Traveling Through Nebraska: Exploring the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Located in Omaha, Nebraska, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is considered one of the world's premier zoos, boasting an impressive array of over 17,000 animals from 962 species, including some of the rarest and most endangered animals in the world. The zoo spans an area of 130 acres in the heart of Omaha's Midlands, just a stone's throw from the Missouri River. As one of the city's most popular attractions, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium offers visitors an immersive experience into the world of wildlife, with a plethora of exhibits, shows, and interactive experiences that cater to a wide range of interests and age groups.
The zoo's most notable feature is the stunning Lied Jungle exhibit, a sprawling 80-foot-tall rainforest that transports visitors to the lush heart of South America, teeming with over 600 animals from 120 species, including majestic jaguars, curious capybaras, and colorful toucans. The exhibit is carefully crafted to provide an authentic experience, with misting systems, warm temperatures, and rich vegetation that recreate the ecology of a true tropical rainforest. Nearby, the zoo's 790,000-gallon ocean exhibit, the Suzanne and Walter Scott Kingdoms of the Night Aquarium, showcases an eye-catching array of marine life, including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles.
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is also renowned for its extensive conservation efforts, with a dedicated team of researchers, veterinarians, and educators working tirelessly to protect and preserve some of the world's most endangered species. The zoo is a key participant in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) program, a nationwide breeding program that aims to establish viable populations of endangered species in protected environments. For example, the zoo's African Veldt exhibit is home to a breeding program for the critically endangered African lion, with the ultimate goal of reintroducing these magnificent animals into their natural habitats.
Another notable exhibit is the world's largest indoor swamp exhibit, the Kingdoms of the Night, which offers visitors a unique glimpse into the mysterious world of nocturnal animals. This exhibit features an expansive network of caves, artificial canyons, and forests, creating a mesmerizing habitat for animals such as moon bears, foxes, and raccoons. The zoo's unique Free Zoo Day program also offers free admission to all visitors on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, providing an opportunity for everyone to experience the wonder and excitement of the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.
In addition to its educational and conservation efforts, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is also a place for family fun and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy the Skyfari chairlift ride, which offers panoramic views of the zoo's grounds, or explore the whimsical playground areas, where kids can burn off energy on climbing nets, swings, and slides. For a more leisurely experience, the zoo's cafe and restaurant offer a range of delicious meals and snacks, from classic burgers to more exotic international cuisine.
As a prominent research institution, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium also offers internships and outreach programs for students and adults, providing a unique opportunity to participate in ongoing conservation projects and scientific research. Visitors can engage with zoo staff and researchers at various interactive exhibits, learning about topics such as conservation biology, ecology, and wildlife management. The zoo also collaborates with other international institutions, participating in cooperative breeding programs and research initiatives.
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium continues to evolve and expand, with ongoing renovations and new exhibits in the works. Visitors can look forward to the opening of the Asian Elephant exhibit, a state-of-the-art habitat designed to mimic the ecosystems of Southeast Asia, and featuring a large herd of this majestic and endangered species.
Travelers visiting Omaha, Nebraska, should include the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium at the top of their list of attractions. Whether you are an animal enthusiast, nature lover, or family on vacation, this world-class institution has something to offer for everyone.
The zoo's most notable feature is the stunning Lied Jungle exhibit, a sprawling 80-foot-tall rainforest that transports visitors to the lush heart of South America, teeming with over 600 animals from 120 species, including majestic jaguars, curious capybaras, and colorful toucans. The exhibit is carefully crafted to provide an authentic experience, with misting systems, warm temperatures, and rich vegetation that recreate the ecology of a true tropical rainforest. Nearby, the zoo's 790,000-gallon ocean exhibit, the Suzanne and Walter Scott Kingdoms of the Night Aquarium, showcases an eye-catching array of marine life, including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles.
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is also renowned for its extensive conservation efforts, with a dedicated team of researchers, veterinarians, and educators working tirelessly to protect and preserve some of the world's most endangered species. The zoo is a key participant in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) program, a nationwide breeding program that aims to establish viable populations of endangered species in protected environments. For example, the zoo's African Veldt exhibit is home to a breeding program for the critically endangered African lion, with the ultimate goal of reintroducing these magnificent animals into their natural habitats.
Another notable exhibit is the world's largest indoor swamp exhibit, the Kingdoms of the Night, which offers visitors a unique glimpse into the mysterious world of nocturnal animals. This exhibit features an expansive network of caves, artificial canyons, and forests, creating a mesmerizing habitat for animals such as moon bears, foxes, and raccoons. The zoo's unique Free Zoo Day program also offers free admission to all visitors on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, providing an opportunity for everyone to experience the wonder and excitement of the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.
In addition to its educational and conservation efforts, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is also a place for family fun and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy the Skyfari chairlift ride, which offers panoramic views of the zoo's grounds, or explore the whimsical playground areas, where kids can burn off energy on climbing nets, swings, and slides. For a more leisurely experience, the zoo's cafe and restaurant offer a range of delicious meals and snacks, from classic burgers to more exotic international cuisine.
As a prominent research institution, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium also offers internships and outreach programs for students and adults, providing a unique opportunity to participate in ongoing conservation projects and scientific research. Visitors can engage with zoo staff and researchers at various interactive exhibits, learning about topics such as conservation biology, ecology, and wildlife management. The zoo also collaborates with other international institutions, participating in cooperative breeding programs and research initiatives.
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium continues to evolve and expand, with ongoing renovations and new exhibits in the works. Visitors can look forward to the opening of the Asian Elephant exhibit, a state-of-the-art habitat designed to mimic the ecosystems of Southeast Asia, and featuring a large herd of this majestic and endangered species.
Travelers visiting Omaha, Nebraska, should include the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium at the top of their list of attractions. Whether you are an animal enthusiast, nature lover, or family on vacation, this world-class institution has something to offer for everyone.
