Henry Doorly Zoo

One of the most popular attractions in Nebraska, the Henry Doorly Zoo has a national reputation for excellence in zookeeping research and animal conservation. Originally established as the Riverview Park Zoo in 1894, the zoo has evolved into one of the most innovative and forward-thinking institutions of its kind in the world. The Henry Doorly Zoo is home to the largest indoor rainforest in the world; the Lied Jungle includes Asian, African, and South American rainforest environments that provide outstanding habitats for numerous zoo animals native to these areas. The zoo also houses the world’s biggest indoor desert located within the famed Desert Dome.

The Henry Doorly Zoo is the most popular paid attraction in the state of Nebraska. Located in Omaha’s Deer Park, the zoo features innovative exhibits and outstanding animal conservation efforts. The zoo was founded in 1894 as the Riverview Park Zoo. Its name was changed in 1963 when Margaret Doorly donated $750,000 to the zoo and stipulated that it should be renamed to honor her late husband. Over the years, numerous attractions and improvements have added to the zoo’s appeal and enhanced the environments for the animals on display there.

Today, the Henry Doorly Zoo includes some of the world’s most impressive zoological exhibits, including the Lied Jungle and the Desert Dome which, respectively, are the largest indoor rainforest and the largest indoor desert environments in the world. It is also home to the “Kingdoms of the Night” nocturnal exhibit which allows zoo guests to experience the world of nocturnal animals including bats, crocodiles, and wallabies in as natural a habitat as possible. The Henry Doorly Zoo sits on 130 acres and contains more than 17,000 animals comprising 962 separate species; it features a train ride as well as the Aerial Skyfari chairlift that allows a bird’s-eye view of all the exhibits and attractions at this exceptional zoo.

 

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