Hello Everyone,
Can you imagine what the founders of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium would think if they were alive today? Omaha Zoo in 1894 at Riverview Park consisted of 120 animals in small cages. In 2019, the zoo will celebrate its 125th birthday with 17,000 animals of more than 1,000 species, living in over 130 acres of natural habitats. It’s a place with the missions of not only entertaining and educating the public but conservation and research as well. The zoo now covers 162 acres and is consistently ranked number one or two in North America and in the top five in the world.
A LITTLE HISTORY
The zoo was humble during its beginning. Its collection came from animals that were borrowed or purchased from circuses, hunters, and those whose exotic “pets” proved too much to handle. Buffalo Bill Cody lent the zoo two of his bison. The zoo purchased a bear and a moose and added tigers, lions, and chimps. During the 1930's, the WPA built cages for cats and bears.
The Omaha Zoological Society was organized in 1952 to help the city administer it. The zoo received a new name in 1963 when Margaret Hitchcock Doorly, the wife of Henry Doorly, chairman of World Publishing and the Omaha World-Herald, donated $750,000 to the zoo. Her only stipulation was that it be named after her late husband.
At the same time, Peter Kiewit, who founded Kiewit Corporation, one of the largest construction and engineering organizations in North America, donated $250,000. It led to the first stage in improving the zoo with bear grottos and gorilla and orangutan buildings. These contributions meant fewer cages, better animal housing, and better treatment of the animals.
During 1967, the zoo added an elephant exhibit and the train which runs on a 30-inch narrow gauge track around the park. Union Pacific laid the train track. The railroad has two steam locomotives. The 119 is a narrow gauge replica of Union Pacific’s 119 which was present at the driving of the Golden Spike at Promontory Summit in Utah. The other is a 1890 Linz, Austria engine donated in 1974. It served during both World Wars. Both require an engineer and fireman to run. UP also built barns and enclosures out of salvaged refrigerator cars.
Lee Simmons, a veterinarian from the Columbus, Ohio Zoo took over the reins in 1970. He was a visionary who redesigned major exhibits and changed the zoo’s appearance. The old structures were dismantled. New structures were built and staff added. He was influential in obtaining donations from Omaha’s leading families and naming exhibits after them.
RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION
Simmons thought the zoo was more than a place to see animals. He believed it should conduct research and promote conservation and survival of endangered species.
Today, the Bill and Berniece Grewcock Center for Conservation and Research provides state of the art medical and research capabilities in animal care and management, reproductive physiology, nutrition, horticulture, and molecular genetics. The Center had the first test-tube tiger, first test-tube gorilla, and first artificially inseminated tiger.
The director of the Conservation and Genetics Department, Dr. Ed Louis, has worked in Madagascar since 1998. He has discovered new lemur species. The zoo’s Madagascar Biodiversity Plan won the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Conservation Award. One exhibit at the zoo is Expedition Madagascar.
Research and breeding for amphibians and reptiles, ocean coral, and other species has been successful and continues.
The zoo has displays of 44 species that are listed as endangered by the Convention and International Trade in Endangered Animals. It also has seven threatened species.
One of Simmons’ first projects was the Cat Complex built for breeding large cats. Among the innovations Simmons later added were the Scott Aquarium with the longest zig-zagging underwater tunnel in the world; Lied Jungle, the world’s largest indoor rainforest; and the Desert Dome, housing the world’s largest indoor desert.
RECENT CHANGES
In 2009, Simmons retired as zoo director to become chairman of the Omaha Zoo Foundation. He has helped raised $205 million. Dennis Pate, the current director, came from the Jacksonville Zoo in 2009. Under his leadership, a 15-year, $200 million master plan to transform the zoo is currently taking place. Improvements have been made to the gift shops, snack bars and restaurants, bathrooms, and shady areas.
The Scott Aquarium has been renovated with an attached Education and Conference Center. New exhibits include Stingray Beach, Alaskan Adventures Splash Ground, and the $73-million African Highlands. Asian Highlands is expected to be completed in 2020.
Funding is primarily from entrance fees and memberships. The Foundation’s money-raising efforts have built the newest exhibits and funded most of the master plan. The state does not contribute any monies, and the city provides only a small amount. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is an accredited member of AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums).
Employees, during the last 45 years, have risen from fewer than 20 to more than 250, augmented by many volunteers. Of the zoo’s 162 acres, more than seven acres are indoors allowing for visitation year round. Attractions are the railroad, narrated tram ride, Skyfari, and a carousel, which is a turn-of-the-century replica. It also has the Lozier Giant Screen theater.
WHAT WE SAW
Since the zoo is huge, it is essential to pick out three or four exhibits and concentrate on those. It is impossible due to time and the amount of walking to see all of it in one day. That is one reason why they offer a second day discounted pass that you must use on consecutive days. We saw the desert, rainforest, and Mutual of Omaha exhibit then took the train and tram rides before running out of time and energy.
After paying our admission, we headed to the Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Pavilion. It has previews of such major attractions as the Scott Aquarium, Lied Jungle, and Desert Dome. It includes animal exhibits from small mammals to tarantulas and snakes. These included an Azur snake, an American toad, Emperor newt, Gargoyle gecko, and Antique Pink Toe tarantula. We also viewed an ivory display and skeleton of a gorilla.
Opened in 1992, Lied Jungle showcases rainforests from South America, Asia, and Africa. Visitors can view it from the canopy level for a bird’s-eye view then follow the lower trail and even do some underwater viewing. It features tropical foliage, including orchids, waterfalls, and swinging gibbons. Even the climate, which is hot and muggy, suits this exhibit. Strolling along, you hear the monkeys making themselves heard. Most of the birds are free flight. It is divided into an Amazon section as well as an Asian/African area.
Visitors exploring the Asian/African section will find a pygmy hippo, otters, and a Nile soft- shelled turtle. This is the first zoo to reproduce the Nile soft-shelled turtle successfully in a managed setting.
Watch for the waterfall in the Amazon section. You’ll also discover black-headed spider monkeys climbing around, and Yellow anacondas. You’ll discover ponds loaded with fish like Rock Cichlids and see Free Flying Fruit bats.
DESERT DOME
The Desert Dome, also the world’s largest glazed geodesic dome, opened in 2002 at a cost of $31.5 million. It represents three deserts from around the world and has plants and animals of each. These are the Namib Desert of southern Africa, the Red Center of Australia, and the Sonoran Desert of the southwest United States. It contains 84,000 square feet on two levels (42,000 square feet on each). They are divided by a 55-foot-tall mountain in the Dome’s center.
The Namib Desert is the world’s oldest and most biologically diverse. Its highlight is a 30-foot tall sand dune containing 300 tons of red sand. These came from a mine site near Phoenix, Arizona. We saw a soft-shelled turtle, Helmeted marsh terrapin, a wildcat, and meerkats. Klipsingers (small antelopes) climb its cliffs.
The Red Center of Australia is one of the world’s most isolated deserts. Ayers Rock is a well-known landmark in the continent’s center and the world’s largest monolithic rock. We found rock wallabies, a Perentie monitor lizard, and Kookaburras in this section.
In the southwest United States and northwest Mexico, travelers find the Sonoran Desert. While ocelots look on, Collared peccaries (look like pigs) wallow in the desert dirt in this display area. After winding past the bobcats, visitors encounter the world’s largest indoor rattlesnake display. Rattlesnake Canyon has 14 species of reptiles and amphibians. Quail live among the prickly pear cactus and the Saguaros.
Look for the special room showcasing newly hatched or young reptiles and amphibians as you exit the dome. It’s also home to some of the zoo’s reptile conservation and research projects.
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU SEE
While at the Desert Dome, head downstairs to Kingdom of the Night, the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit. In it, the day-night cycles of the animals are reversed so nocturnal creatures are active. The display spans 3/4 of an acre and has more than 42,000 square feet. It opened in 2003.
It consists of several exhibits representing different environments. In the canyon area, visitors find naked mole rats. It leads to an African diorama where all ages can stand inside a Baobab tree to see the transition from dusk to evening. This section houses such creatures as aardvarks and springhaas which are large rodents resembling small kangaroos.
Venturing further into the exhibit, guests come upon the wet caves with stalagmites and stalactites dripping into a “bottomless” pit filled with blind cave fish. Hundreds of short-tailed fruit bats fly around a large bat cave.
It’s on to Australian night life at the Eucalyptus Forest. Visitors will spot Tamar wallabies and a short-beaked echidna as they stroll alongside a stream filled with freshwater crocodiles, turtles, and fish. The dry bat cave is filled with many different species.
They’ll also experience a swamp with a boardwalk. Highlights here are the trapper’s cabin, a beaver lodge, cypress trees, and 38 swamp animal species in barrier-free habitats. It houses nine alligators including a white one on loan from New Orlean’s Audubon Zoo.
Nearby the Dome is the Lozier Giant Screen Theater which presents three different films a day. For details on film descriptions, trailers, and, show times, go to the zoo’s attractions page. The seating area accommodates 358 viewers for 2D films and 324 for 3D. The movies are free for members of the zoo and $6 per person otherwise.
North of these exhibits, visitors find the Scott Aquarium. It opened in 1995 at the cost of six million dollars, was remodeled in 2012, and is touted as America’s largest aquarium in a zoo. It features displays of aquatic habitats from polar regions, temperate oceans, the flooded Amazon rainforest, and coral reefs. A highlight is the 70-foot shark tunnel with sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and coral reef fish. It also has jellyfish, sea horses, and sea dragons. Look for the penguins and the 500-gallon tide pool touch tank.
Next to it is the Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion. It’s in the shape of a winged insect. Its butterfly conservatory highlights are waterfalls, an Amazon water lily pool, butterflies of many different species, moths, and hummingbirds. In its insect pavilion, visitors find ants, spiders, scorpions, walking sticks, mantids, centipedes, roaches, and beetles.
GOING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION FROM DESERT DOME
If you are interested in seeing gorillas, orangutans, tigers, and leopards head northeast from the Desert Dome. Completed in 2004, The Hubbard Gorilla Valley Complex is a world-class, state-of-the-art primate breeding and exhibit facility. Visitors stand inside a glassed enclosed exhibit area and follow a 450-foot-long pedestrian tunnel as gorillas run free. It has allowed Omaha to be a major player in gorilla conservation with research partners at zoos in North America, Europe, South Africa, and Australia. The Hubbard Orangutan Forest is close by.
Within walking distance is the Simmons Aviary, the world’s second largest free flight aviary. It’s a four-acre sanctuary for flamingos, ducks, swans, storks, and cranes. It’s also the home to tufted deer. You won’t find a net or glass obstruction. The Indian rhino and Pere David deer are nearby in Asian Highlands.
AFRICAN GRASSLANDS AREA
The African Grasslands, a major exhibit spanning 28 acres, took three years to construct. Opening in 2016, it’s among the newest park areas. With its 25 buildings and structures, it’s the zoo’s largest project to date at $73 million. Twenty-two species have a home here. It recently won the number two spot on USA Today’s Ten Best Reader’s Choice List of the Best Zoo Exhibits in North America.
The area, featuring panoramic views of grasslands and African wildlife, winds through a kopie, which is a rocky outcropping, indicative of the African landscape. Animals here include meerkat, klipsinger, hyrax, Kenya crested Guinea fowl, and white-throated monitors. This is the place to head to see the elephant family quarters, the largest herd room in America. Outdoors, giraffes mingle with impala, white rhino, ostrich, and spur-winged geese. African Grasslands also has a cheetah exhibit, an African lion viewing area, and Sable antelope and Bongo habitats.
At the African Pygmy Goat Kraal, visitors can play with and brush pygmy goats. Pelican Lake and Bridge houses African pink-backed pelicans and white-faced whistling ducks.
In the center is the African Lodge serving as a hub for zoo visitors. Tusker Grill, a concession area, overlooks the elephants and wading pool. The Kenefick train station is adjacent to the lodge. Another tram stop is at African Grasslands.
It’s also home to Safari Tent Camp providing groups and families an opportunity to stay overnight in tents adjacent to the lion exhibit. The tents are rainproof, on deck platforms, and have electricity. Zoo staff lead morning and evening hikes. A campfire is available for roasting marshmallows.
Guests can examine tools wildlife managers use in the field at the Wildlife Management Headquarters. They can sit in a Bell 47 helicopter, check out an elephant crate, or climb into a Land Rover. If they get hungry, they can purchase snacks at an African-themed food truck. It’s close to the northern landing of the Skyfari.
Midway through this area is Lagoon Island, Riverview Park’s former ice skating rink and fishing pond. Multiple species of monkeys live among the Banyan trees while hundreds of koi (Japanese carp) live in the lagoon. Those who want to feed the fish can purchase food from a covered bridge overlooking the man-made banyan tree.
Expedition Madagascar is in this area, too. The zoo is dedicated to the conservation work on the island of Madagascar. Throughout the building, each exhibit is linked to ongoing projects in Madagascar as part of the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership. It’s the place to see aye-ayes, and jumping rats. Cross the boardwalk to walk among red ruffed lemurs on Lemur Island at the front of Expedition Madagascar.
Near the tram station and African Grasslands is Garden of the Senses. It’s filled with 250 different species of herbs, perennials, and trees along with blankets of roses and flowers. Listen to the chirping of birds and view the fountains. The bronze sculptures here allow for great photographic opportunities.
NEAR THIRD TRAM STOP
This is the place to explore Alaskan Adventure Splash Park, Stingray Beach, and Sue’s Carousel. It’s also the home of the Dick and Mary Meadowlark Theater and the Omaha Train Depot.
Alaskan Adventure Splash Park fascinates youngsters, with its 75 bronze sculptures of sea lions, humpback and killer whales, walrus, puffins, bears, and salmon. With the help of the Waterlab simulation technology, the exhibit was designed and tested to capture the realism of an animal’s movements A variety of 200 strategically placed misters and water jets mimic how the animals move through the sea and the wild. The water effects are even synched to animal sounds. The exhibit is free with admission to the zoo.
Stingray Beach, open during the summer, features Cownose, Southern, and Atlantic stingrays. You can touch, feed, and interact with these creatures as they glide through an 80-foot-long pool. It’s staffed by interpreters, who will answer questions. Admission is $4 with feeding cups available for $1.50. Quantities of these cups are limited.
Sue’s Wildlife Carousel has been around since 1999. It has 30 animals and two sleigh rides. Subject to the same weather conditions as the transportation rides, it is currently closed for the season. Price is $2 a ride. You need to be 42 inches tall to ride without an adult.
During the summer, at the Dick and Mary Holland Meadowlark Theater, zoo visitors watch a Birds in Flight program highlighting 15 species. These include Harris hawks, Guinea fowl, red front macaws, and blue and gold macaws. All 35 birds involved are full flighted.
A variety of behaviors are displayed. For example, Quaker Parrots build a nest on stage. Macaws take flight around the theater. Guinea fowl run through the stage to three different feeders before flying back to the stage at the cue of a rattlesnake’s rattle. Trainers answer questions and are available for a “meet and greet” session following the presentation.
Near the theater, youngsters find the interactive play area, Children’s Adventure Trails. They can test their balancing skills at Foothill Trails or pull themselves from one side to another in a pond on a small raft. They can crawl underground and look out of acrylic “bubbles” into the prairie dog habitat. A highlight is the three-story-tall treehouse equipped with a shipwreck slide, climbing net, bridge, and net covered climb-throughs. Small primates play alongside adventurers in elevated shoots running parallel to the treehouse play areas.
Glacier Bay Landing, a food plaza in this area, is scheduled to open in the spring of 2019.
EXHIBITS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Asian Highlands will transport zoo guests on an immersive journey through Asia ranging from the grasslands of Northern India through the Himalayan Mountains to the boreal forests of northeastern China. Parts of the $22 million exhibit have been completed with the rest expected to be finished by the spring of 2019. Animals will include a red panda, white-naped crane, sloth bear, Amur tiger, snow leopard, takin, goral, Indian rhino, tufted deer, and Pere David’s deer. Since most of these species are very cold resistant, they will be available for viewing year round. To learn the details, go to the zoo’s page on this exhibit.
A new habitat for the sea lions is scheduled to open in the spring of 2020. The animals will be in a Pacific Northwest coast inspired area with brown pelicans. The $22.5 million project includes a 40-foot long underwater viewing window, heated rocks, and an underwater kelp forest. The 275,000 gallon filtered, recirculating salt water system will be seasonally heated or chilled to keep the sea lions comfortable. The exhibit includes a pupping beach so females can give birth on land and gradually introduce their pups to the water as they would in the wild. Kids will be encouraged to play on the sandy beach. Similar to African Grasslands and Asian Highlands, it will be an immersive environment.
TRANSPORTATION
We found the tram and train rides narrated. However, the sound equipment on both made it very difficult to hear what the guides were saying. The tram ride stops at four locations. This makes it possible to get off and explore one area of the zoo at a time. I strongly recommend using it as stop to stop transportation. Use your zoo map to figure out exactly where you want to go.
The tram doe not operate if there is rain, snow, ice, or if the temperature does not reach 50 degrees by 1:00 p.m. Pricing is $.75 for each of the four stops or a round trip ride for $3 per person. There is no charge for children ages two and under.
The train makes a loop around the park and has two stations. The Kenefick Train Station is at the African Grasslands. It is best to reach that by taking the tram. The Omaha Train Depot is on the West Side of the zoo near the carousel, Alaska Adventure Splash Park, and Stingray Beach. A tram stop is near it, too.
It operates under the same weather conditions as the tram. Pricing is $3 per person for a one-way ticket and $6 per person for a round trip ticket. Children, ages two and under, ride for free.
The Skyfari glides 40 feet above the ground and gives a bird’s-eye view of the zoo. It runs between the Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion and the northern end of the zoo. It goes over several of the exhibits such as the giraffe, white rhino, ostrich, and impala areas; Garden of the Senses; cheetahs; and bongos. It operates under the same weather conditions and also won’t run in high winds. Only those age 12 or older can ride without an adult.
In season, it operates Monday through Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on a round trip basis from the platform nearest to the Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion. On Saturday and Sunday, two-way trips are offered. Pricing is $3 per person for a one-way ride and $6 per person for a round trip ride. Children, ages two and under, ride for free.
ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
A full daily schedule exists of free animal encounters. These occur from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and involve animal feedings and enrichments. You can take various keeper experiences at the cost of $130 per person as well as go on several backstage tours for $55 per person. Pre-registration is required for both these experiences. Details are on the web site.
DETAILS
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is open year round except for Christmas Day. It’s located at 3701 S. 10th Street in Omaha. The phone number is (402) 733-8401. Hours and admission prices change during the year. Parking is free.
From March 15 to October 31, the hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with buildings remaining open until 6:00 p.m. From November 1 to March 14, hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with buildings remaining open until 5:00 p.m.
With 11 restaurants and snack bars scattered throughout, there is plenty of food available. Locations of these will be on the zoo map. They are marked by a fork and a letter which correspond to the map section titled Food Stops. Food and beverages, not in glass containers, can be brought into the zoo.
General zoo admission is broken down into three dates. Summer, May 1 through September 30, is the most expensive. Adults (ages 12 and over) are $21.95; children (ages 3-11) are $15.95; seniors (65 and over) are $20.95. Children, two and under, are free. Military adults (12 and over) are $20.95 while military children (ages 3-11) are $14.95.
During the spring and fall (March 15-April 30 and October 1-31), the rates are $3 less than the summer in each category. For example, adults are $18.95. During the winter (November 1 through March 14) the rates fall $6 from summer rates. For example, adults are $15.95.
Can you imagine what the founders of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium would think if they were alive today? Omaha Zoo in 1894 at Riverview Park consisted of 120 animals in small cages. In 2019, the zoo will celebrate its 125th birthday with 17,000 animals of more than 1,000 species, living in over 130 acres of natural habitats. It’s a place with the missions of not only entertaining and educating the public but conservation and research as well. The zoo now covers 162 acres and is consistently ranked number one or two in North America and in the top five in the world.
A LITTLE HISTORY
The zoo was humble during its beginning. Its collection came from animals that were borrowed or purchased from circuses, hunters, and those whose exotic “pets” proved too much to handle. Buffalo Bill Cody lent the zoo two of his bison. The zoo purchased a bear and a moose and added tigers, lions, and chimps. During the 1930's, the WPA built cages for cats and bears.
The Omaha Zoological Society was organized in 1952 to help the city administer it. The zoo received a new name in 1963 when Margaret Hitchcock Doorly, the wife of Henry Doorly, chairman of World Publishing and the Omaha World-Herald, donated $750,000 to the zoo. Her only stipulation was that it be named after her late husband.
At the same time, Peter Kiewit, who founded Kiewit Corporation, one of the largest construction and engineering organizations in North America, donated $250,000. It led to the first stage in improving the zoo with bear grottos and gorilla and orangutan buildings. These contributions meant fewer cages, better animal housing, and better treatment of the animals.
During 1967, the zoo added an elephant exhibit and the train which runs on a 30-inch narrow gauge track around the park. Union Pacific laid the train track. The railroad has two steam locomotives. The 119 is a narrow gauge replica of Union Pacific’s 119 which was present at the driving of the Golden Spike at Promontory Summit in Utah. The other is a 1890 Linz, Austria engine donated in 1974. It served during both World Wars. Both require an engineer and fireman to run. UP also built barns and enclosures out of salvaged refrigerator cars.
Lee Simmons, a veterinarian from the Columbus, Ohio Zoo took over the reins in 1970. He was a visionary who redesigned major exhibits and changed the zoo’s appearance. The old structures were dismantled. New structures were built and staff added. He was influential in obtaining donations from Omaha’s leading families and naming exhibits after them.
RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION
Simmons thought the zoo was more than a place to see animals. He believed it should conduct research and promote conservation and survival of endangered species.
Today, the Bill and Berniece Grewcock Center for Conservation and Research provides state of the art medical and research capabilities in animal care and management, reproductive physiology, nutrition, horticulture, and molecular genetics. The Center had the first test-tube tiger, first test-tube gorilla, and first artificially inseminated tiger.
The director of the Conservation and Genetics Department, Dr. Ed Louis, has worked in Madagascar since 1998. He has discovered new lemur species. The zoo’s Madagascar Biodiversity Plan won the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Conservation Award. One exhibit at the zoo is Expedition Madagascar.
Research and breeding for amphibians and reptiles, ocean coral, and other species has been successful and continues.
The zoo has displays of 44 species that are listed as endangered by the Convention and International Trade in Endangered Animals. It also has seven threatened species.
One of Simmons’ first projects was the Cat Complex built for breeding large cats. Among the innovations Simmons later added were the Scott Aquarium with the longest zig-zagging underwater tunnel in the world; Lied Jungle, the world’s largest indoor rainforest; and the Desert Dome, housing the world’s largest indoor desert.
RECENT CHANGES
In 2009, Simmons retired as zoo director to become chairman of the Omaha Zoo Foundation. He has helped raised $205 million. Dennis Pate, the current director, came from the Jacksonville Zoo in 2009. Under his leadership, a 15-year, $200 million master plan to transform the zoo is currently taking place. Improvements have been made to the gift shops, snack bars and restaurants, bathrooms, and shady areas.
The Scott Aquarium has been renovated with an attached Education and Conference Center. New exhibits include Stingray Beach, Alaskan Adventures Splash Ground, and the $73-million African Highlands. Asian Highlands is expected to be completed in 2020.
Funding is primarily from entrance fees and memberships. The Foundation’s money-raising efforts have built the newest exhibits and funded most of the master plan. The state does not contribute any monies, and the city provides only a small amount. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is an accredited member of AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums).
Employees, during the last 45 years, have risen from fewer than 20 to more than 250, augmented by many volunteers. Of the zoo’s 162 acres, more than seven acres are indoors allowing for visitation year round. Attractions are the railroad, narrated tram ride, Skyfari, and a carousel, which is a turn-of-the-century replica. It also has the Lozier Giant Screen theater.
WHAT WE SAW
Since the zoo is huge, it is essential to pick out three or four exhibits and concentrate on those. It is impossible due to time and the amount of walking to see all of it in one day. That is one reason why they offer a second day discounted pass that you must use on consecutive days. We saw the desert, rainforest, and Mutual of Omaha exhibit then took the train and tram rides before running out of time and energy.
After paying our admission, we headed to the Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Pavilion. It has previews of such major attractions as the Scott Aquarium, Lied Jungle, and Desert Dome. It includes animal exhibits from small mammals to tarantulas and snakes. These included an Azur snake, an American toad, Emperor newt, Gargoyle gecko, and Antique Pink Toe tarantula. We also viewed an ivory display and skeleton of a gorilla.
Opened in 1992, Lied Jungle showcases rainforests from South America, Asia, and Africa. Visitors can view it from the canopy level for a bird’s-eye view then follow the lower trail and even do some underwater viewing. It features tropical foliage, including orchids, waterfalls, and swinging gibbons. Even the climate, which is hot and muggy, suits this exhibit. Strolling along, you hear the monkeys making themselves heard. Most of the birds are free flight. It is divided into an Amazon section as well as an Asian/African area.
Visitors exploring the Asian/African section will find a pygmy hippo, otters, and a Nile soft- shelled turtle. This is the first zoo to reproduce the Nile soft-shelled turtle successfully in a managed setting.
Watch for the waterfall in the Amazon section. You’ll also discover black-headed spider monkeys climbing around, and Yellow anacondas. You’ll discover ponds loaded with fish like Rock Cichlids and see Free Flying Fruit bats.
DESERT DOME
The Desert Dome, also the world’s largest glazed geodesic dome, opened in 2002 at a cost of $31.5 million. It represents three deserts from around the world and has plants and animals of each. These are the Namib Desert of southern Africa, the Red Center of Australia, and the Sonoran Desert of the southwest United States. It contains 84,000 square feet on two levels (42,000 square feet on each). They are divided by a 55-foot-tall mountain in the Dome’s center.
The Namib Desert is the world’s oldest and most biologically diverse. Its highlight is a 30-foot tall sand dune containing 300 tons of red sand. These came from a mine site near Phoenix, Arizona. We saw a soft-shelled turtle, Helmeted marsh terrapin, a wildcat, and meerkats. Klipsingers (small antelopes) climb its cliffs.
The Red Center of Australia is one of the world’s most isolated deserts. Ayers Rock is a well-known landmark in the continent’s center and the world’s largest monolithic rock. We found rock wallabies, a Perentie monitor lizard, and Kookaburras in this section.
In the southwest United States and northwest Mexico, travelers find the Sonoran Desert. While ocelots look on, Collared peccaries (look like pigs) wallow in the desert dirt in this display area. After winding past the bobcats, visitors encounter the world’s largest indoor rattlesnake display. Rattlesnake Canyon has 14 species of reptiles and amphibians. Quail live among the prickly pear cactus and the Saguaros.
Look for the special room showcasing newly hatched or young reptiles and amphibians as you exit the dome. It’s also home to some of the zoo’s reptile conservation and research projects.
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU SEE
While at the Desert Dome, head downstairs to Kingdom of the Night, the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit. In it, the day-night cycles of the animals are reversed so nocturnal creatures are active. The display spans 3/4 of an acre and has more than 42,000 square feet. It opened in 2003.
It consists of several exhibits representing different environments. In the canyon area, visitors find naked mole rats. It leads to an African diorama where all ages can stand inside a Baobab tree to see the transition from dusk to evening. This section houses such creatures as aardvarks and springhaas which are large rodents resembling small kangaroos.
Venturing further into the exhibit, guests come upon the wet caves with stalagmites and stalactites dripping into a “bottomless” pit filled with blind cave fish. Hundreds of short-tailed fruit bats fly around a large bat cave.
It’s on to Australian night life at the Eucalyptus Forest. Visitors will spot Tamar wallabies and a short-beaked echidna as they stroll alongside a stream filled with freshwater crocodiles, turtles, and fish. The dry bat cave is filled with many different species.
They’ll also experience a swamp with a boardwalk. Highlights here are the trapper’s cabin, a beaver lodge, cypress trees, and 38 swamp animal species in barrier-free habitats. It houses nine alligators including a white one on loan from New Orlean’s Audubon Zoo.
Nearby the Dome is the Lozier Giant Screen Theater which presents three different films a day. For details on film descriptions, trailers, and, show times, go to the zoo’s attractions page. The seating area accommodates 358 viewers for 2D films and 324 for 3D. The movies are free for members of the zoo and $6 per person otherwise.
North of these exhibits, visitors find the Scott Aquarium. It opened in 1995 at the cost of six million dollars, was remodeled in 2012, and is touted as America’s largest aquarium in a zoo. It features displays of aquatic habitats from polar regions, temperate oceans, the flooded Amazon rainforest, and coral reefs. A highlight is the 70-foot shark tunnel with sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and coral reef fish. It also has jellyfish, sea horses, and sea dragons. Look for the penguins and the 500-gallon tide pool touch tank.
Next to it is the Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion. It’s in the shape of a winged insect. Its butterfly conservatory highlights are waterfalls, an Amazon water lily pool, butterflies of many different species, moths, and hummingbirds. In its insect pavilion, visitors find ants, spiders, scorpions, walking sticks, mantids, centipedes, roaches, and beetles.
GOING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION FROM DESERT DOME
If you are interested in seeing gorillas, orangutans, tigers, and leopards head northeast from the Desert Dome. Completed in 2004, The Hubbard Gorilla Valley Complex is a world-class, state-of-the-art primate breeding and exhibit facility. Visitors stand inside a glassed enclosed exhibit area and follow a 450-foot-long pedestrian tunnel as gorillas run free. It has allowed Omaha to be a major player in gorilla conservation with research partners at zoos in North America, Europe, South Africa, and Australia. The Hubbard Orangutan Forest is close by.
Within walking distance is the Simmons Aviary, the world’s second largest free flight aviary. It’s a four-acre sanctuary for flamingos, ducks, swans, storks, and cranes. It’s also the home to tufted deer. You won’t find a net or glass obstruction. The Indian rhino and Pere David deer are nearby in Asian Highlands.
AFRICAN GRASSLANDS AREA
The African Grasslands, a major exhibit spanning 28 acres, took three years to construct. Opening in 2016, it’s among the newest park areas. With its 25 buildings and structures, it’s the zoo’s largest project to date at $73 million. Twenty-two species have a home here. It recently won the number two spot on USA Today’s Ten Best Reader’s Choice List of the Best Zoo Exhibits in North America.
The area, featuring panoramic views of grasslands and African wildlife, winds through a kopie, which is a rocky outcropping, indicative of the African landscape. Animals here include meerkat, klipsinger, hyrax, Kenya crested Guinea fowl, and white-throated monitors. This is the place to head to see the elephant family quarters, the largest herd room in America. Outdoors, giraffes mingle with impala, white rhino, ostrich, and spur-winged geese. African Grasslands also has a cheetah exhibit, an African lion viewing area, and Sable antelope and Bongo habitats.
At the African Pygmy Goat Kraal, visitors can play with and brush pygmy goats. Pelican Lake and Bridge houses African pink-backed pelicans and white-faced whistling ducks.
In the center is the African Lodge serving as a hub for zoo visitors. Tusker Grill, a concession area, overlooks the elephants and wading pool. The Kenefick train station is adjacent to the lodge. Another tram stop is at African Grasslands.
It’s also home to Safari Tent Camp providing groups and families an opportunity to stay overnight in tents adjacent to the lion exhibit. The tents are rainproof, on deck platforms, and have electricity. Zoo staff lead morning and evening hikes. A campfire is available for roasting marshmallows.
Guests can examine tools wildlife managers use in the field at the Wildlife Management Headquarters. They can sit in a Bell 47 helicopter, check out an elephant crate, or climb into a Land Rover. If they get hungry, they can purchase snacks at an African-themed food truck. It’s close to the northern landing of the Skyfari.
Midway through this area is Lagoon Island, Riverview Park’s former ice skating rink and fishing pond. Multiple species of monkeys live among the Banyan trees while hundreds of koi (Japanese carp) live in the lagoon. Those who want to feed the fish can purchase food from a covered bridge overlooking the man-made banyan tree.
Expedition Madagascar is in this area, too. The zoo is dedicated to the conservation work on the island of Madagascar. Throughout the building, each exhibit is linked to ongoing projects in Madagascar as part of the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership. It’s the place to see aye-ayes, and jumping rats. Cross the boardwalk to walk among red ruffed lemurs on Lemur Island at the front of Expedition Madagascar.
Near the tram station and African Grasslands is Garden of the Senses. It’s filled with 250 different species of herbs, perennials, and trees along with blankets of roses and flowers. Listen to the chirping of birds and view the fountains. The bronze sculptures here allow for great photographic opportunities.
NEAR THIRD TRAM STOP
This is the place to explore Alaskan Adventure Splash Park, Stingray Beach, and Sue’s Carousel. It’s also the home of the Dick and Mary Meadowlark Theater and the Omaha Train Depot.
Alaskan Adventure Splash Park fascinates youngsters, with its 75 bronze sculptures of sea lions, humpback and killer whales, walrus, puffins, bears, and salmon. With the help of the Waterlab simulation technology, the exhibit was designed and tested to capture the realism of an animal’s movements A variety of 200 strategically placed misters and water jets mimic how the animals move through the sea and the wild. The water effects are even synched to animal sounds. The exhibit is free with admission to the zoo.
Stingray Beach, open during the summer, features Cownose, Southern, and Atlantic stingrays. You can touch, feed, and interact with these creatures as they glide through an 80-foot-long pool. It’s staffed by interpreters, who will answer questions. Admission is $4 with feeding cups available for $1.50. Quantities of these cups are limited.
Sue’s Wildlife Carousel has been around since 1999. It has 30 animals and two sleigh rides. Subject to the same weather conditions as the transportation rides, it is currently closed for the season. Price is $2 a ride. You need to be 42 inches tall to ride without an adult.
During the summer, at the Dick and Mary Holland Meadowlark Theater, zoo visitors watch a Birds in Flight program highlighting 15 species. These include Harris hawks, Guinea fowl, red front macaws, and blue and gold macaws. All 35 birds involved are full flighted.
A variety of behaviors are displayed. For example, Quaker Parrots build a nest on stage. Macaws take flight around the theater. Guinea fowl run through the stage to three different feeders before flying back to the stage at the cue of a rattlesnake’s rattle. Trainers answer questions and are available for a “meet and greet” session following the presentation.
Near the theater, youngsters find the interactive play area, Children’s Adventure Trails. They can test their balancing skills at Foothill Trails or pull themselves from one side to another in a pond on a small raft. They can crawl underground and look out of acrylic “bubbles” into the prairie dog habitat. A highlight is the three-story-tall treehouse equipped with a shipwreck slide, climbing net, bridge, and net covered climb-throughs. Small primates play alongside adventurers in elevated shoots running parallel to the treehouse play areas.
Glacier Bay Landing, a food plaza in this area, is scheduled to open in the spring of 2019.
EXHIBITS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Asian Highlands will transport zoo guests on an immersive journey through Asia ranging from the grasslands of Northern India through the Himalayan Mountains to the boreal forests of northeastern China. Parts of the $22 million exhibit have been completed with the rest expected to be finished by the spring of 2019. Animals will include a red panda, white-naped crane, sloth bear, Amur tiger, snow leopard, takin, goral, Indian rhino, tufted deer, and Pere David’s deer. Since most of these species are very cold resistant, they will be available for viewing year round. To learn the details, go to the zoo’s page on this exhibit.
A new habitat for the sea lions is scheduled to open in the spring of 2020. The animals will be in a Pacific Northwest coast inspired area with brown pelicans. The $22.5 million project includes a 40-foot long underwater viewing window, heated rocks, and an underwater kelp forest. The 275,000 gallon filtered, recirculating salt water system will be seasonally heated or chilled to keep the sea lions comfortable. The exhibit includes a pupping beach so females can give birth on land and gradually introduce their pups to the water as they would in the wild. Kids will be encouraged to play on the sandy beach. Similar to African Grasslands and Asian Highlands, it will be an immersive environment.
TRANSPORTATION
We found the tram and train rides narrated. However, the sound equipment on both made it very difficult to hear what the guides were saying. The tram ride stops at four locations. This makes it possible to get off and explore one area of the zoo at a time. I strongly recommend using it as stop to stop transportation. Use your zoo map to figure out exactly where you want to go.
The tram doe not operate if there is rain, snow, ice, or if the temperature does not reach 50 degrees by 1:00 p.m. Pricing is $.75 for each of the four stops or a round trip ride for $3 per person. There is no charge for children ages two and under.
The train makes a loop around the park and has two stations. The Kenefick Train Station is at the African Grasslands. It is best to reach that by taking the tram. The Omaha Train Depot is on the West Side of the zoo near the carousel, Alaska Adventure Splash Park, and Stingray Beach. A tram stop is near it, too.
It operates under the same weather conditions as the tram. Pricing is $3 per person for a one-way ticket and $6 per person for a round trip ticket. Children, ages two and under, ride for free.
The Skyfari glides 40 feet above the ground and gives a bird’s-eye view of the zoo. It runs between the Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion and the northern end of the zoo. It goes over several of the exhibits such as the giraffe, white rhino, ostrich, and impala areas; Garden of the Senses; cheetahs; and bongos. It operates under the same weather conditions and also won’t run in high winds. Only those age 12 or older can ride without an adult.
In season, it operates Monday through Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on a round trip basis from the platform nearest to the Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion. On Saturday and Sunday, two-way trips are offered. Pricing is $3 per person for a one-way ride and $6 per person for a round trip ride. Children, ages two and under, ride for free.
ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
A full daily schedule exists of free animal encounters. These occur from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and involve animal feedings and enrichments. You can take various keeper experiences at the cost of $130 per person as well as go on several backstage tours for $55 per person. Pre-registration is required for both these experiences. Details are on the web site.
DETAILS
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is open year round except for Christmas Day. It’s located at 3701 S. 10th Street in Omaha. The phone number is (402) 733-8401. Hours and admission prices change during the year. Parking is free.
From March 15 to October 31, the hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with buildings remaining open until 6:00 p.m. From November 1 to March 14, hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with buildings remaining open until 5:00 p.m.
With 11 restaurants and snack bars scattered throughout, there is plenty of food available. Locations of these will be on the zoo map. They are marked by a fork and a letter which correspond to the map section titled Food Stops. Food and beverages, not in glass containers, can be brought into the zoo.
General zoo admission is broken down into three dates. Summer, May 1 through September 30, is the most expensive. Adults (ages 12 and over) are $21.95; children (ages 3-11) are $15.95; seniors (65 and over) are $20.95. Children, two and under, are free. Military adults (12 and over) are $20.95 while military children (ages 3-11) are $14.95.
During the spring and fall (March 15-April 30 and October 1-31), the rates are $3 less than the summer in each category. For example, adults are $18.95. During the winter (November 1 through March 14) the rates fall $6 from summer rates. For example, adults are $15.95.
Entrance to Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom Pavilion
Ivory Display and Gorilla Skeleton in Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom
Discovery Tree - Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom
White Handed Gibbon in Lied Jungle
Nile Soft-Shelled Turtle in Lied Jungle
Overall of Lied Jungle
Tony Belsky's Waterfall in Lied Jungle
Desert Dome and Home of Kingdom of the Night
African Wildcats in Desert Dome
Cape Thick-Knee in the Namib Desert Section of Desert Dome
Helmeted Marsh Terrapin in Desert Dome's Namib Desert Section
Meerkat in Desert Dome
Perentie Monitor Lizard in Desert Dome
Collared Peccary in Sonoran Desert Section of Desert Dome
Tram Ride at the Zoo
Train Ride with 1890 Linz, Austria Engine
White Rhino Seen on the Train Ride
Union Pacific Locomotive That is a Replica of One At Driving of the Golden Spike
The Skyfari
Sue's Carousel