Show All Answers

1. How do I get to the Zoo?

1000 W. California St., Gainesville, TX 76240.

From DFW take I-35 North, exit 497 at California St, turn left (west) on California St., then turn left into Leonard Park.

From Sherman, take Highway 82 West, approximately 30 miles, turn left (south) at I-35, take access road to California Street, turn right at California, then turn left into Leonard Park.

From Ardmore, take I-35, exit 497, at California Street, turn right at California, then turn left into Leonard Park. Frank Buck Zoo Map

2. Can I feed the Flamingos?

Yes! Everyday at 10:15 a.m., you can have a VIP Flamingo Experience for $15/person. Limited to 5 persons maximum, aged 6 and up. Ages 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult participant. Call 940-668-4533 to schedule, or ask the Gift Shop to participate if you arrive by 10:00 a.m.

Frank Buck Zoo Animal Encounters

3. Can we feed the animals?

Be sure to bring plenty of quarters for feed vending machines located at the petting zoo. On busy days, once these feeders are emptied, for the health of the animals, they will not be refilled. You can also feed the flamingos daily at 10:15 am for $15/person, up to maximum of 5 people/day (reservations encouraged). See our flamingo feeding tab for more info.  Giraffe Encounter begins at 10:30 am daily and is $6 per person.  Anyone caught bringing outside food into the zoo and feeding animals, unauthorized, will be asked to leave. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation to keep our animal family happy & healthy!

4. Do you allow pets?

No.  The Pet Policy states: "For the safety of our animals and your, we do not allow pets."  CERTIFIED SERVICE ANIMALS are permitted when staff is notified and a zoo staff member can walk with you to ensure everyone's safety.  Emotional Support Animals are not covered under the ADA Act.

5. Can we picnic in the zoo?

For the safety of the animal family, no outside food may be brought into the zoo.  Snacks and drinks may be purchased from the Frank Buck Zoo Gift Shop and may be eaten on the dining deck behind the entry building as long the dining deck has not been reserved for a party or other special event.  If you prefer to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy during your outing, please leave any food in a cooler in your car. There are two covered pavilions outside the Frank Buck Zoo, in Leonard Park, as well as many picnic tables and even some grills.  Coolers & ice chests are not allowed in the zoo. As long as you have on your zoo admission wristband you may come and go from the zoo until closing.

6. Can we bring drinks into the zoo?

The Frank Buck Zoo Gift Shop does carry a variety of bottled beverages for sale.  Bottled water and drinks without commercial lids and straws are okay to bring in.  Straws and lids pose a safety hazard to the animal collection.  Glass containers and alcohol are prohibited.  Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

7. Where are your restrooms located?

The restrooms for Zoo Guests ONLY are located behind the Gift Shop.  - Restrooms for Park Patrons are across from the Leonard Park Aquatic Center over the railroad tracks.

8. May I leave and come back in to the zoo?

Yes, same day entry is allowed with that day's wristband color on.

9. When does the Frankie Schmitz Express Train in Leonard Park operate?

Hours and operation are managed by the Gainesville Parks & Recreation Dept. Please call 940-668-4530 for current hours and dates of operation or see below.

For more information please click here.

10. What is the number to the Leonard Park Aquatic Center?

The Leonard Park Aquatic Center is operated and managed by the Gainesville Parks & Recreation Department, and can be reached at 940-668-4530. Pool staff may be reached at 940-668-4534 between the hours of 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm from June through mid August . For more information please click here.