Frank Buck

Buck, Frank (1884–1950), U.S. wild-animal authority and collector. In childhood he collected and maintained small birds and other animals. In 1911 he sailed to South America, where he bought birds to sell at considerable profit. He traveled to Africa, South America, Asia, and Australia, acquiring a financial fortune and a wide reputation while capturing for zoos and circuses everything from tiny birds to elephants. Buck came to public attention in 1930 with publication of his first book, Bring 'Em Back Alive, which was subsequently made into a successful motion picture in which he starred. He had exhibits at the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago in 1933 and the New York World's Fair in 1939 and was associated with the Ringling Brothers-Barnum and Bailey circus in 1937–38.