Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is one of the largest and most renowned zoos in the world. It features a wide variety of animal exhibits, world-class indoor habitats, and immersive experiences.
Visitors can explore everything from tropical rainforests to desert landscapes, making it a must-visit attraction for families, animal lovers, and travelers interested in unique wildlife encounters.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Travel Guide
Highlights
- The Desert Dome: The largest indoor desert in the world, this exhibit showcases plants and animals from desert ecosystems like the Namib, Sonoran, and Red Center. The dome’s arid environment transports you to another world with its unique landscapes and wildlife.
- Lied Jungle: As one of the largest indoor rainforests in the world, this exhibit allows visitors to wander through lush tropical environments, complete with waterfalls and exotic animals such as monkeys, tapirs, and birds.
- Kingdoms of the Night: This is the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit. Located underneath the Desert Dome, it showcases the behavior of nocturnal animals and features an immersive cave, swamp, and a bat-filled cavern.
- Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium: Featuring a 70-foot-long shark tunnel and diverse marine habitats, this aquarium brings the ocean to Omaha. You can see jellyfish, coral reefs, penguins, and much more.
- African Grasslands: A sprawling outdoor exhibit featuring lions, elephants, cheetahs, and giraffes in a savanna-like setting. This area offers expansive views of African wildlife and is designed to mimic the animals’ natural habitats.
- Asian Highlands: This immersive exhibit transports visitors to the high altitudes of the Asian mountains and forests. See snow leopards, red pandas, and Indian rhinoceroses in a carefully crafted environment.
Things to Do
- Wild Kingdom Pavilion: A place for education, this pavilion often hosts interactive exhibits and presentations about the zoo’s conservation efforts.
- Train Ride: The Omaha Zoo Railroad takes visitors on a scenic journey around the zoo. It’s a great way to rest your feet while seeing more of the park.
- Skyfari: For a bird’s-eye view of the zoo, hop on the Skyfari aerial tram, which glides over several exhibits, offering spectacular views of the African Grasslands and more.
- Interactive Animal Encounters: Be sure to check out scheduled feedings and animal presentations for a chance to see the animals up close and learn more about their behaviors from zookeepers.
Tips for Visiting
- Arrive Early: The zoo is large, and to fully enjoy the exhibits without feeling rushed, plan to spend at least a full day here. Arriving early will help you avoid crowds and maximize your time.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: With over 160 acres of exhibits to explore, comfortable walking shoes are a must. The terrain can be varied, especially around outdoor habitats.
- Check the Weather: While many exhibits are indoors, much of the zoo is outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather. On hot days, stay hydrated, and on cooler days, dress in layers.
- Dining Options: The zoo has several eateries offering a variety of food options, from snacks to full meals. The Glacier Bay Landing and Durham TreeTops Restaurant are popular choices for a break.
- Plan for Family Fun: Families with young children should take advantage of the zoo’s play areas and the Children’s Adventure Trails, which offer interactive and educational play zones.
Where to Eat
- Glacier Bay Landing: A casual restaurant located near the aquarium, offering sandwiches, pizza, and snacks.
- Durham TreeTops Restaurant: Located in the heart of the zoo, this restaurant offers views of the Lied Jungle and serves family-friendly meals.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring and Fall: These seasons offer milder weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal for a comfortable visit.
- Summer: The zoo can get busy, but it’s the perfect time to take full advantage of the outdoor exhibits.
Tickets and Hours
- Hours: Open daily, with varying hours depending on the season. Typically, the zoo opens from 9 AM to 5 PM in the summer and from 10 AM to 4 PM during winter.
- Tickets: Prices vary depending on age and season, but discounts are available for children, seniors, and military personnel. You can also purchase tickets online to save time at the entrance.
Getting There
- Location: The zoo is located at 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE, just minutes from downtown Omaha.
- Parking: Parking is available on-site for a small fee, but it fills up quickly during peak times, so arriving early is recommended.
Conclusion
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a world-class destination with something for everyone, from thrilling exhibits to quiet, immersive environments. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned zoo enthusiast, this attraction is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
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