Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a world-class zoo located in Omaha, Nebraska, and is considered one of the world's best zoos, along with the San Diego Zoo, National Zoo, and Taronga Zoo. The zoo is home to over 17,000 animals from 962 species, including African lions, Asian elephants, and Australian koalas. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), and is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The zoo has partnerships with other institutions, such as the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Foundation.

● History

The zoo was founded in 1894 by Margaret Hitchcock Doorly, the wife of William Redick Doorly, and has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Omaha, Nebraska, along with the Joslyn Art Museum and the College World Series. The zoo has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years, including the addition of the Kingdoms of the Night exhibit in 2003, which was designed by PGAV Architects and features animals from Africa, Asia, and South America. The zoo has also hosted several events and exhibitions, including the Omaha Zoo Railroad and the Zoo Brew festival, which features Anheuser-Busch beers and live music from bands like The Mavericks and The Avett Brothers.

● Exhibits

The zoo features several exhibits, including the Desert Dome, which is the world's largest indoor desert, and the Kingdoms of the Night, which is the world's largest indoor rainforest. The zoo also features exhibits on African lions, Asian elephants, and Australian koalas, as well as a Butterfly Pavilion and a Sea Lion Pavilion. The zoo's exhibits are designed to mimic the natural habitats of the animals, and feature plants and trees from Botanical Gardens and Arboretums like the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Arnold Arboretum. The zoo has also partnered with other institutions, such as the Saint Louis Zoo and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, to develop new exhibits and programs.

● Conservation Efforts

The zoo is involved in several conservation efforts, including the Species Survival Plan (SSP) program, which is administered by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The zoo is also a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and has partnered with other organizations, such as the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Ocean Conservancy, to protect and conserve species like the Amur leopard, the Sumatran tiger, and the Vaquita. The zoo has also developed several conservation programs, including the Zoo's Conservation Education Program and the Zoo's Research Program, which are designed to educate visitors about the importance of conservation and to support conservation efforts around the world.

● Animals and Collections

The zoo is home to over 17,000 animals from 962 species, including African lions, Asian elephants, and Australian koalas. The zoo's animal collections include species from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America, and feature animals like the Giant Pacific octopus, the Green iguana, and the Red panda. The zoo has also developed several breeding programs, including the Cheetah Breeding Program and the Penguin Breeding Program, which are designed to help conserve and protect endangered species like the Cheetah and the African penguin. The zoo has partnered with other institutions, such as the National Zoo and the San Diego Zoo, to develop new breeding programs and to exchange animals.

● Visitor Information

The zoo is open year-round, except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day, and offers several amenities, including a Zoo Train and a Zoo Carousel. The zoo also offers several educational programs, including the Zoo's Education Program and the Zoo's Summer Camp Program, which are designed to educate visitors about the importance of conservation and to promote an appreciation for wildlife. The zoo has also partnered with other institutions, such as the Omaha Children's Museum and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, to develop new educational programs and to support conservation efforts. Visitors can also dine at one of the zoo's several restaurants, including the Zoo's Café and the Zoo's Grill, which offer a variety of food options, including Omaha Steaks and Runza sandwiches.

● Awards and Recognition

The zoo has received several awards and recognition, including the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Top Honors Award and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Conservation Award. The zoo has also been ranked as one of the world's best zoos by several publications, including USA Today and TripAdvisor, and has been featured on several television shows, including The Today Show and Good Morning America. The zoo has also partnered with other institutions, such as the Saint Louis Zoo and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, to develop new exhibits and programs, and has received funding from organizations like the National Science Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The zoo is also a member of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC).

Category:Zoos