2021
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium’s Amphibian Conservation Area celebrates a milestone year with involvement in their first-ever repatriation effort for Western boreal toads and the release of their 100,000th amphibian into the wild during September.
In August, Hubbard Gorilla Valley reopened with an updated African Jungle theme and enhancements that reflect the immersive and educational style of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. It also added climbing structures and multiple options for variety of enrichment in different locations throughout, which encourages investigation and foraging by the Gorillas in a more complex setting.
In July, the Lee G. Simmons Aviary reopened with an elevated and on ground boardwalk and a special section dedicated to flamingo viewing, along with an indoor, nearly 1,000-square-foot flamingo shelter.
- This project capped off the 10-year master plan that transformed Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium into a predominately immersive experience.
- Other pieces of the master plan included the Scott African Grasslands, Scott Alaskan Adventure Splashgrounds, Bay Family Children’s Adventure Trails, Harper Event Center, Asian Highlands, and Owen Sea Lion Shores.
In July, the Zoo welcomed its one millionth visitor.
Two Harbor Seals joined the Sea Lions at Owen Sea Lion Shores in May.
The Darrald Harsh Wildlife Education Center opened in the spring at Wildlife Safari Park as a home base for all education programming.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, in collaboration with the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership, and supported by the Arbor Day Foundation, planted its 4-millionth tree in Madagascar in celebration of Arbor Day.
- For 12 years, these reforestation efforts have been focused on providing habitat for lemurs, the most threatened group of primates in the world. Habitat loss is one of the biggest threats to all of Madagascar's remaining lemur species.
A new permanent home for Stingrays at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium opened at the beginning of April.
In early 2021, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and Autism Action Partnership launched a free all-inclusive mobile app experience, Omaha Zoo 4 All, to help prepare, engage and inspire visitors with autism or sensory needs, as well as their families.
2020
Opening in the late summer and one acre in size, Owen Sea Lion Shores provides Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium’s Sea Lions with a state-of-the-art habitat featuring a 275-thousand-gallon pool, 40-foot-long underwater viewing window, natural boundaries, an underwater kelp forest and sandy beach areas. Visitors are welcomed by a grand sea arch, which is the largest single piece of rock work in the entire Zoo, and are "transported" to the Pacific Northwest coast.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium reopened its outdoor exhibits on June 1, 2020, after being closed to the public since March 16 due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.
Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland, Nebraska opened on March 27 as a limited drive-through experience due the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and experienced a record attendance, with over 400,000 visitors on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
- This milestone more than doubled its attendance in 2019 and well eclipsed the previous record of 246,500 set during the Wildlife Safari Park’s inaugural 1998 season.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium closed to the public on March 16 based on the announcement of the state’s first case of community spread and Nebraska’s publication of guidance on events and public gatherings.
- As the situation changed and decisions were made about reopening and events, the Zoo posted updates on a dedicated Zoo webpage and through social media.
- People were encouraged to visit the Zoo’s social media channels for content to educate and entertain, and opportunities to virtually visit the Zoo.
On March 3, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium announced the Zoo’s 125th year anniversary celebration.
2019
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium held Ghouls and Glow, a fun and not-so-frightening Halloween event for all ages. Over 400 larger-than-life lanterns, custom-made for the Zoo, illuminated the Bay Family’s Children’s Adventure Trails.
A male Indian rhinoceros calf, Marshall, was born on Friday, August 30, and was the first rhinoceros born in Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium’s 120-year history.
In July, the Zoo welcomed its one millionth visitor.
Asian Highlands opened in its entirety in the spring and debuted exhibits for snow leopard, sloth bear, Sichuan takin, Chinese goral and Amur tiger, as well as Yeti Camp, which featured new restrooms, a themed concessions area and seasonal gift shop.
Glacier Bay Landing opened to the public in the spring.
During the summer, the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium undergoes renovations. The Zoo also makes way for a new Alaska exhibit.
2018
A 20,000-pound stone Olmec head was installed in the Lied Jungle in February. It was a gift from Xalapa, Omaha’s sister city in Mexico, and it’s called “El Rey,” meaning “The King.”
Exhibits for red panda, white-naped cranes, Indian rhinos, tufted deer and Pere David's deer opened in the Asian Highlands in May 2018. The Lozier Giant Screen Theater reopened to the public in March after a renovation, which included a new projection system, screen, sound system, seats, flooring and lighting.
Construction began on Glacier Bay Landing, an Alaskan village located near Alaskan Adventure and the North Entrance, and Owen Sea Lion Shores.
The Zoo partners with Zipline Brewing Co. to launch the Zoo Brew Series – four limited-edition beers with a focus on the conservation efforts of four different animal species: red panda, African elephant, rockhopper penguin and snow leopard.
2017
The Bay Family Children’s Adventure Trails, a five-acre outdoor adventure area with hands-on learning experiences, and the Dick and Mary Holland Meadowlark Theater, featuring a Birds of Flight program, opened to the public in June.
In July, the Zoo also opened the Robert B. Daugherty Education Center, which provides educational space to more than 9,000 students annually, including the Zoo’s full-time high school, kindergarten and after-school programs.
The Zoo welcomed its 2-millionth visitor for the second time in history.
The first digital conservation issue of the Zoo's newsletter, ZooPrints, is published.
2016
Six African elephants arrived from Swaziland, South Africa in March and made their home in the African Grasslands, the largest project in Zoo history at $73 million and 28 acres.
- In May, the African Grasslands opened to the public.
- In June, Alaskan Adventure, a $14-million splashgrounds area featuring more than 75 bronze sculptures of animals native to the Alaskan coastline, opened to the public.
The Zoo welcomed its 2-millionth visitor for the first time in history.
2015
Construction on the African Grasslands, the largest project to date, continues.
2014
Stingray Beach opened to the public. The seasonal interactive exhibit, located by Sue's Carousel, provides Zoo visitors the opportunity to touch and feed cownose, Atlantic and Southern stingrays.
Construction on Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium's largest project to date, the African Grasslands, began.
2013
Dinosaurs Alive! The Lost Valley opened to the public. The temporary interactive exhibit featured 15 life-size, animatronic dinosaurs, two of which could be controlled by Zoo visitors. The exhibit, located by the Owen Sea Lion Pavilion, was open from Memorial Day through fall 2013.
A videoboard was installed above Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium's main entrance redemption gate. This digital means of communication promotes new exhibits, events and other Zoo news using static images and videos.
Durham's TreeTops Restaurant was renovated. The restaurant now features digital menu boards, as well as new signage and seating to carry out the jungle theme.
Johnny Rosenblatt's Infield at the Zoo, a commemoration to Rosenblatt Stadium, was complete.
- A ribbon cutting was held to officially kick off its opening to the public.
- The ribbon was cut by John Boyer, president, Omaha Zoological Society Board of Directors; Steve Rosenblatt; Jack Diesing Jr., chairman/president, College World Series of Omaha Inc.; Gov. Dave Heineman; Mayor Jim Suttle; Garry Gernandt, Omaha City Council, District 4; and Dennis Pate, the Zoo's executive director and CEO. Josh Rosenblatt, great grandson of Johnny Rosenblatt, threw the first pitch at the attraction.
- Rosenblatt Stadium's media tower was installed at Wildlife Safari Park. It's now called Crane Meadows Viewing Tower.
Renovations to the Main Gift Shop and parking lot, including the addition of over 1,000 more parking stalls, was completed.
2012
The newly renovated Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium opened on April 5, 2012. The new Main Entrance opened with new Ticketing Gates, Guest Services and Redemption Gates.
Construction on the Gateway to the Wild capital campaign continued.
The updated Red Barn Park area was completed with the new Prehistoric Play Park and Fossil Dig site.
2011
The Omaha Steaks® Grill and Patio, located between Durham TreeTops Restaurant and the Lied Jungle, opened.
The Durham Lodge and Birthday House renovations were completed.
Construction began on the capital campaign, Gateway to the Wild, including the renovations of the Scott Aquarium and addition of the Education and Conference Center at the Scott Aquarium.
2010
Expedition Madagascar, featuring the only lemur walkway, opened to the public on May 7, 2010. It also showcases the conservation work Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium dedicates to Madagascar.
2009
Skyfari, an aerial tram opened to the public.
2008
Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion opens.
Construction on Skyfari and Expedition Madagascar begins.
2007
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Pavilion is transformed into the Exploration Station.
Construction on the Butterfly and Insect Pavilion begins.
2006
A new Guest Services building and two additional gates at the main entrance opened.
The Hubbard Research wing expansion to the Grewcock Center for Conservation and Research opened.
Budgie Encounter, a walk-through exhibit, opened.
2005
Hubbard Orangutan Forest, the best view in the Zoo, opened in two phases in May and August.
A giraffe feeding station opened in the spring.
Construction began on an addition to the Grewcock Center for Conservation and Research.
2004
Hubbard Gorilla Valley, where gorillas roam free, opened.
A tower with two high-capacity elevators to take visitors from the main level of the Zoo near the Desert Dome down 44 feet to Hubbard Gorilla Valley opened.
2003
Eugene T. Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night®, the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit, opened beneath the Desert Dome. It features caverns, bat caves and the world’s largest indoor swamp.
2002
The Desert Dome, the world’s largest indoor desert, opened to over 1.5 million visitors. This facility exhibits three different deserts of the world, the Namib, the Central Australian and the Sonoran, under a glazed geodesic dome that is the largest of its kind.
Construction began on Hubbard Gorilla Valley.
2001
Cheetah Valley opened.
New bongo and new tree kangaroo exhibits were constructed.
The Zoo hosted a traveling white alligator exhibit.
2000
The new North Entrance Plaza was completed featuring a new gift shop, warehouse, entrance plaza and visitor gazebo.
Joining the Okapi Species Survival Program, allowed the Zoo to be one of only 18 zoos in North America to display rare okapi.
A traveling koala exhibit visited the Zoo.
1999
Sue's Carousel, a 36' carousel featuring 30 wild animals and horses, opened near Dairy World.
Construction began on the world's largest Desert Dome.
The Zoo hosted a temporary Komodo Dragon exhibit.
1998
The Garden of the Senses, a therapeutic formal garden area where guests can see, hear, touch and smell plants and surrounding elements, opened.
The Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari, 22 miles west of Omaha’s Zoo at Nebraska’s 1-80 Exit 426, opened.
A new diet kitchen was completed.
Construction began on a new pathology lab and keepers lounge.
1997
Lozier IMAX® 3D Theater opened. (Renovations to the Theater occurred in 2018, and it is now called the Lozier Giant Screen Theater.)
1996
The Bill and Berniece Grewcock Center for Conservation and Research (CCR) opened.
Timu, the world’s first test-tube gorilla moved to Omaha’s Zoo.
1995
The Walter and Suzanne Scott Kingdoms of the Seas Aquarium opened and the Zoo had more than 1.6 million visitors.
Land was acquired for an off-site breeding facility and drive-through park.
Construction began on the Lozier IMAX® Theater.
The Zoo participated in the propagation of the world’s first test-tube gorilla birth (Timu was born at the Cincinnati Zoo).
1994
The Union Pacific Engine House for the Omaha Zoo Railroad was completed.
1993
The old aquarium was closed and construction of the new aquarium began.
The Zoo received two AAZPA awards: the Conservation Award for its black-footed ferret management program and the Significant Achievement Award for the Lied Jungle.
The world’s first artificially-inseminated gaur calf was born at the Zoo.
1992
The Lied Jungle®, the world’s largest indoor rainforest at that time and Durham's TreeTops Restaurant and Education Center opened. Simmons Plaza, near the main entrance, was completed.
1991
The Birthday House, a building for children’s birthday parties and education classes opened.
The world’s first artificially-inseminated tiger was born at the Zoo.
1990
Dairy World, featuring a children’s petting zoo, educational exhibits and concession area, opened. (Currently, this is the construction site for Carousel Plaza.)
The world’s first test-tube tiger was born at the Zoo.
1989
Durham Family’s Bear Canyon was dedicated.
Doorly’s Pride, a heroic bronze sculpture of a pride of 12 lions, was installed in the entry plaza area.
The Zoo received the prestigious AAZPA Bean Award for its long-term gaur propagation efforts.
The black-footed ferret building constructed.
1988
Construction began on the $15 million Lied Jungle®.
The Zoo was selected as one of three sites for the endangered black-footed ferret breeding program.
The Zoo’s greenhouse was built near the maintenance shop.
1987
Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Pavilion, a hands-on education building, was completed and US West Plaza, a visitor services area, opened.
A new main entrance at the south end of the parking lot was opened.
1986
World-Herald Square was completed and First Tier Wolf Woods opened.
The maintenance building and haybarn were relocated to the northeast area of the Zoo.
1985
The gorilla and orangutan buildings were completely renovated and named in honor of the Owen Family.
1984
A 70,000-gallon salt-water aquarium opened in what had been the museum.
1983
The world's second largest walk-through aviary opened, Lee G. Simmons Free-Flight Aviary.
1981
The giraffe and hoofstock complex opened.
1979
The hospital and nursery opened.
1977
The largest Cat Complex in North America opened.
1974
The new diet kitchen and educational classrooms were completed.
1973
Owen Swan Valley and the Primate Research Building were completed.
1972
The Ak-sar-ben waterfall was constructed.
In August, the 1916 public swimming pool that had been buried in 1944, and rediscovered in 1970, was reconstructed and became the Owen Sea Lion Pavilion, complete with a new concession building, public restrooms and a gazebo.
1968
With help from Union Pacific, 2 1/2 miles of track was laid through the Zoo. Omaha’s Zoo Railroad made its inaugural run in July.
Eppley Pachyderm Hill was opened in November on the old baseball diamond site.
1966
Construction of Ak-sar-ben Nature Kingdom, eventually named Red Barn Park, was completed and the area opened to Zoo guests.
1965
The Omaha Zoological Society was reorganized to plan, construct, operate and maintain the Zoo for the city as a non-profit organization.
- The first phase of the Zoo was dedicated to Henry Doorly.
- The bear grottos, gorilla, orangutan buildings and Ak-sar-ben Nature Kingdom were part of this phase.
1963
Margaret Hitchcock Doorly donated $750,000 to the Zoo with the stipulation that the Zoo be named after her late husband, Henry Doorly, chairman of the World Publishing Company.
1962
The Zoo, which has had more downs than ups, now houses 128 different animals and birds, according to Park and Recreation Superintendent Ralph McClintock.
1900-1952
New exhibits and other improvements were made to support the growing number of animals in the park.
In 1952, the Omaha Zoological Society was organized to improve the Zoo and to provide administrative help to the city.
1930s
New cat and bear exhibits were built by WPA.
1920s
New cat cages were donated by Gould Dietz.
1917
By 1917, the zoo’s collection included buffalo, deer, mountain goats, hogs, bears, bobcats, wolves, coyotes, badgers, opossums, fox, monkeys, alligators, a Mexican duck, pheasants, and “a freak five-legged cow.”
1901
By 1901, the zoo featured native stone quarters for bears as well as pastures for deer, elk and buffalo. Stone cages set into the hillside displayed mountain lions, foxes, coyotes and badgers.
1899
By 1899, Riverview Park covered more than one hundred acres, with increasing portions of the acreage devoted to the zoo.
1898
The Park had an animal population that included deer, grizzly bear, two bison on loan from Colonel William F. Cody and 120 other animals.
1897
Nels Anderson is named caretaker of animals at Riverview Park (1897-1912).
1895
With the 1895 completion of land purchases for Riverview Park and then the acquisition of its first animals, the foundation for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium was set.
- The first significant land purchases were completed by the city of Omaha in February 1895 and turned over to the Park Commissioners for improvements.
- Soon thereafter, the addition of a collection of animals was reported, which included a moose ($150), a bear ($25), and an odd expense noted as "moving fish" ($1).
1894
Riverview Park was founded by the City of Omaha.