Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a major zoological park in Omaha, Nebraska, known for extensive indoor biomes and a wide range of animal exhibits; the institution dates back to the late 19th century.

Signature attractions include a large indoor desert biome, an expansive indoor rainforest, and substantial aquarium and nocturnal exhibits, alongside outdoor habitats and breeding programs. The site covers well over 100 acres and combines climate-controlled indoor environments with extensive outdoor enclosures.

The zoo began as Omaha’s municipal zoo in the 1890s and has since expanded through the 20th and 21st centuries into a complex of specialized exhibits and conservation initiatives.

The zoo is located within the city of Omaha, accessible from central Omaha by a short drive or public transit, and is one of the region’s primary family attractions.

• Size and founding: The zoo was founded in the 19th century and today covers more than 130 acres with a mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits, making it one of the larger zoological parks in the United States.
• Visiting tips: Peak visiting times are weekends and summer months; early mornings on weekdays are generally less crowded for the indoor conservatories and popular exhibits.

What to See #

• Desert Dome: Desert Dome houses a large climate-controlled indoor desert environment and is one of the zoo's headline attractions for its arid-ecosystem displays.
• Lied Jungle: Lied Jungle is an indoor rainforest complex featuring multi-level walkways, tropical plantings and free-roaming primates and birds.
• Aquatic exhibits: The aquarium and aquatic exhibits include large tank habitats for sharks, rays and other marine species and are grouped under the zoo's aquatic and aquarium complex.