at the Giraffe Deck.

For scheduling the Animal Connections or the Zookeeper 101 Programs:
 Email the Zoo or call (940) 668-4533 to check availability.
 Submit your requested field trip information on our Field Trip Form.

~Off-Site Programming~

Have Frank Buck Zoo's Education Animal Ambassadors visit your school or facility with an Off-Site Animal Encounter Program, held at your location featuring live animals!
(Available November 1st - March 1st only)

Our Off-Site Outreach Programs feature a diverse group of animals which may include arthropods, birds of prey, mammals, and reptiles. This 45 minute educational presentation explores animal adaptations, niches and is aligned with TEKS guidelines.

Programs must be scheduled at least one week prior to visit. Off-site Outreach Programs are $300.00 per program + travel (outside of Gainesville city limits). Half-Day and Full-Day rates available, call 940-668-4533 to schedule. 

Email the Zoo or call (940) 668-4533 to check availability. Submit your requested field trip information on our Field Trip Form.