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Wild Wonders Await At Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo

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by Annadiana Kitchens

wild-wonders-await-at-omahas-henry-doorly-zoo

Have you ever wondered what makes Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo so special? This zoo isn't just any ordinary animal park. It's home to some of the world's largest indoor exhibits, including the Desert Dome and the Lied Jungle. Imagine walking through a rainforest or exploring a desert, all in one place. The zoo also boasts a state-of-the-art aquarium, where you can see sharks, jellyfish, and colorful fish up close. With over 130 acres of exhibits and gardens, there's always something new to see. Whether you're an animal lover or just looking for a fun day out, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo offers an unforgettable experience.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo: A Must-Visit Destination

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo isn't just any zoo. It's a place where you can see animals from all over the world, learn about different ecosystems, and have a blast with family or friends. Let's take a look at some of the wild wonders you can find here.

The Desert Dome: A World of Sand and Sun

Step into the Desert Dome, the world's largest indoor desert. This unique exhibit showcases the beauty and diversity of desert environments from around the globe.

  1. Namib Desert: Experience the arid beauty of Africa's Namib Desert, complete with sand dunes and unique wildlife like the oryx and meerkat.
  2. Red Center of Australia: Discover the rugged terrain of Australia's Outback, home to kangaroos, wallabies, and other fascinating creatures.
  3. Sonoran Desert: Explore North America's Sonoran Desert, where cacti and desert tortoises thrive.

Kingdoms of the Night: Unveil the Mysteries of the Dark

Right beneath the Desert Dome lies Kingdoms of the Night, the world's largest nocturnal exhibit. Here, you can see how animals adapt to life in the dark.

  1. Swamp: Wander through a swamp filled with alligators, beavers, and other nocturnal creatures.
  2. Caves: Discover the hidden world of bats, blind fish, and other cave dwellers.
  3. Echolocation Alley: Learn how animals like bats use echolocation to navigate and hunt in complete darkness.

Lied Jungle: A Tropical Paradise

The Lied Jungle is one of the largest indoor rainforests in the world. This lush, green paradise is home to a variety of exotic plants and animals.

  1. Asian Rainforest: Meet the animals of the Asian rainforest, including gibbons, tapirs, and pygmy hippos.
  2. South American Rainforest: Encounter colorful birds, playful monkeys, and other wildlife from South America's rainforests.
  3. African Rainforest: Explore the dense foliage and discover animals like the okapi and bongo.

Scott Aquarium: Dive into the Deep

The Scott Aquarium offers a glimpse into the underwater world, from coral reefs to the icy waters of the polar regions.

  1. Coral Reef: Marvel at the vibrant colors and diverse marine life of a coral reef ecosystem.
  2. Penguin Exhibit: Watch playful penguins swim and waddle in their icy habitat.
  3. Shark Tunnel: Walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and other ocean predators.

African Grasslands: A Safari Adventure

The African Grasslands exhibit brings the savannas of Africa to life, with expansive habitats and a variety of iconic animals.

  1. Elephant Family Quarters: Observe a herd of elephants as they roam and interact in their spacious habitat.
  2. Giraffe Herd: Get up close with towering giraffes and watch them gracefully move across the grasslands.
  3. Lion Pride: Witness the majesty of lions as they lounge and play in their naturalistic enclosure.

Expedition Madagascar: Island of Unique Wildlife

Madagascar is home to some of the most unique animals on the planet. This exhibit highlights the island's incredible biodiversity.

  1. Lemur Walkway: Stroll through an area where lemurs leap and play above your head.
  2. Fossa Exhibit: Learn about the fossa, Madagascar's top predator, and watch it in action.
  3. Radiated Tortoise: Meet the radiated tortoise, known for its beautifully patterned shell.

Alaskan Adventure: A Splash of Fun

For a bit of water play, head to Alaskan Adventure. This splash park is perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

  1. Whale Fountain: Kids can splash around in a fountain shaped like a giant whale.
  2. Salmon Stream: Follow the path of a salmon stream, complete with water jets and interactive elements.
  3. Polar Bear Playground: Enjoy a play area inspired by the Arctic, with climbing structures and slides.

Your Next Adventure Awaits

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo offers an unforgettable experience for all ages. From the expansive Desert Dome to the immersive Lied Jungle, there's something for everyone. The Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium brings the ocean to the Midwest, while the Kingdoms of the Night exhibit lets you explore nocturnal habitats. Don't miss the Hubbard Gorilla Valley and the African Grasslands, where you can see majestic animals in naturalistic settings.

Plan your visit to make the most of your time. Check the zoo's website for special events and feeding times. Comfortable shoes and a camera are must-haves. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this zoo promises a day full of adventure and learning. So, gather your family or friends and head to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo for a wild day out. Your next adventure awaits!