Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

[Coyote]

[youtube]
[/youtube]

[skinzfan23]

Saw this in a story from July 13th:

This year's millionth visitor came eight days quicker than in 2018, when the zoo reached 2 million visitors for the third consecutive year and eclipsed the 50-million mark all time.

[Spatial77]

The last of the cats in the 1970’s era cat complex have been moved out. Female Snow leopard and cubs moved to Asian Highlands yesterday. I believe that demolition is planned for this fall. The Zoo’s Facebook page has a really good video with the Curator of Large Mammals on why the cat facility was designed the way it was and was “state of the art” when it opened.

[Louie]

The last of the cats in the 1970’s era cat complex have been moved out. Female Snow leopard and cubs moved to Asian Highlands yesterday. I believe that demolition is planned for this fall. The Zoo’s Facebook page has a really good video with the Curator of Large Mammals on why the cat facility was designed the way it was and was “state of the art” when it opened.

Excellent, one of, if not the, last remnant of much older design at the zoo.

[nativeomahan]

I recall when the Cat Complex first opened. It was highly touted and became a major draw for the zoo.
Times change. Sometimes for the better.

[Brad]

The zoo posted a 35 min long video on their Facebook Page today and the new Sea Lion exhibit looks amazing! Worth checking out if you like the zoo. Meant to look like the pacific northwest and I think they nailed it!

[ChadJK]

I see the zoo has been moving away from the animals being lumped together taxonomically by family (Cats here, Bears there, etc.) to being more geographic. It mixes the animals up more and I think a lot more people are seeing a lot more animals than they used to.

Has anyone been to the pandemic version of the Zoo? How's that going and flowing?

[skinzfan23]

I watched part of the live video today and it does look amazing. I couldn't believe how tall all the trees were in the exhibit. I feel like this is much better use of the space than the bear canyon. I loved the bear canyon as a kid, but it was hard to see the animals because they were in their caves a lot of the time. This is amazing to have a "tunnel" like walk to get to the underwater viewing area of the sea lions, who are much more active than the bears. I am sure the World Herald will probably have some picture of the exhibit in the next few days.

As far as the animals being geographically grouped and their enclosures to represent their natural habitats more, the zoo is doing a phenomenal job. I remember reading where Dennis Pate stated that they want it to be more like "Disneyworld" and a more immersive experience for everyone. I think they have accomplished that with the African Grasslands, Asian Highlands and now this exhibit. There aren't many zoos in the country (probably only 2-3 that have this kind of experience)!

[Linkin5]

I see the zoo has been moving away from the animals being lumped together taxonomically by family (Cats here, Bears there, etc.) to being more geographic. It mixes the animals up more and I think a lot more people are seeing a lot more animals than they used to.

Has anyone been to the pandemic version of the Zoo? How's that going and flowing?

It’s...not great. Big props to the zoo making it possible to even go in there, and their employees were amazing during our time there. The amount of stuff that is closed, though, makes the experience not great. If I didn’t have a $165 yearly pass I would have found the outing not worth it.

[Greg S]

I watched part of the live video today and it does look amazing. I couldn't believe how tall all the trees were in the exhibit. I feel like this is much better use of the space than the bear canyon. I loved the bear canyon as a kid, but it was hard to see the animals because they were in their caves a lot of the time. This is amazing to have a "tunnel" like walk to get to the underwater viewing area of the sea lions, who are much more active than the bears. I am sure the World Herald will probably have some picture of the exhibit in the next few days.

As far as the animals being geographically grouped and their enclosures to represent their natural habitats more, the zoo is doing a phenomenal job. I remember reading where Dennis Pate stated that they want it to be more like "Disneyworld" and a more immersive experience for everyone. I think they have accomplished that with the African Grasslands, Asian Highlands and now this exhibit. There aren't many zoos in the country (probably only 2-3 that have this kind of experience)!

I am glad you posted this. The first time I walked through the new Africa area (a few years ago, new at the time), I kept thinking how it reminded me of Animal Kingdom and Disney as a whole. He was so spot on, and without having seen the quote, Disney just jumped to my mind, Makes perfect sense now. It was so well themed, down to music and eating. Not a copycat or anything, just comparable. I had not seen the Dennis Pate quote about Disneyworld but it is so true on how it turned out. I know from watching a special on Animal Kingdom and its opening 20 years ago, they went and visited the top zoos around the US and world for inspiration. Now it's come full circle. I absolutely love the work they've done on the zoo the last few years. Really upgraded an already great zoo. Just a fantastic direction.

I am trying to remember what comes next?

Greg

[ita]

I am trying to remember what comes next?

Greg

Based on an older OWH article, there is still an exhibit for polar bears as part of the Coastal Shores, Equatorial Africa where the Cat Complex is, and maybe the Andean Foothills. I love that the zoo has transformed itself over the last decade even though it was already a highly regarded zoo.

[Garrett]

I watched part of the live video today and it does look amazing. I couldn't believe how tall all the trees were in the exhibit. I feel like this is much better use of the space than the bear canyon. I loved the bear canyon as a kid, but it was hard to see the animals because they were in their caves a lot of the time. This is amazing to have a "tunnel" like walk to get to the underwater viewing area of the sea lions, who are much more active than the bears. I am sure the World Herald will probably have some picture of the exhibit in the next few days.

As far as the animals being geographically grouped and their enclosures to represent their natural habitats more, the zoo is doing a phenomenal job. I remember reading where Dennis Pate stated that they want it to be more like "Disneyworld" and a more immersive experience for everyone. I think they have accomplished that with the African Grasslands, Asian Highlands and now this exhibit. There aren't many zoos in the country (probably only 2-3 that have this kind of experience)!

I am glad you posted this. The first time I walked through the new Africa area (a few years ago, new at the time), I kept thinking how it reminded me of Animal Kingdom and Disney as a whole. He was so spot on, and without having seen the quote, Disney just jumped to my mind, Makes perfect sense now. It was so well themed, down to music and eating. Not a copycat or anything, just comparable. I had not seen the Dennis Pate quote about Disneyworld but it is so true on how it turned out. I know from watching a special on Animal Kingdom and its opening 20 years ago, they went and visited the top zoos around the US and world for inspiration. Now it's come full circle. I absolutely love the work they've done on the zoo the last few years. Really upgraded an already great zoo. Just a fantastic direction.

I am trying to remember what comes next?

Greg

I feel like they really stepped it up with the Asian Highlands in particular. The theming there and in the lion area in Africa is the so amazing.

[Greg S]

I watched part of the live video today and it does look amazing. I couldn't believe how tall all the trees were in the exhibit. I feel like this is much better use of the space than the bear canyon. I loved the bear canyon as a kid, but it was hard to see the animals because they were in their caves a lot of the time. This is amazing to have a "tunnel" like walk to get to the underwater viewing area of the sea lions, who are much more active than the bears. I am sure the World Herald will probably have some picture of the exhibit in the next few days.

As far as the animals being geographically grouped and their enclosures to represent their natural habitats more, the zoo is doing a phenomenal job. I remember reading where Dennis Pate stated that they want it to be more like "Disneyworld" and a more immersive experience for everyone. I think they have accomplished that with the African Grasslands, Asian Highlands and now this exhibit. There aren't many zoos in the country (probably only 2-3 that have this kind of experience)!

I am glad you posted this. The first time I walked through the new Africa area (a few years ago, new at the time), I kept thinking how it reminded me of Animal Kingdom and Disney as a whole. He was so spot on, and without having seen the quote, Disney just jumped to my mind, Makes perfect sense now. It was so well themed, down to music and eating. Not a copycat or anything, just comparable. I had not seen the Dennis Pate quote about Disneyworld but it is so true on how it turned out. I know from watching a special on Animal Kingdom and its opening 20 years ago, they went and visited the top zoos around the US and world for inspiration. Now it's come full circle. I absolutely love the work they've done on the zoo the last few years. Really upgraded an already great zoo. Just a fantastic direction.

I am trying to remember what comes next?

Greg

I feel like they really stepped it up with the Asian Highlands in particular. The theming there and in the lion area in Africa is the so amazing.

Could not agree more. Loved the Africa addition but the Asian Highlands took it to a whole new level. I spend more time than ever in each arean. Not just looking at the animal and the exhibits, but everything around it too.

[ita]

Omaha zoo announces opening date for new $26 million sea lion exhibit

The Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium’s sea lions got a look at their new home earlier this week when they journeyed from their 48-year-old pavilion to the new Owen Sea Lion Shores.

Labor Day weekend, it will be the public’s turn to view the $26 million exhibit.

Set to open the morning of Sept. 4, the Omaha zoo’s sea lion exhibit will give people a “nose-to-nose” view of the marine mammals.

Visitors will wind their way through the exhibit — passing a sandy beach where children can play and an above-ground sea lion viewing window. They will then slowly descend until reaching a large “sea cave” that is 12 feet below the surface of a 275,000-gallon saltwater pool.

The cave features a 40-foot viewing window that will provide an underwater, up-close view of sea lions interacting with one another and gliding through the water.

[Greg S]

Current projects include a rehab/remodel of the Aviary and the new area that was formerly home to the sea lions. They are putting in event space and a more permanent home to Sting Ray beach. Both are well under way, and to open in 2021.

Anybody know what officially follows?

[Linkin5]

Current projects include a rehab/remodel of the Aviary and the new area that was formerly home to the sea lions. They are putting in event space and a more permanent home to Sting Ray beach. Both are well under way, and to open in 2021.

Anybody know what officially follows?

Looking at their master plan it looks like it will be the polar bear complex near coastal shores and then the Equatorial Africa exhibit where the cat complex is.

[Greg S]

Current projects include a rehab/remodel of the Aviary and the new area that was formerly home to the sea lions. They are putting in event space and a more permanent home to Sting Ray beach. Both are well under way, and to open in 2021.

Anybody know what officially follows?

Looking at their master plan it looks like it will be the polar bear complex near coastal shores and then the Equatorial Africa exhibit where the cat complex is.

Awesome, thank you. I looked for that and could not find, obviously not hard enough though. Thanks again.

[Doctor Fate]

Current projects include a rehab/remodel of the Aviary and the new area that was formerly home to the sea lions. They are putting in event space and a more permanent home to Sting Ray beach. Both are well under way, and to open in 2021.

Anybody know what officially follows?

Looking at their master plan it looks like it will be the polar bear complex near coastal shores and then the Equatorial Africa exhibit where the cat complex is.

Awesome, thank you. I looked for that and could not find, obviously not hard enough though. Thanks again.

Do we know what is going in where the sea lions used to be?

[Greg S]

Current projects include a rehab/remodel of the Aviary and the new area that was formerly home to the sea lions. They are putting in event space and a more permanent home to Sting Ray beach. Both are well under way, and to open in 2021.

Anybody know what officially follows?

Looking at their master plan it looks like it will be the polar bear complex near coastal shores and then the Equatorial Africa exhibit where the cat complex is.

Awesome, thank you. I looked for that and could not find, obviously not hard enough though. Thanks again.

Do we know what is going in where the sea lions used to be?

The new event space (like receptions and meetings and such), along with the new more permanent stingray beach, is right adjacent to that. The exterior of the buildings is almost done. Judging by the pics, the old sea lions pool (which is being removed now) will be green space outside of those two building I believe.

Greg

[skinzfan23]

According to the zoo, more than 32,000 people visited this past weekend. The average weekend during this summer has had about 5,000-6,000 and weekdays around 2,500.

[Doctor Fate]

Current projects include a rehab/remodel of the Aviary and the new area that was formerly home to the sea lions. They are putting in event space and a more permanent home to Sting Ray beach. Both are well under way, and to open in 2021.

Anybody know what officially follows?

Looking at their master plan it looks like it will be the polar bear complex near coastal shores and then the Equatorial Africa exhibit where the cat complex is.

Awesome, thank you. I looked for that and could not find, obviously not hard enough though. Thanks again.

Do we know what is going in where the sea lions used to be?

The new event space (like receptions and meetings and such), along with the new more permanent stingray beach, is right adjacent to that. The exterior of the buildings is almost done. Judging by the pics, the old sea lions pool (which is being removed now) will be green space outside of those two building I believe.

Greg

Thanks for filling me in!

[Greg S]

Current projects include a rehab/remodel of the Aviary and the new area that was formerly home to the sea lions. They are putting in event space and a more permanent home to Sting Ray beach. Both are well under way, and to open in 2021.

Anybody know what officially follows?

Looking at their master plan it looks like it will be the polar bear complex near coastal shores and then the Equatorial Africa exhibit where the cat complex is.

Awesome, thank you. I looked for that and could not find, obviously not hard enough though. Thanks again.

Do we know what is going in where the sea lions used to be?

The new event space (like receptions and meetings and such), along with the new more permanent stingray beach, is right adjacent to that. The exterior of the buildings is almost done. Judging by the pics, the old sea lions pool (which is being removed now) will be green space outside of those two building I believe.

Greg

Thanks for filling me in!

No problem. I was there Sunday with my oldest and we went over to see what they were doing with the old sea lion area. Surprised that they had not only started construction of the new stuff but how far along it was and that it was opening next year.

[Louie]

Current projects include a rehab/remodel of the Aviary and the new area that was formerly home to the sea lions. They are putting in event space and a more permanent home to Sting Ray beach. Both are well under way, and to open in 2021.

Anybody know what officially follows?

Looking at their master plan it looks like it will be the polar bear complex near coastal shores and then the Equatorial Africa exhibit where the cat complex is.

Awesome, thank you. I looked for that and could not find, obviously not hard enough though. Thanks again.

Do we know what is going in where the sea lions used to be?

The new event space (like receptions and meetings and such), along with the new more permanent stingray beach, is right adjacent to that. The exterior of the buildings is almost done. Judging by the pics, the old sea lions pool (which is being removed now) will be green space outside of those two building I believe.

Greg

Thanks for filling me in!

No problem. I was there Sunday with my oldest and we went over to see what they were doing with the old sea lion area. Surprised that they had not only started construction of the new stuff but how far along it was and that it was opening next year.

If there is one place that zooms through construction around here, its definitely the zoo.

[Brad]

Baby elephant is on its way!

https://www.wowt.com/2021/03/18/five-ye ... s-arrival/

Dennis Pate, zoo president and CEO, announced Thursday that hormone work with the elephants has paid off and that one of the African elephants, Claire, is expecting.

She is about halfway through the pregnancy and due around this time next year, Pate said. Zoo workers have been able to see some toes of the infant on an ultrasound, he said.

[ChadJK]

I just had to google it after reading she is halfway through the pregnancy but still not due for a year. African Elephants have a 22-month gestation period!

[Greg S]

With the new permanent Stingray exhibit open. Assuming the next major project to open will be the redone aviary?


Greg

[Linkin5]

With the new permanent Stingray exhibit open. Assuming the next major project to open will be the redone aviary?


Greg

Yeah I believe that should be done next, they were also updating some stuff in the gorilla complex last couple times I was there. After that, then we are looking at the next major project completed where the cat complex was.

[Greg S]

With the new permanent Stingray exhibit open. Assuming the next major project to open will be the redone aviary?


Greg

Yeah I believe that should be done next, they were also updating some stuff in the gorilla complex last couple times I was there. After that, then we are looking at the next major project completed where the cat complex was.

Ok cool. If memory serves that's where they are putting the polar bears I believe.

[Brad]

With the new permanent Stingray exhibit open. Assuming the next major project to open will be the redone aviary?

Yeah I believe that should be done next

I noticed when we were there last month they are totally reconfiguring the Aviary. The entrance will be over by the Asian highlands and now its a loop as opposed to a path down the middle.

[Louie]

Is there a rendering of what the redone aviary will look like? It's one of the calmer areas of the zoo and really enjoyable imo.

[ita]

Is there a rendering of what the redone aviary will look like? It's one of the calmer areas of the zoo and really enjoyable imo.

The birds are back: Omaha zoo's aviary reopens

Jessica Wade
The sun is in the sky, and birds are flying high at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.

The more than 250 birds off exhibit during the renovation of the Lee G. Simmons Aviary are ready to take flight in their revamped, environmentally conscious exhibit, which will reopen to the public at 9 a.m. Friday.

Visitors walking along the exhibit's 375-foot elevated walkway will be stepping on eco-friendly decking made from recycled materials. The cable railings they hold onto were designed to provide a more open view of birds, especially for young children in strollers.

There is an embedded video with a short tour of the new aviary. While they are done with the current master planning, I am looking forward to what they do with the cat complex and desert dome.

[Doctor Fate]

Is there a rendering of what the redone aviary will look like? It's one of the calmer areas of the zoo and really enjoyable imo.

The birds are back: Omaha zoo's aviary reopens

Jessica Wade
The sun is in the sky, and birds are flying high at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.

The more than 250 birds off exhibit during the renovation of the Lee G. Simmons Aviary are ready to take flight in their revamped, environmentally conscious exhibit, which will reopen to the public at 9 a.m. Friday.

Visitors walking along the exhibit's 375-foot elevated walkway will be stepping on eco-friendly decking made from recycled materials. The cable railings they hold onto were designed to provide a more open view of birds, especially for young children in strollers.

There is an embedded video with a short tour of the new aviary. While they are done with the current master planning, I am looking forward to what they do with the cat complex and desert dome.

They are doing something to the Desert Dome? Like just a remodel or something along those lines?

[ita]

Is there a rendering of what the redone aviary will look like? It's one of the calmer areas of the zoo and really enjoyable imo.

The birds are back: Omaha zoo's aviary reopens

Jessica Wade
The sun is in the sky, and birds are flying high at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.

The more than 250 birds off exhibit during the renovation of the Lee G. Simmons Aviary are ready to take flight in their revamped, environmentally conscious exhibit, which will reopen to the public at 9 a.m. Friday.

Visitors walking along the exhibit's 375-foot elevated walkway will be stepping on eco-friendly decking made from recycled materials. The cable railings they hold onto were designed to provide a more open view of birds, especially for young children in strollers.

There is an embedded video with a short tour of the new aviary. While they are done with the current master planning, I am looking forward to what they do with the cat complex and desert dome.

They are doing something to the Desert Dome? Like just a remodel or something along those lines?

Apparently the CEO and executive director said the DD is up for a transformation, but this is for the future. No timeline or other details. It's a favorite of many, so I am really interested to see what they come up with.

[Greg S]

I would assume the DD won’t be a huge change. I predict it will be a refresh like they did with the aquarium.

I wonder if they will do anything up the hill in the northeast corner of the zoo?

[Brad]

I would assume the DD won’t be a huge change. I predict it will be a refresh like they did with the aquarium.

I agree. Back in the day I worked for the company that built the rocks in the Desert Dome. Under the Big hill in the middle are all kinds off steal I-beams. Under the big hill in the Australian area is a 3 story cider block building.

That said, there are several areas of the desert dome that never worked out as planned. Starting in the first area, there was a sand waterfall that never really panned out. The second area is that tight corner before you go in to that oasis in the middle, seems like the cat slated for that area never really worked. The Oasis in the middle, they were having trouble with the palm trees, and the animals on the wall on the right didn't seem to last long. The cave seemed to work out ok. After the cave, you go in to the Australian area, and there should have been rock wallabies on Airs rock and I'm not sure I have ever seen them. After Australia, there is the area with the pigs. The pigs seem to do good, but there should have been a large cat on the rocks above the pigs. Next was "Hummingbird Canyon" which quickly changed to "Rattlesnake Canyon" when the hummingbirds never worked out. After that there should have been prairie dogs, but they didn't last long either.

I wonder if they will do anything up the hill in the northeast corner of the zoo?

I think they changed that to keeper areas and staff parking. I'm guessing Visitors never get back up there.

[Fort Calhoun]

Dennis Pate did not say the Desert Dome but the Desert Dome Plaza. The plaza is the large open area outside the Desert Dome and the Lozier Theatre. In the original master plan document it showed trees placed in this area.

[S.O.Boy]

https://www.omahazoofoundation.org/plaza

[Louie]

https://www.omahazoofoundation.org/plaza

Thats good, it always a bit of a barren space.

[Brad]

https://www.omahazoofoundation.org/plaza

Looks great! I understand whey the left it open initially when they would erect that large party tent but I couldn't tell you the last time I have seen that. This will be a nice improvement.

[S.O.Boy]

https://www.omahazoofoundation.org/plaza

Looks great! I understand whey the left it open initially when they would erect that large party tent but I couldn't tell you the last time I have seen that. This will be a nice improvement.

2019

Something has been keeping me from going back.