Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo

The Henry Doorly Zoo was established in 1894 by the City of Omaha. In 1898, the park's aniimal population consisted of deer, a grizzly bear, two bison (on loan from Colonel William F. Cody) and 120 other animals. The zoo covers 130 acres showing 1,700 specimens representing 962 species. This includes 44 species that are listed as endangered, as well as seven threatened species.

The zoo has 15 major animal habitats on display, which gives visitors a view of the animals in their natural habitat. The cat complex was built in 1977, and was the largest cat complex at that time. The Scott Aquarium gives you an up-close view of sharks, sting rays, large turtles, jelly fish, etc. In April of 2002, the world's largest indoor desert was built, known as the Desert Dome.

For an educational movie, feel free to stop by the IMAX Theater. They offer a variety of movies for their guests ranging from sharks, weather, volcanoes or even holiday movies.

One of the popular attractions at the zoo is located in Bear Canyon. You can sit and watch the polar bears from behind the glass. You can see them lounging on the rocks, swimming in the water, playing with their toys or even catching a bird out of the air. Also in the area you will see a black bear and grizzly bear.

Another favorite is Hubbard Gorilla Valley. You can walk through the complex and get a close view of the gorillas in their natural habitat. You can sit inside a bubble window, or just stand up to the glass windows and watch them as they play or sleep. If you're lucky, you can even get them to come up to the windows and bang their large hands on the glass. This is always a neat sight to see.

In April 2002, the Desert Dome made its opening at the zoo. Within the Desert Caves live 50 reptile species from Africa and Australia, including venomous snakes such as death adders, a cape copra and taipan (the world's second deadliest snake). In the forest live lizards, roadrunners, prairie dogs, coatimundis, kit foxes, quail, desert tortoises and snakes.

Next to the entrance of the zoo, you can find the Lied Jungle. This indoor rainforest is the largest of its kind in the world. Visitors young and old will journey through three different rainforest habitats from Asia, Africa and South America. Family Life Magazine named the Lied Jungle the single best zoo exhibit in the country in 1994.

Within the zoo, you can take a ride around the zoo on the train or tram. Children of all ages can enjoy a ride on the wildlife carousel.

The zoo is open 9:30 to 5:00 daily, and provides strollers, wagons and wheelchairs for rental. The zoo offers school programs, internships, adopt an animal and volunteer programs. You can also find three gift shops so you can take home your own souvenir. These are located at the North and South entrances, and inside the Scott Aquarium.

You can find additional information about the Henry Doorly Zoo at www.omahazoo.com.