Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo holds a special place in my heart as it’s the zoo I frequented throughout my childhood. With my parents hailing from South Omaha, I was welcomed home from the hospital to a residence just a stone’s throw away from the zoo. Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the remarkable evolution of this beloved institution.
The roots of the Henry Doorly Zoo trace back to 1898 when it was established as Riverview Park, a modest park boasting just 120 animals. Since its humble beginnings, the zoo has undergone remarkable expansion and development. Today, it stands as a premier destination, consistently ranked among the top three zoos in the United States year after year. This transformation reflects not only the zoo’s commitment to conservation and education but also its unwavering dedication to providing unforgettable experiences for all visitors.
Henry Doorly Zoo Admission
Admission (2024 prices) to the zoo: Children (2 and under): FREE, Children (ages 3 – 11): $24.95, Adults (ages 12 and over): $31.95, and Seniors (ages 65 and over): $30.95. Household membership which includes admission for 2 listed owners and 6 children is $205. Tickets can be purchased online up to eight days in advance.
If you know that your family will be in the area again within the season, I highly recommend buying a membership since the price is close to the one-day admission for a big family.
Top 10 Henry Doorly Zoo Exhibits and Attractions
Lied Jungle
Built in 1992, the Lied Jungle explores the lush wonders of the Lied Jungle, a captivating recreation of rainforest environments from South America, Asia, and Africa. This expansive exhibit, spanning over one acre, transports you to a world of cascading waterfalls, vibrant foliage, and diverse animal life. The Lied Jungle meticulously recreates the vertical complexity of a rainforest, showcasing towering trees, dense undergrowth, and emergent vegetation. As you walk through the two levels of the jungle, remember to look up to watch for flying birds and bats!
Animal Encounters:
- Gibbons: Witness these agile primates swinging effortlessly through the canopy, showcasing their incredible acrobatic skills.
- Pygmy Hippos: Observe these adorable miniature hippos wallowing in their pool, displaying their playful nature and surprising agility.
- Macaws: Be captivated by the vibrant colors and loud calls of these intelligent birds as they flit through the trees, adding a touch of tropical flair to the atmosphere.
- Monkeys: Watch various monkey species, such as tamarins and spider monkeys, engage in their social interactions, showcasing their complex communication and playful antics.
- Tapirs: Observe these unique mammals with their distinctive snouts and prehensile noses as they forage for food in the undergrowth, demonstrating their role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration.
Desert Dome & Kingdoms of the Night
Desert Dome
Opened in 2002, The Desert Dome is the world’s largest indoor desert. Displays feature plant and animal life from three deserts around the world: the Namib Desert of southern Africa, the Red Center of Australia, and the Sonoran Desert of the southwest United States. Explore the towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert, wander through the rocky outcrops of the Red Center, and explore the lush vegetation of the Sonoran Desert.
Animal Encounters:
- Namib Desert: Witness the graceful movements of Oryx and Springbok as they navigate the vast expanse of the sand dunes. Observe the fascinating adaptations of the Namib Desert Dune Gecko, perfectly camouflaged against the sandy backdrop.
- Red Center: Marvel at the majestic Red Kangaroos as they hop across the rocky terrain. Be captivated by the Emu, the world’s second-largest bird, roaming freely through the exhibit.
- Sonoran Desert: Encounter the playful antics of the playful Coati as they scavenge for food. Be mesmerized by the majestic Bald Eagle.
Kingdoms of the Night
Beneath the Desert Dome, the Kingdoms of the Night is the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit, reversing the day-night cycle to showcase animals in their natural rhythm. Kingdoms of the Night recreates various nocturnal habitats, from the African savanna to the Australian outback. Each section transports you to a different world, complete with its unique sights and sounds.
Kids might be a little frightened at the bat displays. And take note, it’s very dark; you might want to hold hands or load smaller kiddos into strollers as it’s hard to see. My kids’ favorite part is the alligators. The alligators were so close to the deck walkway that a little bit of you will worry that the netting and fencing are enough to keep them from chomping off your feet.
- Nocturnal Encounters: Witness a diverse array of fascinating creatures, including:
- Aardvarks: Observe these nocturnal anteaters as they dig for insects with their powerful claws and long, sticky tongues.
- Fruit Bats: Watch hundreds of these winged wonders flitting through the night sky, their echolocation guiding them to delicious fruits.
- Tamar Wallabies: See these agile marsupials bounding through the Eucalyptus Forest, their large eyes and sensitive ears helping them navigate in the darkness.
- Blind Cavefish: Peer into the depths of the mysterious cave and spot these translucent fish, adapted to life in complete darkness.
- American Alligators: Witness these apex predators lurking in the world’s largest indoor swamp, their powerful jaws and stealthy movements on display.
Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium
Opened in 1995, this impressive facility showcases diverse marine life from across the globe. Prepare to embark on a journey through various aquatic ecosystems, encountering fascinating creatures and discovering the wonders of the underwater world. The kids will love seeing penguins, tropical fish, coral, sea turtles, jellyfish, and sharks. Other exhibits include moon jellies and coral fish. Find Nemo and Dory! Check out the penguins from the bubble insert into their water tank. You’ll feel like you’re right in the water with them.
When the kids were little I would have us all lay on the floor of the 70-foot shark tunnel and pretend that we were laying on the bottom of the ocean floor. Sure we got some strange looks but it was fun.
Animal Encounters: Get ready to come face-to-face with an incredible array of aquatic species, including:
- Sand Tiger Sharks: Witness these awe-inspiring predators as they glide effortlessly through the 70-foot shark tunnel, observing their sleek forms and powerful movements.
- Sea Turtles: Marvel at these gentle giants as they gracefully navigate the ocean currents, showcasing their remarkable resilience and longevity.
- Penguins: Be captivated by the playful antics of these adorable birds as they waddle on land and dive through the water, displaying their agility and social interactions.
- Jellies: Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing display of jellyfish, their translucent bodies pulsating with bioluminescent light, creating an ethereal and mesmerizing spectacle.
- Coral Reef Inhabitants: Discover the vibrant diversity of life found within coral reefs, from colorful fish darting through the intricate structures to delicate invertebrates clinging to the reef.
Hubbard Gorilla Valley
Hubbard Gorilla Valley, a captivating exhibit at the Henry Doorly Zoo, transports you to the heart of the African jungle, immersing you in the world of gorillas and their diverse ecosystem. This meticulously recreated habitat provides a glimpse into the lives of these magnificent creatures and the challenges they face in the wild.
The renovations to the Hubbard Gorilla Valley building represent a significant improvement. I vividly recall the unpleasant odor of the old gorilla house from my childhood, and this new structure is a vast upgrade. The indoor space is now six times larger than before, while the outdoor area has expanded tenfold. Thanks to these enhancements, visitors can now enjoy close encounters and interactive experiences with the gorillas.
Step into a lush rainforest teeming with life, where towering trees, cascading waterfalls, and dense vegetation recreate the gorillas’ natural environment. This immersive experience allows you to witness their social dynamics, playful interactions, and foraging behaviors up close.
- Gorilla Encounters: Observe the resident western lowland gorillas, a critically endangered species, as they navigate their complex social structure. Witness the playful antics of youngsters, the gentle interactions between mothers and their offspring, and the dominant presence of the silverback leader.
- Colobus monkeys: Witness these agile primates as they swing through the trees, displaying their acrobatic skills and playful nature.
- African spurred tortoises: Observe these slow-moving giants as they graze on vegetation, showcasing their resilience and longevity.
- Yellow-backed duikers: Catch a glimpse of these small antelopes as they dart through the undergrowth, showcasing their agility and camouflage abilities.
Expedition Madagascar
Hubbard Expedition Madagascar transports you to the vibrant island of Madagascar. This immersive exhibit allows you to encounter fascinating creatures, explore diverse habitats, and learn about the crucial conservation efforts underway.
Explore the heart of Madagascar’s diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests and spiny forests to arid grasslands and coastal mangroves. Kids will learn about the connections between the island’s unique landscapes and the creatures that call it home.
- Animal Encounters: Come face-to-face with a captivating array of Madagascan wildlife, including:
- Lemurs: Observe these playful primates in their natural habitat, from the acrobatic ring-tailed lemur to the critically endangered aye-aye.
- Fossas: Witness these elusive cat-like predators as they navigate the forest canopy, showcasing their agility and stealth.
- Tenrecs: Encounter these fascinating small mammals with their spiny coats and diverse adaptations, from burrowing to aquatic lifestyles.
- Chameleons: Marvel at these masters of camouflage as they blend seamlessly with their surroundings, demonstrating their remarkable adaptations for survival.
Asian Highlands Exhibit
The Asian Highlands exhibit at the Henry Doorly Zoo is a relatively new addition, having opened in 2022. It’s a captivating journey into the heart of Asia’s mountainous regions, immersing visitors in the unique habitats and animal life found there. The exhibit meticulously recreates the distinct environments of the Asian highlands, encompassing diverse landscapes like snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and rocky cliffs. This allows visitors to experience the natural beauty and challenges faced by the animals inhabiting these regions.
Animal Encounters:
- Amur Leopards: Witness these critically endangered predators in their natural habitat, observing their elegant movements and impressive hunting skills.
- Snow Leopards: Marvel at these elusive and majestic creatures as they navigate the rocky terrain, showcasing their agility and adaptations to cold environments.
- Red Pandas: Be charmed by these adorable arboreal mammals with their fiery fur and playful demeanor as they climb through the trees and munch on bamboo.
- Takins: Observe these sturdy, goat-like animals with their distinctive snouts as they graze on the slopes, demonstrating their resilience in the harsh mountain climate.
Scott Alaskan Adventure Splash Park
The Henry Doorly Zoo has a great way to beat the summer heat: a splash area designed to provide a refreshing and fun experience for visitors of all ages. Located near Glacier Bay Landing and Sue’s Carousel, your kids will welcome this respite from the summer heat. Featuring an 18-foot-high humpback whale sculpture, playful fish, and animal bronze sculpture water features, including spray grounds, fountains, tipping buckets, and misters. The best part? Admission is included in your zoo ticket.
Nearby changing rooms are available but it might be simpler to allow your kids to wear their suits for the day. I recommend bringing sandals or watershoes for the splash area to keep walking shoes dry. Note that strollers and wagons are not allowed in the area.
Scott African Grasslands
The Scott African Grasslands exhibit at the Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the most expansive and ambitious projects to date, encompassing 28 acres that transform the zoo’s eastern boundary. The exhibit replicates the sweeping vistas and varied environments of Africa’s unique ecosystems, providing visitors with a connection to the wildlife and landscapes of the continent.
The design of the Scott African Grasslands meticulously recreates the open expanse of African savannahs, complete with grasses, acacia-like trees, kopjes, and minimal visual barriers. This setting offers a panoramic view of the environments that shape the lives of the native fauna, giving visitors a sense of immersion in these vast grasslands.
Animal Encounters:
- Giraffes: At the Hawkins Giraffe Encounter, witness these majestic creatures in a setting that mimics their natural habitats. Observe their unique feeding habits and graceful movements.
- Elephants: Explore the Elephant Family Quarters where you can see these incredible pachyderms interact with their environment, showcasing their intelligence and social structures.
- Cheetahs: View the swift and stunning cheetahs at their dedicated exhibit, observing their incredible speed and elegance.
- Lions: Visit the Hawks Foundation Lion’s Pride & Habitat Viewing Area to see the king of the savannah in a setting that highlights their regal stature and communal lifestyle.
Owen Sea Lion Shores
Opened in 2019, Owen Sea Lion Shores transports visitors to the rugged and dynamic Pacific Northwest coast, offering an immersive experience into the lives of sea lions and harbor seals. This exhibit boasts a 275,000-gallon pool replicating the natural environment of sea lions and harbor seals, complete with an underwater kelp forest and sandy beach areas.
Watch the playful California sea lions and graceful harbor seals as they swim, bask in the sun, and interact with each other. Learn about the unique adaptations of sea lions and harbor seals, allowing them to thrive in the challenging coastal environment.
Once again, the constant innovations and improvements at the zoo are amazing. This area started off as a community pool in 1916-1940 when the area was Riverview Park. As the zoo expanded 30 years later, it was renovated into a sea lion exhibit which was pretty much just a concrete pool. The new exhibit clearly took the needs of the sea lions to heart. I think your kids will enjoy watching them swim underwater as much as I did.
Omaha Henry Doory Zoo Map
10 Tips for Visiting Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo
1. Don’t let the hot, humid Nebraska summer weather deter you from visiting the zoo. Henry Doorly Zoo has many buildings with air conditioning. A full day can be made of visiting each of the indoor exhibits. For this same reason, a trip to the zoo is a lot of fun if you visit Omaha in the winter. Additionally, when planning your day start with outdoor exhibits in the cooler morning and move to indoor attractions for the heat of the day.
2. In June, the College World Series of Baseball comes to Omaha. Although the CWS is no longer played at Rosenblatt (which is now gone), the zoo is very busy during the day with baseball fans.
3. The Tram or Skyfari is well worth the small price to help get you around the zoo. The Tram is a lifesaver if you are visiting the Children’s area and heading toward the Main Entrance as the hill going up is a killer after walking all day. The Skyfari is great if you’ve reached the other side of the zoo by the rhinos and want to get back near the main entrance. The tram is best if you have a stroller as there’s no room for strollers on the Skyfari!
4. The Omaha Zoo Railroad is a great way to get around the zoo, especially for families with young children. The train has two stations, one near Stingray Beach and Sue’s Wildlife Carousel, and the other at the African Lodge. This makes it easy to get to many of the major exhibits in the zoo while giving your kids a break and a chance to cool down.
The Omaha Zoo Railroad was first opened in 1963. It was originally a 1/4 mile long, single-track line that ran from the main entrance to the Primate House. In 1973, the train was expanded to its current length of 1/2 mile and a second track was added. The train is operated by the Omaha Zoo Society, a non-profit organization that supports the Omaha Zoo.
5. The zoo offers a total of 11 dining options: 5 snack locations and 6 dining establishments. It’s important to note that only 3 of the dining options are open year-round. The Durham TreeTops Restaurant offers tables with windows overlooking the indoor rainforest. Tables are limited but it’s fun to eat and watch the monkeys play or birds fly across the rainforest.
6. While there are many great places to eat at the zoo, you can bring in your own cooler. There is a huge big picnic area in the older part of the zoo. This also gives you the option of eating whenever and wherever your family declares lunchtime. Another perk – avoiding long lines at the dining establishments.
7. Remember to bring refillable water bottles. You’ll find water refill stations throughout the zoo to fill your water bottle near restrooms.
8. Plan for additional activities that require an additional charge: train, tram, Skyfari, Sue’s Carousel, the Lozier Theater, Stingray Beach, Budgie Encounter, Giraffe Encounter, concessions and gift shop purchases
9. Want to delve deeper into the zoo experience? Check out the zoo’s visitor experiences. Many behind-the-scenes or guided tours are available with reservations and an additional cost.
10. For $2 off admission for up to 6 people, download the Omaha Savings Pack. Additional discounts are available for the Omaha Children’s Museum, The Durham Museum, Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, and more.
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