Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

[Coyote]

Omaha zoo expecting fourth baby elephant in August 2023

[Brad]

Omaha Zoo just hit their 1 millionth visitor this year!

[Coyote]

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium welcomes its one millionth visitor of the year Thursday



KMTV 3 News Now

It was an exciting day at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. The zoo welcomed its millionth visitor for 2022 and these special guests were there to celebrate a birthday.

[Coyote]

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo FULL TOUR | Famous Desert Dome & More



Is Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo the best zoo in the US? Discover every animal and exhibit at the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo as we journey through this amazing zoo for the first time. The Omaha Zoo include

[guy4omaha]

it seems that most of these zoo videos do not include the Lied Jungle. The zoo needs to make the Jungle entrance more prominent.

[ChadJK]

The zoo needs to make the Jungle entrance more prominent.

Agreed. From the main walking path it just looks like a restaurant (and if it's really hot or rainy and the patio is vacant it looks like a defunct restaurant).

[Coyote]

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo announces next president and CEO

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium announced Thursday its next president and CEO — Dr. Luis Padilla. Padilla will succeed Dennis Pate, who announced his retirement in February. He is currently the vice president of animal collections for the St. Louis Zoo and oversees the Zoo's animal division, including animal collection, facilities and care teams.

“I am extremely excited and humbled to lead the amazing Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and its talented team," Padilla said in a statement. “I look forward to serving the Zoo and the Omaha community, while continuing the legacy of being one of the top zoos in the world.” Padilla's first day at the zoo will be Nov. 14, 2022.

“Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a globally recognized leader that is proudly beloved by its local community. To lead this organization, and to inspire, educate and engage in impactful conservation efforts, is the pinnacle of professional achievement,” Padilla said. Under Pate's watch, the zoo opened multiple exhibits, including the African Grasslands, the Asian Highlights, the Owen Sea Lion Shores and more.

Pate also played a significant role in elephants returning to Omaha's zoo in 2016, which led to the birth of two African elephant calves in January 2022 — the first in the zoo's history. “I, like everyone in the zoo community, am familiar with the stellar reputation of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the revolutionary projects Dennis Pate has completed,” Padilla said. “I am looking forward to working with Dennis on a smooth leadership transition and building on his legacy.”

[Coyote]

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium hosts final Late Nights at the Zoo event Thursday

Thursday is your last chance this summer to experience the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium's Late Nights at the Zoo. According to a press release from the zoo, Thursday's final "zoorah" will have a special giveaway with prizes varying from free beverages to free admission tickets. The evening is for adults who are 21 and older. Each ticket to Late Nights at the Zoo includes one complimentary drink ticket, access to select zoo exhibits after-hours and the chance to buy food from local food trucks.

Exhibit areas included with the event are the Desert Dome, Scott Aquarium, African Grasslands, Asian Highlands, Owen Sea Lion Shores, Hubbard Gorilla Valley (indoor family quarters only) and Glacier Bay Landing. Stingray Beach is available as an add-on experience.

[Greg S]

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo announces next president and CEO

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium announced Thursday its next president and CEO — Dr. Luis Padilla. Padilla will succeed Dennis Pate, who announced his retirement in February. He is currently the vice president of animal collections for the St. Louis Zoo and oversees the Zoo's animal division, including animal collection, facilities and care teams.

“I am extremely excited and humbled to lead the amazing Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and its talented team," Padilla said in a statement. “I look forward to serving the Zoo and the Omaha community, while continuing the legacy of being one of the top zoos in the world.” Padilla's first day at the zoo will be Nov. 14, 2022.

“Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a globally recognized leader that is proudly beloved by its local community. To lead this organization, and to inspire, educate and engage in impactful conservation efforts, is the pinnacle of professional achievement,” Padilla said. Under Pate's watch, the zoo opened multiple exhibits, including the African Grasslands, the Asian Highlights, the Owen Sea Lion Shores and more.

Pate also played a significant role in elephants returning to Omaha's zoo in 2016, which led to the birth of two African elephant calves in January 2022 — the first in the zoo's history. “I, like everyone in the zoo community, am familiar with the stellar reputation of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the revolutionary projects Dennis Pate has completed,” Padilla said. “I am looking forward to working with Dennis on a smooth leadership transition and building on his legacy.”

Last time the zoo brought in a new director, new attractions and development really shut down for several years. Then Pate unveiled the overhaul and things got going again. Hopefully it doesn't last as long this time.

Greg

[Brad]

Last time the zoo brought in a new director, new attractions and development really shut down for several years. Then Pate unveiled the overhaul and things got going again. Hopefully it doesn't last as long this time.

I really like Dr Simmons, but Pate brought the zoo and attractions to a whole other level. The Attractions themselves have always been great, but now the whole area around each attraction and the zoo as a whole just looks so much better!

[Louie]

Last time the zoo brought in a new director, new attractions and development really shut down for several years. Then Pate unveiled the overhaul and things got going again. Hopefully it doesn't last as long this time.

I really like Dr Simmons, but Pate brought the zoo and attractions to a whole other level. The Attractions themselves have always been great, but now the whole area around each attraction and the zoo as a whole just looks so much better!

Simmons was the brainchild to make the zoo what it is today, really glad that Pate succeeded him and expanded on his vision.

[Greg S]

Last time the zoo brought in a new director, new attractions and development really shut down for several years. Then Pate unveiled the overhaul and things got going again. Hopefully it doesn't last as long this time.

I really like Dr Simmons, but Pate brought the zoo and attractions to a whole other level. The Attractions themselves have always been great, but now the whole area around each attraction and the zoo as a whole just looks so much better!

Simmons was the brainchild to make the zoo what it is today, really glad that Pate succeeded him and expanded on his vision.

Agree on both counts. The key though is the zoo can't rest on it's laurels for too long going forward if it wants to remain at or near the top of zoos.

Greg

[nativeomahan]

My husband and I made our first visit to the Henry Doorly zoo this calendar year yesterday, taking advantage of the milder weather and relative lack of kids. We had just been through the Denver zoo a few days earlier and we wanted to sort of compare the two while the Denver zoo was still fresh in our minds.
I suspect all big city zoos are fantastic places to visit. Each has its own strengths and focuses, as few if any can excel in their caring for and displaying of all types of animals.
The Denver zoo is located inside a huge city park in the center city, not far from downtown. It’s easily accessible via public transportation, though there was still about a 5 block walk from our bus stop. Clearly it expanded to its present design decades ago, unlike the HDZ, which has been almost completely remade since the 1990s. The Denver zoo has many more shady areas than the HDZ, which was greatly appreciated on a sunny day, They have a huge brand new animal hospital, and are undertaking big new projects to focus on animals of Australia and New Zealand, as well as a new area for flamingos. Their African elephant area far exceeded what we have in Omaha, as guests are able to get right up next to a large pond where the elephants were playing with each other. By itself it was the very best zoo experience I have ever had. In contrast we saw zero elephants outside at the HDZ, which was a huge disappointment.
The Denver zoo has a combined indoor jungle/ desert/ aquarium building, about the same size as the Omaha aquarium. Their aviary was very small. But they did have more dining options than what we found at the HDZ, where more than half of the food areas were closed, including the new cafe attached to the desert dome as well as the cafe outside the jungle structure and the area near the carousel.
We walked more at the Omaha zoo, which can be good or bad depending on your point of view. The HDZ is quite hilly, whereas the Denver zoo is totally flat.
Clearly the HDZ would get the nod for being the overall better zoo, but both are excellent in many ways. There are more similarities than differences. The Omaha zoo is noticeably more expensive, however.
One big disappointment we had yesterday is being told that as part of the new sea lion display area the zoo permanently removed all of its bears! I had no idea they planned to do this, and we were sad to see this as the old Bear Canyon with its polar bears and sun bears was always a highlight for us. We were told that there are no plans to reintroduce them in the foreseeable future.
My husband has mobility issues following recent surgery and while he can walk, that last hill leading back up to the desert dome and main entrance was something we planned to avoid, by making use of the north exit, which is advertised as remaining open until 5:30 pm. However at 4 pm we found it locked and no staff was on hand to let us out. It became a major obstacle, and I suspect others with disabilities would find its closure to be extremely frustrating.

[Coyote]

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium announces Ghouls & Glow events in October

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has announced the dates of when Ghouls & Glow presented by Veridian Credit Union will be making its return. This attraction will be open on October 7 - 9, October 14 - 16, and October 21 - 30.

See full press release below:

"Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium proudly announces the return of Ghouls & Glow presented by Veridian Credit Union. This light-time adventure for the whole family is bigger than ever this Halloween at Omaha's Zoo and Aquarium. This zero frightful and all delightful event is an illuminated spectacle for all ages being held October 7 - 9, October 14 - 16, and October 21 - 30, 2022.

Over 400 larger-than-life lanterns, custom-made for the Zoo, will illuminate the Bay Family’s Children’s Adventure Trails. Visitors will encounter dancing skeletons, candy monsters, jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, witches, wizards, spider web arches, sugar skulls with elements of nature, an eerie house, a mummy band and other friendly ghouls. A number of bats, vultures, spiders and black cats will also light up the trails. New this year at Fisherman’s Landing picnic pavilion, guests can purchase and enjoy a s’mores kit, or pick out the perfect miniature pumpkin to decorate and take home. Visitors can also take a ride on Sue’s Carousel.

The Zoo has added something new for parents too. On Friday and Saturday nights, two bars will be available with seasonal alcoholic drinks. And as if that wasn’t enough, new this year is the V.I.G (Very Important Ghoul) Ticket. V.I.G. ticketholders get even more boo for their buck! Besides access to the lanterns, entertainment and exhibits, a V.I.G. ticket automatically includes additional sweet benefits (up to a $60 value!). Benefits include early admission, access to the V.I.G. Lounge and an exclusive trick-or-treat bag with a light-up wristband, extra candy, souvenir cup, and tickets for a carousel ride, a s’mores kit, pumpkin decorating, and merchandise discount. Trick-or-treating is also back as a nightly event again. To help the Zoo stay green, guests should bring their own bag to collect treats.

Visitors can also catch an animal ambassador program, grab a bite to eat at the new Plaza Café or Glacier Bay Landing grill, or explore some of the Zoo’s indoor exhibits such as Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night or the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium. Outside of the main lantern display, hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins will glisten along the Zoo’s pathways, as well as a 14-foot-tall pumpkin tree and themed lighting and décor provided by the Zoo’s holiday lighting partner, Holidynamics. Throughout the evening, Omaha Circus Arts will showcase their amazing acts of fire dancing, aerials, juggling and flow arts, while Omaha Street Percussion returns with their popular percussion performances. Joe Cole’s Magic Show will bring awe and delight to little ones and a DJ will keep everyone dancing all night long. Both General Admission and V.I.G. tickets are available for purchase online. Hours of operation on Sunday through Thursday nights are from 6:30 to 9 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday nights from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Ticket prices vary based on date of attendance and for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium members. If purchased onsite at the Zoo, prices increase $3 per ticket. Online ticket purchases are encouraged. Tickets are available for purchase online starting today, Sept. 16. Use coupon code GHOUL2022 to save an additional $2 per General Admission ticket for online purchases made through Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 11:59 p.m. CDT. Code valid for online ticket purchases only.

[Coyote]

Late Nights at the Zoo and Howl-O-Ween Safari are making a return for the spooky season
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the Simmons Wildlife Safari Park

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — There are plenty of ways to celebrate the spooky season, so why not spend some time at the zoo? Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is hosting a pair of events that have something in store for all ages.

See the list of events below.

Late Nights at the Zoo: Halloween Edition

October 13 and 20
7p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
$25 for Zoo members and $35 for non-members.
21+ event
Tickets can be purchased online
Each ticket includes one complimentary drink ticket. There will be a series of Halloween-themed activities including over 400 Lanterns in Bay Family Children's Adventure Trails, fire show performances by Omaha Circus Arts, a live DJ, access to select Zoo exhibits after-hours and late-night snacks from local food trucks. Exhibit areas include Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night, the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium and Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Pavilion. Costumes are encouraged but the Zoo asks that everyone please dress appropriately.

Howl-O-Ween Safari

Oct. 14, and Oct. 15
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
All ages
$20 per person
Children two and under are free
Tickets can be purchased online
Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park is hosting a fun event best suited for those 12 and under where you get to enjoy a campfire for dinner, a marshmallow roast, a ride on a straw-filled hayrack ride and play Halloween-themed games. This event also includes your very own treat bag and of course, you get to wear your Halloween costume. VIP passes are available for an extra hour until 9 p.m. after others leave the Park. The VIP experience includes a hot dog dinner, a guided hike and a special animal ambassador visit. The VIP passes are $30 per person.

[Coyote]

Omaha zoo welcomes second-ever muntjac fawn, Waylon

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium announced the second-ever Reeve's muntjac born at the zoo in more than 20 years: Waylon. Parents Loretta and Willie welcomed their first-ever fawn earlier this year in February — Conway. Now they welcome Waylon. In a Facebook post, the zoo said Waylon was born on Oct. 11, but he's spending some time getting acclimated in the Asian Highlands with his mom, Loretta.


Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo

[nativeomahan]

Cute!

[Coyote]

Omaha zoo has seen ambitious change, conservation breakthroughs under Pate's leadership

When Dennis Pate began his career as a young zookeeper nearly 50 years ago, he didn’t picture himself as the president of a world-renowned zoo. In fact, the possibility never even crossed his mind.
But lead he did. For 13 years, Pate has steered Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium through an ambitious expansion, advocated for conservation efforts, met the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and further cemented the zoo as a major tourist attraction and economic driver.

[Coyote]

Meet the new President and CEO of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

On Friday, the new President and CEO of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium introduced himself during a press conference. Luis R. Padilla, DVM, Dipl. ACZM succeeds Dennis Pate, who will retire. Pate attended the press conference and there were opening comments by Mogens Bay, Chairman of the Omaha Zoological Society Board of Directors. Additionally, Dr. Padilla spoke about what brought him to Omaha and his past experience.

[Coyote]

Meet the new Omaha Zoo President& CEO


On Friday, the new President and CEO of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium introduced himself during a press conference. Luis R. Padilla, DVM, Dipl. ACZM succeeds Dennis Pate, who will retire. Pate attended the press conference and there were opening comments by Mogens Bay, Chairman of the Omaha Zoological Society Board of Directors. Additionally, Dr. Padilla spoke about what brought him to Omaha and his past experience.

[Coyote]

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo introduces new president and CEO

Dr. Luis Padilla grew up in Puerto Rico and wanted to care for animals. Now he's in charge of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.

[Coyote]

Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo has new CEO

The Omaha Zoo welcomes a new director

[Coyote]

Jurassic Adventure coming to Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park

Some of the world's largest and most realistic robotic dinosaurs will roam the Lee. G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland starting next year. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium announced the plans on Monday. The handmade animatronic dinosaurs will be scattered throughout the Wildlife Safari Park starting May 5, 2023. The dinosaurs created by Dino Dan, Inc. are unique as they can actually move and breathe. The Jurassic Adventure is included with admission to the Wildlife Safari Park.

[Coyote]

Dinosaurs coming to Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland

The Lee. G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland will soon feature life-like robotic dinosaurs.

[Coyote]

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo announces birth of 4 cheetah cubs

Four cheetah cubs were recently born at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo. The zoo announced on Tuesday that the cubs were born on Nov. 4 to mother Clio and father Refu at the Wildlife Safari Park.

Clio, who is 5 years old, came to Omaha in April 2022, while 8-year-old Refu came to Omaha in March 2019. Currently, 20 cheetahs live at the Wildlife Safari Park. The cheetahs are expected to get their first exam by the veterinary team on Dec. 19.

[Coyote]

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Announces Birth of Four Cheetah Cubs

Omaha, Neb. (Dec. 6, 2022) – Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium proudly announces the birth of four Cheetah cubs on November 4. 2002. The four cubs were born to mother Clio and father Refu at the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park.

[Coyote]

'Think outside the box': New president gives animals the good life at Omaha's zoo

'Think outside the box': New president gives animals the good life at Omaha's zoo

Behind the glass: How Omaha zookeepers entertain and enrich animal lives

At the Henry Doorly Zoo, zookeepers get creative as they care for animals. KETV NewsWatch 7 takes you to different exhibits to show you how.

[Coyote]

How Omaha's zookeepers entertain and enrich animal lives

At the Henry Doorly Zoo, zookeepers get creative as they care for animals. KETV Newswatch 7 takes you to different exhibits to show you how.

[Coyote]

Hanging with Henry Doorly Zoo gorillas

[Greg S]

I just saw a post by the zoo on Facebook about the Lied Jungle being closed due to roof issues? I assume this wasn’t planned as there doesn’t seem to be any clear timeframe on a reopening. The zoo doesn’t even seem to want to commit to 2023.

[Coyote]

Omaha zoo announces giraffe calf is expected

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is expecting a baby giraffe in the spring .

[Coyote]

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo gives update on elephants, invites public to celebrate birthdays of its calves
'They look extremely healthy'

It’s been a year since Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium welcomed two elephant calves and on Friday the zoo provided updates on the now one-year-old elephants. It also provided the latest news on the expecting mothers of the elephant herd.

On Jan. 16, 2022, the first calf, Eugenia, was born to mother, KiKi, and father, Callee. Her first weight on January 16, 2022, was 181 pounds and she now weighs 719 pounds. On Jan. 30, 2022, the second calf, Sonny, was born to mother, Claire, and father, Callee. His first weight on Feb. 4, 2022, was 202 pounds and his current weight is 802 pounds.

[ita]

LIVE: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium discusses renovation plans for Hubbard Orangutan Forest



There is a video presentation. Looks pretty cool. I think it's a $21 million project. $20.5 million has already been raised. May 2024 completion.

[skinzfan23]

It would be nice it we had a local newspaper that would have a story with renderings

[Coyote]

It would be nice it we had a local newspaper that would have a story with renderings

Omaha Zoo CEO announces update to the Hubbard Orangutang Forrest

Omaha Zoo CEO Luis Padilla announces an update to the Hubbard Orangutang Forrest

[Coyote]

Omaha zoo unveils plans for renovating orangutan habitat
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium unveiled plans for its next big project.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium unveiled plans for its next big project. The zoo is getting ready to transform its orangutan habitat into the Hubbard Orangutan Forest. Zoo officials revealed more details, including information on fund-raising efforts for the orangutan exhibit upgrade, during a news conference on Friday afternoon. According to the zoo, the renovated habitat will have three main goals: enhancing the space the animals have access to, improving the working spaces for the staff that care for the animals, and making sure the space optimizes the ways guests can connect with the animals. The zoo says the new habitat will be a complete reimagining, with it feeling and looking completely brand new.

Guests will enter the new building, architecturally inspired by southeast Asia, and take an elevator down into an extensive plaza. According to the zoo, the new habitat will connect guests with the plights of orangutans and their natural habitats. The Omaha Zoo currently has four orangutans, but officials say the new habitat can hold more if they choose to bring in more in the future. Funded entirely by donations, the new habitat is expected to open in May 2024. Construction began in September 2022.

[Coyote]

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium named contender for national recognition

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a contender for national recognition. As part of USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, people can vote for one of Omaha's landmarks as the "Best Zoo" in the nation. An attraction at the zoo, the Asian Highlands, is up for the "Best Zoo Exhibit." People can also pick the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park as the "Best Safari Park" in the country. Supporters can submit their vote daily for their pick through March 6. The winners will be announced on March 17. In 2022, the Asian Highlands was tabbed as the Best Zoo Exhibit in North America, while the zoo was selected as the second best in the nation. The Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park was also named the best by USA Today readers. USA Today 10Best, which provides travel and lifestyle advice, asks readers to choose the best in categories such as food, lodging and destinations to travel gear and things to do.

[ita]

Found some high res renderings at Holland's site https://hollandbasham.com/projects/omah ... an-forest/:

[skinzfan23]

Another great addition to the zoo making it more life-like and better for both guests and animals.

[thenewguy]

Looks like zoo membership price increased to $175 (before april). Single day admission is 29.95ish, so a family of 5 would pay for itself after a visit and a half