GAINESVILLE, Texas — Spring is peak season at the Frank Buck Zoo, and Gainesville's "Best Little Zoo in Texas" has a full lineup of animal encounters and programs for visitors this year.
The zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last admission at 3 p.m. Located at 1000 W. California Street, the zoo is free to park and accessible by wheelchair and scooter rentals available at the gift shop.
Animal Encounters
The zoo's hands-on animal encounters are the draw that keeps visitors coming back. This spring, four experiences are available:
Giraffe Encounter ($7 per person) runs daily from 10:30 to 11 a.m., weather permitting. All participants must pay the encounter fee to access the giraffe deck. No reservation required — cash and card accepted at the deck.
Flamingo Encounter ($20 per person) runs at 10 a.m. daily with a five-person capacity. Arrive early for tickets. Ages 8 and up, closed-toed shoes required. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 940-668-4539 or emailing giftshop@cogtx.org.
Capybara Encounter ($35 per person) runs at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. with a four-person limit per slot. Ages 8 and up, closed-toed shoes required. Reservations required.
Wetland to Woodland ($125 per person) combines the flamingo exhibit with a private barn owl encounter with ambassador animal Kara. Maximum two participants, adults only, closed-toed shoes required. Reservations required.
The Tortoise Encounter is currently closed for the season, with a spring reopening expected. Check the zoo's website or call ahead for availability.
The Petting Zoo remains open with quarter-operated goat feeders filled once daily.
Planning Your Visit
The zoo offers annual passes for frequent visitors and group rates for school field trips. Birthday party packages are available for private events.
Equipment rentals available at the gift shop include single strollers ($9), double strollers ($12), manual wheelchairs ($10), and motorized scooters ($25).
The Frank Buck Zoo is operated by the City of Gainesville and has been a community institution for decades. Spring and early summer typically draw the strongest attendance as families plan outings before the North Texas heat peaks.
For reservations, current hours, or information on upcoming events, contact the zoo at 940-668-4539 or giftshop@cogtx.org. The zoo's event calendar is available at gainesville.tx.us.