Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

[ArchStanton]

Yeah, it seems to go up $10-$20 annually now. We have started taking years off now when before we renewed like clockwork. With a family of 5, we try to juggle memberships with the zoo, Fontenelle Forest, Hitchcock Nature Center, and the Children's Museum.

The orangutan building was kind of half-assed from the beginning, almost like they ran out of money from the gorilla build, so this remodel is welcome.

[skinzfan23]

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

I saw that, how much was it last year? I was thinking around $170 but maybe I’m off

[Coyote]

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo gives update, preview of new orangutan facility

Fox 42's Joe Harris reports on the reimagined orangutan facility that is the Henry Doorly Zoo's next big project.

[Coyote]

'A big deal to us': Omaha's Zoo saves coral reefs in the middle of the heartland
Critical ocean conservation is happening right here in Omaha. KETV Newswatch 7 does a deep dive into some of the Henry Doorly Zoo's behind-the-scenes efforts to repopulate coral reefs.

Omaha's zoo is some 1800 miles from the Pacific Ocean and 1200 from the Atlantic. “For us to have some type of impact here in Omaha, Nebraska, is a big deal to us," said Mitch Carl, a curator of aquatics. In the depths of the Scott Aquarium, in the middle of the heartland, Mitch Carl is rescuing coral from the Florida Reef Tract. Corals rest in tanks, where water stimulates currents and movement, and lighting is carefully curated. "It was just a natural fit for us to be part of this project," said Carl. Nebraska, though, may seem like an unnatural place to find a land-locked coral lover.

[Coyote]

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo nominated for three awards in the
2023 'USA TODAY 10Best Awards'

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has been nominated for three national awards. USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards has selected the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium as a contender for “Best Zoo” and Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park for “Best Safari Park” in America. Asian Highlands at the zoo have also been nominated as “Best Zoo Exhibit” in the country. The public has until Monday, March 6, to vote online.

Each person can vote once per day, per device, and per category every day of the contest. The top 10 zoos, zoo exhibits and safari wildlife parks with the most votes will be announced on the 10Best’s website on Friday, March 17, at 11 a.m. CDT. The winners will also be announced in USA TODAY newspaper.

To vote for “Best Zoo,” click here.
To vote for “Best Zoo Exhibit,” click here.
To vote for “Best Safari Park,” click here.

[Louie]

I just voted and if the standings stay (which closes at 11a today), Omaha would win best exhibit, best safari, and 2nd best zoo.

[Louie]

Actually it has another week left, I misread.

[Coyote]

Henry Doorly Zoo investigating after cheetah escapes enclosure

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo says it is investigating how a cheetah escaped its enclosure on Tuesday afternoon. Around 3:40 p.m., zoo officials were alerted of a cheetah outside of its primary enclosure, but behind the public barrier, in the Scott African Grasslands area. The zoo's emergency protocols were activated and guests, students, and staff were immediately taken to secure locations. The zoo says staff had sight of the cheetah during the entire incident and at one point, the cheetah even laid down.

The 60-pound five-year-old female cheetah named Gretchen responded to the animal care team and was walked back into its night quarters without incident or intervention.

“The health and safety of our staff, guests and animals is of the utmost priority to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. No person or animal was ever in danger during this incident,” said Dr. Luis Padilla, president and CEO for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. “This is why we prepare with emergency drills so that our staff can act quickly, confidently and safely.”

The zoo says it is currently investigating how the animal got out of its primary enclosure.

[Coyote]

Zoo USA Today Vote LIVE

HENRY DOORLY IS LOOKING TO SNAG 'BEST ZOO' IN U-S-A TODAY'S CHOICE AWARDS

[Brad]

The third Baby Elephant has been born:

[almighty_tuna]

Baby elephants are stupid cute. Gonna have to bring the kids for adorable overload!

[Coyote]

It's a boy! Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo welcomes a baby elephant!

The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium welcomed a male elephant calf early Thursday morning, according to a press release from the zoo. The male calf was born at 2:20 a.m. Thursday, and he and mom, Lolly, are doing well. Lolly is an 11-year-old African elephant, and her calf is now the third African elephant to be born at the zoo. Eugenia and Sonny were both born in January 2022, and a fourth calf is expected to be born in the late summer to first-time mom, Jayei. The elephant quarters will be temporarily closed to the public to allow some quiet bonding between mother and son. FOX42 will bring updates on the mom, calf, and other pregnancy as they come available.

[Coyote]

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo celebrates elephants turning one

Eugenia and Sonny, the first African Elephants born in Omaha, are reaching their next milestones while helping the Henry Doorly Zoo reach theirs.

[Coyote]

Omaha Zoo hits breakthrough on sea star conservation



The sunflower sea star at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium lives with predatory fish, but its hungry roommates are the least of its concern. “Sea star wasting disease came through quite a few years ago and that pretty much decimated the population,” said Ben Morrow, an aquarist at the Omaha Zoo. “Certain other species of stars have been able to recoup their numbers, but the sunflower star’s not ever really come back.” Morrow is spearheading a conservation project to help save the species alongside a lab at the University of Washington. “They’re endangered on the West Coast right now, and so our project here is actually to utilize aquaculture to try and raise them in a significant amount of numbers. We’ll reintroduce those to the west coast as the final part of the project and try to establish that population in the wild,” he said.

[Coyote]

USA Today’s best zoo:
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium earns Reader’s Choice awards
The Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park also earned ‘Best Safari Park.’

USA Today has bestowed three Reader’s Choice Awards on two local favorite attractions. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium officials announced Friday that the zoo and one of its exhibits were awarded top spots in the latest round of awards, including the zoo’s first No. 1 win for Best Zoo. The zoo was named “Best Zoo,” with the Asian Highlands exhibit earning “Best Zoo Exhibit.” Additionally, the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park also earned “Best Safari Park.”

[Coyote]

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo named best in the nation by USA Today

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has been named the best in the nation. Omaha's landmark attraction received the honor Friday from the 2023 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards.

https://www.youtube.com/live/OqU8FE3Ezdg?feature=share

[Coyote]

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium celebrates being ranked #1 in the nation



Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium voted best in the nation

[Coyote]

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium named best zoo

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium President and CEO Luis Padilla announces his zoo was named best zoo

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert talks about zoo's imapct on Omaha.

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert talks about zoo's imapct on the city of Omaha.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium named best zoo by USA Today

The zoo has been named the best in the nation by USA Today in its 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Other awards that were given included the Asian Highlands being named the best zoo exhibit and Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park as the best safari park.

[Coyote]

Chronicle: What's new, Henry Doorly Zoo? - Part 1


Chronicle: What's new, Henry Doorly Zoo? - Part 2


Chronicle: What's new, Henry Doorly Zoo? - Part 3

[Coyote]

Oh baby! Henry Doorly Zoo welcomed female giraffe calf on Sunday

OMAHA, Neb. (KPTM) — Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium welcomes a female giraffe calf on Sunday, March 19 at 12:40 a.m., according to a press release from the zoo. The calf who weighed 108lbs and stands at 5'7" tall successfully stood up at 1:30 a.m. She was born to mom, Zola (8-years-old), and father, Jawara (14-years-old). Zola did not take to the calf very well despite a normal delivery, but the Animal Care Team prepares for these situations.

“Our team spends months preparing for animal births and for as many different outcomes as imaginable,” said Dr. Taylor Yaw, Director of Animal Health for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. “In this case, as we monitored Mom and calf after the birth, we were able to make the decision to intervene. We provided nutrition and medical care to the calf, which included a plasma transfusion from father Jawara’s previously banked plasma. Our team is working to transition the calf to a bottle. The plasma is intended to boost the calf’s immune system." Zola is doing well, and she is with the herd.

“Our teams are excited about this birth, and cautiously optimistic that our treatments, supportive care and unwavering dedication will help this baby Giraffe survive,” said Dr. Luis R. Padilla, President and CEO of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. “Our Giraffe calf is in the best hands, receiving continuous care and love from our talented veterinarians, technicians and caretakers.” The Syd and Betty Giraffe Herd Room will be closed intermittently to allow the calf some quiet time.

[Coyote]

Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park opening on Saturday for 25th season

Ashland, Neb. (KPTM) — The Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland, Nebraska, will open for its 25th season this Saturday, March 25, and will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October.Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park offers four miles of drive-through North American wildlife viewing from the comfort of your own vehicle. Visitors will see a variety of animals in their natural habitats, including more than 60 American elk spread across the 50-acre Elk Meadow, 10 White-tailed deer, Prairie dogs, Grey wolves, American black bears, American white pelicans, Sandhill cranes, Trumpeter swans, Whooping cranes, Pygmy goats, Eagles and Bison.

All areas of the Wildlife Safari Park are available to drive through and are open to the public. There are also two miles of hiking trails to enjoy. Jurassic Adventure will include some of the world’s largest and most life-like robotic dinosaurs roaming the Wildlife Safari Park from May 5 to October 1. Jurassic Adventure includes full-sized dinosaurs and handmade animatronics created with scientific supervision. Visitors will be able to dig in fossil pits and can consult a Jurassic Adventure Guide Map identifying all the things to learn, see and do at the Park.

As an added bonus with Saturday being the final day of the weeklong celebration of the Wildlife Safari Park being voted #1 Safari Park by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, all children under the age of 12 receive free admission to the Wildlife Safari Park on Saturday, March 25. For more information about the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park and for admission prices, visit www.wildlifesafaripark.com/admission-fees.

[Coyote]

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo announces name of new elephant calf, another elephant pregnancy

The Henry Doorly Zoo made two exciting announcements Friday morning. Omaha's landmark zoo is expecting a fifth elephant calf to be born in late February or early March of 2024. The zoo's third calf was born to Lolly earlier this month. They announced Friday that he is named Mopani. According to the zoo, the name was picked from the mopani tree, which is native to southern Africa. A fourth calf is expected to be born this summer to Jayei, the herd's matriarch. The zoo welcomed Sonny and Eugenia in January 2022.

[Coyote]

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo shares update on newest elephant calf

Earlier this month, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium welcomed a new African elephant calf to their herd, and today gave him a name: Mopani. On Friday, FOX 42's Chandler Farnsworth went to visit the calf and get an update on its health.

[Coyote]

Baby giraffe at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo “‘hoovin’ in the right direction”



Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium says its newest giraffe calf is taking a bottle from her caretakers. The zoo says their natural instinct is to suckle under their mother’s belly. Her caretakers have begun using a stuffed frog to simulate that effect for feedings, which occur four to five times daily, with about four hours in between each feeding. The staff thanks the public for its support and says the name of the calf will be shared soon.

[Coyote]

Omaha's Zoo announces death of rhinocerous

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium said Saturday Jontu, a 15-year-old Greater one-horned rhinocerous died earlier in the week from a gastrointestinal illness. The zoo said Jontu was a popular feature of its Asian Highland exhibit. The rhino had been with the zoo since 2011. "Jontu was an incredible representative of Greater one-horned rhinos," said Dan Cassidy, Vice President of Animal Management in a news release.

The zoo said Jontu was known for his calm and gentle demeanor. The zoo's Veterinary and Animal Care teams had been watching the rhino for several weeks according to the news release. Jontu was euthanized once his condition deteriorated. There are only an estimated 3,500 to 3,600 Greater one-horned rhinos in the world.

[Coyote]

Weeks-old giraffe calf's name inspired by a long-time volunteer

The female Reticulated giraffe calf who was born on March 19 officially has a name - Hope. Her name was inspired by a long-time volunteer of the Henry Doorly Zoo - Peg Pease, according to a press release from the zoo. Pease has been volunteering as a docent since 1995, and she tells visitors about the giraffe herd every Tuesday morning in the Syd and Betty Cate Giraffe Herd rooms. She has been referring to the calf as "Hope," and when the care team found out, they gave the calf that name.

[Coyote]

Jurassic Adventure opens Friday at Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park

The Jurassic Adventure will open Friday, May 5 at the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland, according to a press release from the Zoo. Visitors will get to view some of the world's largest and most life-like handmade animatronic dinosaurs which will be roaming the four-mile park. A Dino Guide will allow visitors to learn, find, and see the creatures. The park already features a drive-through safari where visitors can see animals like grey wolves, white-tailed deer, eagles, pygmy goats, bison, and more.




There is also a two-mile hiking trail. The safari park is celebrating its 25th anniversary this season with this dino-tastic feature! The Lee G. Simmons Safari Park is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day from late March through October. Admission to the Jurassic Adventure will be included in the admission to the Wildlife Safari.

Adults 12 to 64 $12
Kids 3 to 11 $10
Seniors 65 and over $11
Military personnel will receive $1 off in all categories
A membership can be added on to the Omaha Zoo membership. Click here for more information on memberships.

[nebugeater]

Took a little time Sunday afternoon to visit Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park. This was the opening weekend for the Jurassic Adventure exhibit, which has robotic dinosaurs throughout the park. Here are a few shots I took of some of the. Have had a membership for years, so drive through fairly often. I can say without a doubt that this Sunday was the busiest I have ever seen by a long shot.

[nebugeater]

more

[nebugeater]

last four

[Brad]

Have had a membership for years, so drive through fairly often. I can say without a doubt that this Sunday was the busiest I have ever seen by a long shot.

Busier during the height of the pandemic when it was free?

[nebugeater]

Have had a membership for years, so drive through fairly often. I can say without a doubt that this Sunday was the busiest I have ever seen by a long shot.

Busier during the height of the pandemic when it was free?

Not the times I was through then.

The line to get in was all the way back outside the park entrance.

I should have shot a couple of photos, but the line of cars through the park was as full as I have ever seen.

On a side note, they were checking for memberships early in the line, and with a membership, you were sent on around much of the backup to get in. Most of the cars were paying to go through and not getting to bypass, so that is a good sign for gate revenue this last weekend.

[Brad]

Not the times I was through then.

The line to get in was all the way back outside the park entrance.

I should have shot a couple of photos, but the line of cars through the park was as full as I have ever seen.

I want to say during the height of the pandemic it was out on the highway and causing problems. It was definitely outside the gate the couple times we went that year.

On a side note, they were checking for memberships early in the line, and with a membership, you were sent on around much of the backup to get in. Most of the cars were paying to go through and not getting to bypass, so that is a good sign for gate revenue this last weekend.

Thanks for the tip. We did add the Safari Park pass on to our membership this year.

[skinzfan23]

Yeah no doubt, the lines were longer during the pandemic....they broke their all time attendance marks several times that year.

From 2020:

The attendance record of more than 400,000, as of Tuesday, surpasses the previous attendance record of 246,500 set during the park’s inaugural 1998 season.

[Coyote]

Omaha family at the forefront of Wildlife Safari Park
An award-winning attraction is celebrating another milestone. The Wildlife Safari Park in Asland is marking its 25th season and the Pettit family is at the forefront its success.



ASHLAND, Neb. — Nestled on a sprawling prairie in the midst of wildlife is the Pettit family home. "It's our life. It really, that's what it's kind of become," said Linda Pettit, diet kitchen supervisor at Henry Doorly Zoo. Advertisement
It's a story that begins 30 miles east at Henry Doorly Zoo.

"When I got out of college, I wanted to be a game warden, but those jobs were few and far between. So my mom that suggested I go see if I can find work at the zoo, there wasn't really a position open," said Gary Pettit, superintendent of the Wildlife Safari Park. Linda chimed in, saying, "I loved animals. I just happened to go to the Zoo and they just happened to have an opening as a weekend diet kitchen staff member."

[nativeomahan]

We made our semi annual Zoo/aquarium visit yesterday. Trying our best to miss the kiddie crowds that populate the park once schools let out, we instead ran into at least 10 bus loads of elementary/junior high students, mostly adorned in matching color coordinated T-shirts. Most of them were well behaved but I forgot how darn noisy those kids can be, especially when in the aquarium and other indoor exhibits.
I realize that regardless of when one visits, certain exhibits/areas will be closed, but considering how crowded it was it was disappointing to see the Jungle, the aviary, the lemur area, the orangutan area, the skyfari and the train all closed. I understand that the splash park would not be open as it was less than 80 degrees outside. Still we were there 3.5 hours and did not do the Asian Highlands or the desert dome, so there was plenty to see during our 2.5 mile walk. The zoo looks marvelous with many plants, bushes and trees in full flower.
Apparently the Lied Jungle is having its roof replaced. Any idea how long that huge section will be closed?








The baby giraffe is doing well now, having gained about 40 pounds (to 190 pounds). It’s being kept inside for the time being.

[skinzfan23]

No idea on the timeline of the jungle roof replacement, but my daughter asks to go in their every time we go and it seems like it has been closed for quite a while.

[Brad]

the skyfari and the train all closed.

Rides are only open on weekends this time of year. I'm guessing there is quite an expense to running the train so they only run it when there is a good chance it will be full.

[Coyote]

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium brings back 'Late Nights at the Zoo' with a new twist



The fun at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is about to last longer into the night. Late Nights at the Zoo has returned for the season offering those over 21 the chance to see the zoo in a different light. Late Nights at the Zoo is an adults-only event held in various spots around the zoo in the evening. It features DJs, numerous food vendors and of course alcohol.

Dennis Schnurbusch, chief operations officer, said this year’s Late Nights will feature different themes. Kaylee Sacco said she’s excited to check out Late Nights again this year, mostly because of who won’t be invited. “It's nice to get a break from the kids, and just kind of hanging out and adults only,” Sacco said.

[Coyote]

Hope the baby giraffe is a favorite at the Omaha Zoo



Hope, a 2-month-old giraffe, with her 'adopted mom' Betty, at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium in Omaha on Thursday, May 25, 2023.