Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

A highlight of Omaha, Nebraska and one of the top zoos in the world. I am proud to call this staple a regular on my list. For the first time I saw a different part of the zoo than normal due to the nature of my visit. My young professional group was volunteering with the enrichment team to help make camouflaged animals for display and camouflaged activities for the animals and birds to enjoy. We were able to see how first hand the diets of the animals are so very important to not only the animal but to the thriving nature of keeping that animal in existence for many years to come. The Omaha Zoo is top notch.

This is one of the supreme zoos in the United States — and it is only getting better — you must go here when in the area!

Was fortunate to have a good weather day on a visit to see this place. Get there early if you want to park close. That’s my final warning. Lots to see, lots more to do here at the Zoo and Aquarium. Pricing is very reasonable for the amount of time you could spend here. The aquarium seems to have been a shorter walk-​through than the zoo part but no complaints. Due to the amount of walking from where I ended up in the lot, it’s likely I did still miss a bit of what was available here.
If you’re a resident or just visiting, don’t just stare at these reviews. Go!

Lovely zoo, yes. But if you sort this list by newest first, you’ll find the most recent reviews, to include ours, all have the same theme — zoo under construction.
Imagine our disappointment, paying a pretty hefty fee to get in and then seeing sign after sign indicating that a certain animal isn’t in the exhibit due to a litany of excuses– home being constructed, being cleaned, animal being introduced to the environment at night. All fine and dandy, we get it. But how bout a discount, or throw in a bonus to do something else, anything!
Just sucks coming to see lions and instead of seeing lions, you see humans behind the glass.
It felt like Jurassic Park…“Now, eventually you do plan to have dinosaurs on your, on your dinosaur tour, right?“
Bonus point for the IMAX. It’s a proper IMAX screen and it was lovely.

Everybody goes apeshit about our zoo. really it is just that. a zoo. Albeit one with the World’s largest indoor tropical rain fores, the World’s largest indoor desert, and a top quality aquarium. I really like the Penguin exhibit and they are adding new attractions about every other year.
Do not go on free zoo day. Long lines and whiny kids are par for the day. It is a great example of what a top end zoo should be, though. I would rather the animals be free.

This zoo is undergoing major additions and I feel like other parts of the zoo are affected because of it. The first time I went there in 2014, I would have given it ⁵⁄₅ stars. Even last year I would have. This year, however, the water around the creatures in the desert dome seemed filthy, it reeked, the guano in the bat cave was really bad, kids were splashing their hands in the aquarium where they should not, I saw kids pounding on mesh wire to provoke a reaction in the desert done as well as evidence that someone had tried to mess with the mesh to get the creature out, many plants in the lied jungle were either dead or not doing so hot, less butterflies in the butterfly dome, and the skyfari stopped working and had people stranded for about 15 or more minutes. People working there were wonderful but I feel that the expansion of the zoo is resulting in less attention to the already there exhibits.

Dangerous. In the rainforest area there is a tree with vines coming down that form a tunnel. My 3 year old son was playing in the tunnel and slipped through a 8″ wide opening in the back into an exhibit with a very deep murky water pit. As he started climbing the muddy slope toward the pit my husband reached through the opening and grabbed him and pulled him out. We informed the zoo staff at the front office and they couldn’t have cared less… Nice exhibits but…

This was my 2^nd time here and this time was super packed because of the memorial day weekend. You can see that they’re working on expanding the zoo so that it’s easier for people to enter the zoo and also add new attractions. The thing is that there was alot of construction going on so we saw a few «coming soon» signs for animals and also saw some animals in their temporary exhibits. I think the last time I came here about 8 months ago they were updating and building some of these exhibits so I expected some of them to be finished the next time I came. I think they should at least discount the price if some of the larger exhibits were closed or not ready. Waiting in line for food and drinks at the African Lodge was also horrible. The staff didn’t understand that they can take another person’s order if they’re just waiting on an item to be finished cooking. The person already paid so I wouldn’t be interfering with their transaction. Overall the zoo is a fun place to go with friends and family but I think they should at least accommodate to the customers a little better if they’re in construction mode.

I am not a zoo museum person. But I wouldn’t complain for this. It is beautiful nicely kept well organized. Their underwater aquarium is neat. I found out animals which I never heard in 29 years. Its one of the best site seeing for anyone visiting Omaha.

Amazing. Beautiful. Enormous. Fun. An adventure.
I’m not sure where to start. A group of us decided to do a day trip to Omaha (from Kansas City). This was on the very top of the «Must Do» list, aside from trying some good Omaha Steak (!!). This was easy to find and they have plenty of parking that’s a short walk from the entrance.
This place is ginormous — I think this is the first place I’ve been to that had the zoo and aquarium all in one (and I’ve been to my fair share of zoos and aquariums). It’s very large so map out your day accordingly — figure out how much time you have, where you want to check out and if you’re seeing any shows (IMAX or educational presentations). Don’t get lost! It’ll probably be helpful to have a meeting point if you’re in a big group or with many young kids. The staff are very friendly and helpful if you need assistance!
Like any other zoo they have multiple sections or exhibits throughout the park — all themed. I give it a five because each was one was great, educational and worthwhile to see. The aquarium is actually a little deeper into the park but be sure to make time for it. My favorite exhibit is DEFINITELY the desert dome. Just wow. I’ve seen exhibits similar to this, but they did a great job at really getting the environment as close as it would be in the real world (temperature, look, sound, smell, everything). Also… its huge — you feel like it almost never ends and you don’t want it to! I’m going to keep all the rooms inside to myself. I highly recommend this exhibit along with the the entire zoo!
As for everything else, food was a little pricier than normal (like any popular attraction) but I still grabbed a quick bite while there. Make sure to stop by the gift shop as well! This place is great for everyone!

Can I give 6 stars! This place is amazing! That’s all I really need to say. My wife and I were visiting family and we’re from Phoenix. This zoo utterly puts our zoo to shame! The exhibits, the animal interaction, the layout, the whole design of the place is truly world class. The Lied Jungle and the Desert Dome alone is worth the price of admission.
That brings me to another point, very affordable ticket prices for what you get. Anyone that says otherwise hasn’t been to another zoo. Like I said, this place utterly shames the Phoenix Zoo and it’s cheaper somehow.
Definitely check this place out! This is a destination attraction!

The best zoo ever! We love the Omaha zoo and visit often throughout year. They are expanding the exhibition and it is going to be even better this summer. I honestly think this is the world’s best zoo.

A must! Hands down one of the best zoos I’ve visited.
We visited the zoo on a cold and snowy March morning, and were expecting a disappointing visit. Fortunately, the zoo has a lot of indoor habitats that connect to the outdoor habitats and we were pleasantly surprised by how much we were able to see.
During our visit they were still working on some of the African habitats (which would’ve been empty anyways due to the temperature).
I found the rainforest habitat to be the most impressive. Monkeys and birds ramming freely and it was humid and warm, just like a real rainforest.
The zoo also feature a desert dome, a beautiful butterfly habitat, gorilla habitat and 4 different bears. The cats were out in the cages rather that the more natural habitats (which were there, but I assume they were kept in the cages due to the weather. This actually worked in our favor because they were so much closer to us, it was really impressive.
They have several cafes, a nice restaurant, an Imax theater (only nature movies though).
There a pot going on here. Bottom is Go! You won’t be disappointed. but plan your trip after spring 2016 so that you can enjoy all the new areas they are working on now.

We drove from KC to visit Omaha on Spring Break, specifically for the zoo. I noticed some other reviewers complained that parts of the zoo are under construction. This is true, but we knew this in advance because we checked the website like reasonable adults do before hopping in a car for a 3 hour trip.
Even though a few exhibits were closed, we had a blast! We spent literally 6 hours wandering around to see all the exhibits. You could also spend far less time, should you choose to. We particularly enjoyed the Cat Complex, aquarium (penguin feeding, OMG), and the desert dome. We had lunch in the Treetops café. The food was meh, but it was cool to watch the gibbons playing while we ate. We also greatly enjoyed the lagoon, and feeding the koi fish.
This place is great for children and adults. Many exhibits had interactive features and lots of information. I am excited to return when the new additions are completed!

I. LOVE. THIS. ZOO! I went to school in Nebraska (UNL — GO HUSKERS!) so I found myself here more than I thought I would. Growing up in Dallas, the zoos were whatever so I was just like, «Oh great. Another lame zoo. Especially because it’s Nebraska.» WRONG! This zoo is so legit! I haven’t been back in a while but I went there right when they they opened the DESERT DOME which is freaking off the chain.
Honestly, all their exhibits are legit. The Butterfly Pavillion, Kingdoms of the Night, Jungle. You literally can’t go wrong and you can spend a whole day there. My boyfriend is obsessed with zoos and I can’t wait to take him. This zoo is one of the best in the country. It isn’t featured on Animal Planet for no reason. He still had his doubts but I can’t wait until he gets his mind blown! I’m going to wait until the African Grasslands opens so he can get the full experience. I cannot wait!
If you have kids, I volunteered for the Teddy Bear Weekend which is so awesome. Your kids (or you) can bring in your favorite stuffed animal that needs a check up and a trip to the ER to get fixed up! The volunteers dress up as doctors and we take vitals and such and do a full exam before they get sent to surgery. Don’t worry, the volunteer college kids do NOT do the stitching. There are a bunch of skilled ladies that do that! They are so cute too and are the best teddy bear surgeons!

My wife and I went to the zoo for one of their holiday events where the aquarium staff scuba dives with the marine life — dressed up as elves. The staff, not the ocean critters. ;)
We decided to go to a few of the exhibits I have never seen — The Butterfly & Insect Pavilion, Kingdoms of the Night, the Giraffe Herd Rooms, and the Cat Complex.
I literally felt like an eight year old kid. I took photos, raced from exhibit to exhibit, and truly had a wonderful experience — one that I will always remember.
I can’t wait to go back, and I certainly can’t wait for the completion of all the new exhibits. Best zoo ever!

I had my doubts when I saw that this was rated as one of the best zoo’s in the country … I mean, it’s Nebraska … amiright? Well, I would say from what I saw that the claims are fairly accurate.
I went in January, when a lot of the animals were indoors because it was –5 degrees outside, but all of the indoor exhibits were still open. The ticket price was only $ 15 (I’m assuming because its winter) which I thought was a very reasonable price.
This zoo had some of the coolest things I’ve ever seen in a zoo. The indoor jungle was awesome, you could actually walk through and see everything live and up close, not behind glass. The aquarium was pretty good, had a good selection. The indoor desert dome was awesome too, getting to walk through what a glimpse of the desert might be like. One of our group’s favorite thing was walking through the swamp area … never been so close to gators before!
Overall, I think this is a great zoo and kids especially would love spending a day here! Definitely stop for a few hours while you’re in town.

I am in love with this FANTASTIC zoo.
I have visited the «other best zoo in the US» and still I prefer this GEM in the Midwest.
Henry Dorly has a huge spot in my heart. This perfectly laid out zoo is appealing to even the most timid toddler. If animals aren’t your thing, visit the butterfly house. Or the aquarium, although run past the Japanese spider crab. They are scarier than the Sharks. My personal favorites are the Apes, Orangutans, and Gorillas. All of the vine swingin’ animals! I could spend all day in that area. You see monkey play, gorillas running, chimps sitting on top of domes watching people… I am mesmerized for hours. My kids ask to move on. There are just so many species all doing different, amazing things. The orangutan mama was ripping up presents and wrapping paper to make a warm little pile for the baby.
The Penguins are great to check out as well! They seem to interact a little and the for under water was a hit with my kids.
The Giraffe area smelled AWFUL. BUT I took it like a woman and persevered. It was winter so we were indoors. These large creatures are as beautiful as they are entertaining! I can’t wait till the addition opens up! There was a model outside the Giraffe exhibit for the African Grasslands opening in Summer 2016. The little hut viewing areas look AMAZING so far!
I visit this zoo every trip I go home. It’s fantastic as long as they’re open!!!

By far the best zoo I’ve ever visited. It’s interactive. It’s entertaining. It’s well-​kept. It’s beautiful. It’s reasonably priced. It’s exciting for both young and all. It’s updated. It’s expanding to accommodate the demand for more. It’s simply extraordinary.
If you want to visit the best zoo ever, then you need to make your way to Omaha. I was truly surprised to find such an awesome place in somewhere I wouldn’t have expected it to be. For me, being 29 years old, I was truly excited to know I could see an IMAX film, chase peacocks around, ride a camel, and feed stingrays all in the same location. I am a big kid at heart.
Notable places that need to be visited — cat house, the Desert Dome, IMAX, and aquarium were my favorites.
I can’t say a single negative thing about it. Just go and see for yourself!

I may have just hit my 30 mark, but I’m never too old for a zoo. I love visiting zoos whenever I’m on vacation as well as annually in my hometown. I have heard that the Omaha Zoo is up there with the San Diego Zoo which I went to a few years back. That all being said, I was underwhelmed by some of the exhibits in this zoo…
We went in at around noon on a Friday during the summer so there were a ton of children. I saw a sign that they had sold out of stroller rentals, and no joke, I saw some kids in wheelchairs (a viable substitute for strollers, I guess).
Our mom had just recently broken her kneecap and was in a straight leg brace. She could still walk but looked like a drunk pirate. Even though we said we didn’t have to go to the zoo, she was a super trooper… but this led me to see how someone with disabilities might struggle in a place like this, which I’ll mention below.
We immediately went to the Lied Jungle exhibit, which was my favorite part of this zoo. It’s a great way to start your adventures because there really are animals all over the place, and seemingly in very comfortable habitats. There are various view points for different exhibits and you do a lot of, «Look there, and there and there!» while in this exhibit. They have a small elevator that you can take to the bottom level which my sister and I briskly walked through while our mom waited. On this bottom level, a lady was struggling with pushing a wheelchair on the dirt pathway thus causing a bit of a bottleneck. Totally suggest visiting the lower level, but maybe not if your wheelchair/​stroller bound.
After exiting the Lied Jungle, we roamed on over to the Orangutans, Cats, Bears, and Gorillas since the right portion of the zoo I believe is mostly under construction right now. The elevators over here are larger and can definitely accommodate more people including wheelchairs and strollers.
It was a delight to see an Orangutan that close with a baby (see pic). What was great is when we walked up, the orangutan was looking at a lady with her baby while its little fuzzy orange baby hung on its back. The other exhibit I enjoyed was the gorillas since they very much enjoyed hanging out by the glass in different parts of their exhibit. This was the closest similarity I think to the San Diego Zoo.
The big cats though… Their exhibits looked incredibly small for the number of animals/​size of animals in the enclosures, dated (iron bars, not a lot of activity-​based things in the exhibits, dried-​up water area in some), and just not a happy place for these large animals. I want to say there was something about the exhibits being updated eventually but I’m not sure when. The bear area was a little better, but at that point I was kinda bummed for the beasts.
Once you get past the Cat Complex and Bear Canyon, it gets a little confusing where to head to next with some serious inclines to battle (the San Diego Zoo had movable walkways that were great). We took some fun pictures with the hippo statue, and circled back toward the front skipping the back of the zoo since the map gives an impression that it was quite the walk to other exhibits and we weren’t sure how the train would be running. It was definitely a busy day, and so the lines were longer around the park at the food/​drink stations. We tried to hit up an ol’ fashioned soda machine, but it didn’t have anywhere how much a drink would cost. After feeding it 8 quarters, we gave up and got our coinage back.
We did not visit all the exhibits and so maybe I missed out on some awesomeness. I don’t want to give this a two star, because everyone we encountered was very polite, and some of the exhibits were really enjoyable so if you’re in the area and like zoos, go for it! But, in terms of zoos on a national/​international level, I was less impressed.