Cities are known for a lot of different attractions that allow them to stand out, and for Omaha, Nebraska, it is the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. The Zoo was established in 1894, and has progressed to be one of the top zoos to attend in the world.

The exhibits at the zoo include the largest cat complex in North America, as well as the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp, rainforest, indoor desert, and geodesic dome. Which means it should not be a surprise that the zoo is Nebraska’s number one paid-attendance attraction.

The Zoo’s missions are conservation, research, recreation, and education. These are no surprise to visitors when enjoying the zoo. There is a lot of information involved and displayed throughout the exhibits, as well as hands-on classes for all ages. There is always something new coming to the zoo, whether it be babies or completely different species. This zoo stands out through how much is going on in addition to whatever the visitors can see in regards to research and conservation.

As a visitor, you are able to begin with a walk through the jungle, swamp, or desert. Due to the progression of the zoo family, you can walk through a butterfly exhibit where, if you’re lucky, the butterflies will land on you. You can also walk through a glass tunnel and feel as if you are in the ocean, amongst all sorts of animals, including sharks and stingrays.

The uniqueness of the zoo, is that you are not going through the zoo looking through a lot of glass to see the animals. For the most part, they are out in the open, allowing you to see how they live freely.  It is the perfect experience, whether it is a school field trip or a night out with your friends. The zoo has it all, including the option to rent its grounds for a day or night.

As for the conversation and research components of its mission statement, this is what the zoo has to say, “The Center for Conservation and Research (CCR) at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo has built a vigorous program of scientific investigation in the fields of molecular genetics, reproductive physiology, nutrition, plant micro propagation and conservation medicine.” The work that they do does not just help improve your visit to the zoo, but for people and all over the world.

To give you a break from the weather outdoors, there is also the IMAX Theater on the campus. The IMAX Theater is a unique experience and an additional way to learn fascinating information about the wildlife and animals around the world.

Besides the daily admissions, they also have various activities such as a Back to School Bash, days for the specific clubs you can join, as well as a fun run. The only day the zoo is not open is on Christmas day, so no matter the time of the year, you will be able to have the full experience.

Conveniently located off I-80 on 3701 South 10^th Street, here is a great place to take all your friends and family!

Image Courtesy of  Yuriy Korchagin / Shutterstock.com

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About the author

Marci Swank
I am from a small town in Iowa, and now live in a slightly larger Iowan city where I am finishing my B.A. in English with minors in Professional Writing and Interactive Digital Studies, with an emphasis in Digital Writing & Business. I love to travel, read, write, and talk; the ways I absorb as much creativity and knowledge as I possibly can.