Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo: A Biological Marvel in the American Midwest
Traveling through Nebraska, one of the most sparsely populated states in the United States, may not immediately evoke visions of a world-class zoo experience, but Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo is an exception to this preconception. Situated on 130 acres of land, approximately 3 miles south of downtown Omaha, along the Interstate 80 corridor, this zoo has established itself as one of the premier zoological institutions in the nation. In 1963, the zoo's relocation to its present-day location marked the beginning of its growth into the esteemed institution it is today.
Named after Henry Doorly, the late publisher of the Omaha World-Herald, the zoo pays tribute to his vision for a world-class zoo in Omaha. The zoo's $1 million Desert Dome, completed in 1985, was the first of its kind in a U.S. zoo, with a 14,000 square foot geodesic dome housing animals such as the reticulated giraffe, Gila monster, and addax. Furthermore, the zoo features exhibits like the rainforest ecosystem of the Lied Jungle, opened in 1992, complete with Brazilian rosewood trees and exotic tropical plants native to the tropical regions of the world.
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo has long been recognized for its commitment to species conservation, particularly in the area of in vitro fertilization, the process through which life is created outside the womb. In the 1990s, the zoo was on the cutting-edge of an endangered black-footed ferret breeding program. Another notable example of their reproductive science program is the work with the critically endangered African lion population through the Species Survival Plan (SSP).
The zoo also boasts one of the largest indoor rainforests in a U.S. zoo. The world's largest indoor swamp exhibit in the Kingdoms of the Night is on display at Henry Doorly Zoo. Amongst other natural environments replicated within the complex are three other climate-controlled exhibits: the Scott Aquarium; the world's largest overhead-climbing walk-through butterfly conservatory featuring humid mid-summer weather reminiscent of Asian tropical environments, Kingdoms of the Night (the world's largest indoor swamp and nocturnal animal exhibit).
Kingdoms of the Night showcases nearly 20 species that navigate through various night environments, giving visitors an unparalleled chance to walk through nighttime ecosystems around the world. These include: a variety of owls and kinkajous. Some of the highlights of the zoo's exhibits include the world's largest indoor exhibit of warm tropical marine fish and one of the largest glazed botanical gardens in the United States – the indoor rainforest of Lied Jungle.
The Henry Doorly Zoo recently opened a major new exhibit on African Veld. One exhibit specifically features large African animals as addax antelopes, giraffes and lions. Approximately 100 large animal inhabitants of the three main enclosures, according to the layout. Located just next to the Skyfari. A nearby a cable-car-like seat transportation which ensures more relaxed entry.
This natural world epicenter combines exhibits of wild life with highly advanced research facilities and education programs, thus contributing directly towards a scientific goal which is perhaps for a holistic sustenance of biospheres – which places it among top-ranking institutions, both in the US and globally.
Named after Henry Doorly, the late publisher of the Omaha World-Herald, the zoo pays tribute to his vision for a world-class zoo in Omaha. The zoo's $1 million Desert Dome, completed in 1985, was the first of its kind in a U.S. zoo, with a 14,000 square foot geodesic dome housing animals such as the reticulated giraffe, Gila monster, and addax. Furthermore, the zoo features exhibits like the rainforest ecosystem of the Lied Jungle, opened in 1992, complete with Brazilian rosewood trees and exotic tropical plants native to the tropical regions of the world.
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo has long been recognized for its commitment to species conservation, particularly in the area of in vitro fertilization, the process through which life is created outside the womb. In the 1990s, the zoo was on the cutting-edge of an endangered black-footed ferret breeding program. Another notable example of their reproductive science program is the work with the critically endangered African lion population through the Species Survival Plan (SSP).
The zoo also boasts one of the largest indoor rainforests in a U.S. zoo. The world's largest indoor swamp exhibit in the Kingdoms of the Night is on display at Henry Doorly Zoo. Amongst other natural environments replicated within the complex are three other climate-controlled exhibits: the Scott Aquarium; the world's largest overhead-climbing walk-through butterfly conservatory featuring humid mid-summer weather reminiscent of Asian tropical environments, Kingdoms of the Night (the world's largest indoor swamp and nocturnal animal exhibit).
Kingdoms of the Night showcases nearly 20 species that navigate through various night environments, giving visitors an unparalleled chance to walk through nighttime ecosystems around the world. These include: a variety of owls and kinkajous. Some of the highlights of the zoo's exhibits include the world's largest indoor exhibit of warm tropical marine fish and one of the largest glazed botanical gardens in the United States – the indoor rainforest of Lied Jungle.
The Henry Doorly Zoo recently opened a major new exhibit on African Veld. One exhibit specifically features large African animals as addax antelopes, giraffes and lions. Approximately 100 large animal inhabitants of the three main enclosures, according to the layout. Located just next to the Skyfari. A nearby a cable-car-like seat transportation which ensures more relaxed entry.
This natural world epicenter combines exhibits of wild life with highly advanced research facilities and education programs, thus contributing directly towards a scientific goal which is perhaps for a holistic sustenance of biospheres – which places it among top-ranking institutions, both in the US and globally.
