GAINESVILLE, Texas -- There can be a lot of misconceptions when it comes to what goes on behind the scenes at the Frank Buck Zoo, so we paid a visit to learn more about their day-to-day operations.

"For a town this size -- 16,000 --- to have a zoo is almost unheard of," said zoo director Susan Kleven. "We get about 85,000 visitors a year."

It's small but mighty. The Frank Buck Zoo in Gainesville is preparing for a busy winter season. One of the most popular attractions is feeding the flamingos, and it usually happens first thing in the morning.

They're not the only hungry animals, but meals for the other zoo residents can take a little bit longer to make.  Some of the food looks familiar -- carrots, lettuce, nuts -- others not so much.

The scheduling and planning that goes into this meal preparation is very detailed  and very carefully thought out.

"We always have to have a plan, but be prepared to change that plan based on the needs of the animals," Kleven explained.

One thing animals need is someone to test their poop. On this day, that someone was me. While it's not my favorite part of the zoo, it's a vital part of their daily routine.

All of the animal care staff studied for these moments during school. They learn how to tell if these animals are sick or need treatment.

"We have to learn for so many different species, and all of the things that they require to stay happy and healthy in human care," said zoo staffer Rachel Hughes. "That's something that maybe a lot of people don't realize."

During the winter months, there aren't as many visitors at Frank Buck Zoo, but it's still one of the busiest times for zoo staff.

"That does not mean we're not working," Kleven said. "We're working really busily behind the scenes."

They use the off-season to do staff training and prepare programs for the upcoming year, like their teen volunteer program and summer camps.

"We kind of have a family, and the size of staff is a good way to get to know everybody," zoo employee Jason Streeter said.

Our final task of the day flight practice with the parrots, and this task didn't seem like work at all as the birds went back-and-forth. It's taken them a year-and-a-half to be able to fly as well as they do, and zoo staff takes the time at least once a week to train with the animals.

"This is a job that is really important to us, and our animals' welfare is very important to us, so we will do anything to make sure they are happy and healthy and taken care of," Hughes said.

Each member of the zoo staff stressed how much they really love and care for these animals, and that they work hard to make the zoo a fun place for everybody.

"People have grown up coming to the zoo, and it's really enabled us to expand and grow the zoo over the years," Kleven said. "I would call it a crown jewel in Cooke County."

Frank Buck Zoo at 1000 West California Street in Gainesville is currently open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 940-668-4539 for more information.