Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium sits at 3701 S 10th St, south of downtown Omaha. Much of it is under cover. The Desert Dome holds the largest indoor desert anywhere, the Lied Jungle is North America's largest indoor rainforest, and Kingdoms of the Night is a nocturnal exhibit built underground. The Scott Aquarium adds a 70-foot shark tunnel. Outside, African Grasslands has elephants and giraffes, and Asian Highlands has red pandas, snow leopards and Amur tigers. Skyfari, a train and a tram help you cover the ground between them.
The indoor habitats
The Desert Dome is the place to start. It sits under a glazed geodesic dome and combines three deserts in one building: the Namib in Africa, the Red Center of Australia and the Sonoran Desert of the southwestern United States. The space is open, and birds fly loose through it.
The Lied Jungle is North America's largest indoor rainforest. It has waterfalls, free-flying birds and monkeys moving through the trees, and glass elevators that give a view across the treetops. The warm, humid air changes the feel of the building as soon as you step in. Among the animals in the indoor habitats are the tapir, the okapi and the arapaima, a large air-breathing fish.
Kingdoms of the Night is built underground and is the largest nocturnal exhibit of its kind. It shows animals that are active after dark, from bats to beavers, along with an indoor swamp. Because the lighting is reversed, the animals are awake during opening hours.
Aquarium and outdoor animal areas
The Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium has a 70-foot shark tunnel, sea turtles, colorful fish and a touch area. Many tanks have a low viewing spot where children can stand right at the glass.
Outdoors, African Grasslands is home to elephants and giraffes. Asian Highlands covers red pandas, Amur tigers, sloth bears and snow leopards. Sea Lion Shores, the Hubbard Orangutan Forest and Gorilla Valley, Durham's Bear Canyon and the Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion fill out the rest. The big cat complex is the largest in North America. A Lozier IMAX theater is also on site.
On a hot summer afternoon, animals in the traditional outdoor exhibits are often asleep or out of sight. The indoor exhibits and the aquarium make up for it on those days.
Getting around and facilities
The zoo is large, and the layout is designed as a loop, with most exhibits having a separate entrance and exit. Skyfari, an aerial chairlift, crosses the grounds and looks down on the animals. The Omaha Zoo Railroad and a tram are also available. The tram is a handy way to see the whole site and plan your route.
Restrooms are frequent along the paths, and many are family restrooms. Water refill stations and sunscreen are usually close by. Shaded seating is plentiful, and misters and air-conditioned exhibits help on warm days. The entrance, restrooms, parking lot and seating are wheelchair accessible, and the zoo has a free parking lot.
Children's Adventure Trails, on the Bay Family grounds, include prairie dog feeding and goat training sessions. Backstage experiences, offered to families, go behind the scenes at the aquarium and let guests meet giraffes and elephants.
Food and evening events
The zoo has a cafe, food vendors and food trucks. One of the restaurants sits in the treetops overlooking the rainforest, with monkeys moving about outside. Near the Asian Highlands you can find Himalayan dumplings, and fresh-squeezed juices, burgers and wings are also on the menu. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are sold.
The zoo is not usually open late. It does hold seasonal evening events for families around Halloween and Christmas. For adults aged 21 and over, Late Nights at the Zoo runs on select Thursdays with food trucks, music and drinks. Dates are announced on the zoo's Facebook page.
Conservation and history
The zoo opened in the 1890s and was renamed in 1963 to honor the local businessman and philanthropist Henry Doorly. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and belongs to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Its research and breeding work includes the world's first test-tube tiger, born in 1990, and the first gaur born through artificial insemination, in 1993. At the Scott Aquarium, the curator of aquatics has taken part in rescuing coral from the Florida reef tract. The zoo has also welcomed elephant calves and a giraffe calf that needed round-the-clock care after birth.
Perguntas frequentes
How long do you need at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo?
Plan at least half a day. Many visitors need a full day to cover the indoor exhibits, the aquarium and the outdoor areas, and a toddler's nap can turn it into two half days.
Is the zoo worth visiting in winter or bad weather?
Yes. Major exhibits such as the Desert Dome, Lied Jungle, Kingdoms of the Night and the aquarium are indoors, so the visit works in any season. Some outdoor areas are less comfortable in the cold, and August can be very hot.
Can you bring your own food?
Yes, snacks and drinks from home are allowed. There are also a cafe, food vendors, food trucks and a treetop restaurant overlooking the rainforest.
Is the zoo accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?
Yes. The entrance, restrooms, parking lot and seating are wheelchair accessible, and the paths suit strollers. Strollers can be rented for $4.
Do you need to buy tickets in advance?
Buying in advance is recommended. The Visit Omaha app has offered a discount per ticket, so check it before you book.
Is the zoo open in the evening?
Not as a rule. Seasonal evening events run around Halloween and Christmas, and Late Nights at the Zoo, for adults 21 and over, takes place on select Thursdays.
