Exploring the Wonders of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
Located in the heart of Omaha, Nebraska, approximately 10 miles southwest of downtown, lies the world-renowned Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. As a part of the Nebraska Trails and Byways, this nature reserve spans over 130 acres of land, offering an unforgettable experience for animal enthusiasts and researchers alike. Established in 1893, the zoo has undergone numerous transformations throughout its history, eventually earning the prestigious title of 'World's Best Zoo' by the Trip Advisor in 2014.
Within its vast grounds, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo showcases over 17,000 animals from around 962 different species. One of its main highlights is the world's largest indoor rainforest exhibit - Lied Jungle, a 90-foot-tall tropical habitat featuring breathtaking views, a vast array of plants, and a spectrum of wildlife, including tree frogs, sloths, and pygmy slow loris. Visitors can navigate through Lied Jungle via several levels, allowing for an optimal view of the majestic giants that inhabit this extraordinary biome.
Further exploration leads to other remarkable areas, including the world's largest aquarium - the Scott Aquarium. Located at the north end of the zoo, this stunning exhibit contains over 70 species of fish and other aquatic species, and encompasses a total of 70,000 square feet of spectacular marine life displays. Visitors may delve deeper into the aquatic world by observing mesmerizing penguins diving in their underwater habitat or becoming mesmerized by majestic sharks in their ocean tunnel.
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium also gives special emphasis on promoting conservation through educational outreach, hosting various programs and activities for visitors of all ages. By collaborating with other prestigious institutions and participating in international breeding initiatives, the zoo is leading the pursuit of species protection and restoration. Guests can expand their knowledge through guided tours, watching penguin shows, observing the evening roars of the lions in the Cats' Night House, or even embarking on the animal encounters opportunities available throughout the zoo.
Another integral part of the zoo is its reproductive conservation initiatives, highlighted by the new Heartland Pavilion (now called the Ruth Scott and Bill Scott Families Pavilion), that gives birth to certain animal offspring each year. A perfect illustration is seen through the zoo's snow leopard conservation efforts, partnering with others to reduce interbreeding between pure blood lines and release offspring back to their native habitats in the remote Himalayan mountains. A thorough observation experience is afforded through one of the several glacial pathways surrounding this exhibit, allowing the delight and witnessing of the beautiful behavior between parents and cubs in these elevated enclosures.
The expansion has also centered around the African Veldt section in a further thrust towards recreating the respective ecologies found in different parts of the world. A captivating display features the majestic beauty of African lions, whose movements reflect a wide variety of behaviors as dictated by nature. Visitors take an elevated or lowered path and watch these lions alluringly lying around in a variety of activities across their enormous domain, located towards the south of the complex. This brings out the best of environmental interactions that create true emotions in the process.
Different species create symbiotic associations all over the world. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo plays a crucial role in representing that as elegantly as possible and on its grandest scale by demonstrating the greatest depth in harmony.
As a component of Nebraska's unique cultural heritage that contributes such distinctive knowledge to the international community at the beautiful gateway to the Midwest United States, the heart of the American Great Plains lies the finest architectural marvel of modern conservation programs.
Within its vast grounds, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo showcases over 17,000 animals from around 962 different species. One of its main highlights is the world's largest indoor rainforest exhibit - Lied Jungle, a 90-foot-tall tropical habitat featuring breathtaking views, a vast array of plants, and a spectrum of wildlife, including tree frogs, sloths, and pygmy slow loris. Visitors can navigate through Lied Jungle via several levels, allowing for an optimal view of the majestic giants that inhabit this extraordinary biome.
Further exploration leads to other remarkable areas, including the world's largest aquarium - the Scott Aquarium. Located at the north end of the zoo, this stunning exhibit contains over 70 species of fish and other aquatic species, and encompasses a total of 70,000 square feet of spectacular marine life displays. Visitors may delve deeper into the aquatic world by observing mesmerizing penguins diving in their underwater habitat or becoming mesmerized by majestic sharks in their ocean tunnel.
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium also gives special emphasis on promoting conservation through educational outreach, hosting various programs and activities for visitors of all ages. By collaborating with other prestigious institutions and participating in international breeding initiatives, the zoo is leading the pursuit of species protection and restoration. Guests can expand their knowledge through guided tours, watching penguin shows, observing the evening roars of the lions in the Cats' Night House, or even embarking on the animal encounters opportunities available throughout the zoo.
Another integral part of the zoo is its reproductive conservation initiatives, highlighted by the new Heartland Pavilion (now called the Ruth Scott and Bill Scott Families Pavilion), that gives birth to certain animal offspring each year. A perfect illustration is seen through the zoo's snow leopard conservation efforts, partnering with others to reduce interbreeding between pure blood lines and release offspring back to their native habitats in the remote Himalayan mountains. A thorough observation experience is afforded through one of the several glacial pathways surrounding this exhibit, allowing the delight and witnessing of the beautiful behavior between parents and cubs in these elevated enclosures.
The expansion has also centered around the African Veldt section in a further thrust towards recreating the respective ecologies found in different parts of the world. A captivating display features the majestic beauty of African lions, whose movements reflect a wide variety of behaviors as dictated by nature. Visitors take an elevated or lowered path and watch these lions alluringly lying around in a variety of activities across their enormous domain, located towards the south of the complex. This brings out the best of environmental interactions that create true emotions in the process.
Different species create symbiotic associations all over the world. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo plays a crucial role in representing that as elegantly as possible and on its grandest scale by demonstrating the greatest depth in harmony.
As a component of Nebraska's unique cultural heritage that contributes such distinctive knowledge to the international community at the beautiful gateway to the Midwest United States, the heart of the American Great Plains lies the finest architectural marvel of modern conservation programs.
