Henry Doorly Zoo

Jacob

The Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the best zoos in the United States as well as the world. Though it may be smaller than some, this zoo packs a lot in a small area. Located on the southern end of the city near I-80 the zoo is conveniently located not far from downtown Omaha. The zoo is constantly changing and evolving to improve old exhibits. The zoo is located on a hillside with most of the indoor exhibits located on the top of the hill and the outdoor areas below. This article is an overview of the many exhibits and attractions that the Omaha Zoo has to offer.

The entrance plaza is surrounded by some of the large impressive indoor exhibits of the zoo. The first one is to the right of the entrance, the Lied Jungle. This impressive indoor exhibit is the largest of its kind in America with a floor trail and upper trail. The building has a membrane roof that lets in sunlight to simulate an outdoor experience. The humidity and temperature are also raised to better accommodate the animals housed inside. First, there are several species of money that will swing from tree to tree and are active throughout the day. There are many walk-through caves along the upper walkway that show off large snakes and bats. A swinging rope bridge and other small alcoves are great for kids to explore. Be sure to head down the stairs to the lower trail to see some of the animals up close that are in the water or do not fly.

Heading along the trail to the right there is the Greyrock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion featuring a large butterfly garden with hummingbirds and moths. Other insects are also featured in this building. Further down is the Skyfari gondola/chairlift. For an extra fee, this attraction will take you to the eastern end of the zoo traveling over giraffes, rhinos, ostriches, a lagoon, lions and antelope. Back at the station, the new African Grasslands are a massive wide-open area to spot many of the African continent's most spectacular mammals. This is a great place to watch the animals and see how they interact with each other. A smaller area in the grasslands shows off meerkats. During the off-season, the elephants and giraffes may be inside the buildings on the opposite of the trail. Near the train station, you will also spot more elephants and zebras. The trail is an extra cost attraction that travels through Africa, Alaska and Asian Highlands.

One of the older parts of the park is the lagoon area and the Garden of Senses. On one of the bridges over the lagoon, there are several dispensers to feed the hundreds of fish that can be found at the base of the bridge waiting for food. On the other side of the bridge are more African animals including the Bongo, Cheetah, Lions and Antelope. A new edition to the zoo is the Stingray Beach where you get to touch a stingray. Next door is also a new park exhibit, the Asian Highlands. This multi-million dollar expansion to the park. The area is built to recreate conditions that the animals in the wild would be living in as well as creating ruins and using Asian architecture to tie together the experience for the visitor. Animals include the Red Panda, Tiger, Snow Leopard and the Indian Rhino. The Simmons Aviary is home to hundreds of birds like flamingos and cranes.

One of the most fascinating exhibits in the park is the Hubbard Gorilla Valley. This is closed due to renovations. This exhibit allows visitors to get up close to some of the most intelligent creatures on the planet. These are the most reactive to the visitors of the park, going up to the glass and looking at guests. Continuing, the new Sea Lion exhibit is a great new addition to the park. A path goes around a large lagoon with surface and below water view areas. The new Alaska area features a large splash area for kids as well as a dining opportunity at Glacier Bay. Another area for kids is the Bay Family Children's Adventure Trail for kids to play in.

Going back up the hill the Desert Dome is the most recognized exhibit of the park. The large glass dome is divided into several deserts around the world. The Desert Dome is home to many plants that would be growing in deserts like this, such as the Saguaro. Inside several desert caves, are many types of venomous snakes and spiders. The dome features a large area with over a dozen rattlesnakes living together. Head downstairs to visit the Kingdom of the Night area under the dome. This includes many insects and frogs that live in near-complete darkness, a cave area for bats and a swamp with a near albino alligator and beavers.

The best exhibit in the Omaha Zoo is the Scott Aquarium. First, see the fascinating penguins from the Southern Ocean. These are fun animals to watch as they jump in a swim jump out, they always seem to be moving. The next area has many fish species from tropical reefs like the fish in the film Finding Nemo. The following section is a glass tube where different species of sharks swim around and above you. The jellyfish are next, these are really cool to see as they seem like they can not be real. The aquarium also features a Giant Pacific Octopus, one of the most intelligent creatures on the earth.

This article was just meant to be an overview of the Zoo, there are many things I missed. I hope you found this article helpful and will be encouraged to visit Omaha and its spectacular zoo.