America’s Largest Zoo Is Also Its Most Underrated

Nebraska, being one of many least visited states, isn’t the place most individuals look forward to finding a world-class animal sanctuary, but it surely’s house to one in all America’s most spectacular zoos. Nestled within the coronary heart of Omaha, Nebraska’s largest city, is the Henry Doorly Zoo, which, based on Control Services Inc., homes 972 animal species, greater than some other in the USA. Whereas it could not dominate journey headlines or prime most vacationers’ bucket lists, the Henry Doorly Zoo holds the title of America’s largest zoo when it comes to species variety.

With 17,000 animals representing lots of of species, this sprawling facility presents a group of displays and a masterclass in immersive, world-class wildlife conservation and training. From strolling by means of the world’s largest indoor desert to exploring America’s greatest indoor rainforest, the expertise right here is much from bizarre. But, regardless of being dedicated to each animal welfare and visitor engagement, it one way or the other stays some of the underrated zoos within the nation.

Whereas the North Carolina Zoo could declare probably the most land, Henry Doorly Zoo’s large biodiversity and distinctive vary of habitats make it a standout in methods few others can match. It has earned world recognition and received accolades from zoological societies. Let’s take a more in-depth have a look at why Henry Doorly Zoo is the best in the U.S., the way it earned such a powerful distinction, and why extra vacationers ought to have it on their radar.

A Stroll Via The Largest Zoo In The U.S. By Species Rely

Based in 1894 as Riverview Park Zoo, this Midwestern landmark has developed from a modest metropolis attraction into a worldwide chief in biodiversity and immersive exhibit design. It was renamed in 1963 to honor Henry Doorly, a longtime newspaper writer whose household basis helped remodel the zoo right into a groundbreaking establishment.

Right now, it’s house to over 950 species and greater than 17,000 animals, probably the most in the USA. North Carolina Zoo could boast huge land acreage, however on the subject of species selection, Henry Doorly has unparalleled variety that units it aside. The gathering right here spans continents, climates, and ecosystems, making it a residing encyclopedia of the animal kingdom.

A number of large, record-breaking displays, together with the Desert Dome, anchor the zoo’s repute. This iconic glass construction, seen from miles away, is the biggest indoor desert on Earth, replicating arid ecosystems just like the Namib and Sonoran deserts. Beneath it lies the Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night, the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit, the place friends discover swamps, caves, and underground worlds teeming with elusive creatures. Close by, the Lied Jungle, America’s largest indoor rainforest, envelops guests in dense foliage, speeding waterfalls, and free-roaming primates and birds.

Henry Doorly Zoo Customer Data

Other than the spectacle, Henry Doorly Zoo is a hub for cutting-edge conservation and analysis by means of the Hubbard Middle for Conservation and Analysis. This facility leads in genetic research, endangered species breeding packages, and fieldwork throughout the globe. Animals born listed here are reintroduced into wild populations, contributing to species survival.

Whether or not it’s peering by means of underwater tunnels within the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium or strolling by means of the African Grasslands alongside giraffes and elephants, each inch of the zoo invitations curiosity and surprise.

Why America’s Largest Zoo Stays Surprisingly Underrated

Henry Doorly Zoo nonetheless flies below the radar regardless of having probably the most numerous animal assortment and being one of many top and largest zoos in America. One doable cause is its location in Omaha, Nebraska, one of many nation’s most underrated cities that doesn’t normally seem on most itinerary lists. Tucked into the Nice Plains, the museum lacks the moment title recognition or tourism infrastructure of America’s coastal cities. But that’s a part of what makes Henry Doorly Zoo so interesting, because it presents a world-class expertise nestled in an surprising place.

Even with its world repute, the zoo doesn’t depend on flashy media campaigns or movie star endorsements to attract crowds. Its focus stays on high quality, conservation, and training, which can not generate viral buzz however leaves lasting impressions on those that go to. Opinions are glowing, and customer numbers are excessive, however the zoo retains a hidden gem standing.

This zoo can be surprisingly reasonably priced, particularly when in comparison with main metropolitan points of interest. Entry prices are cheap, and reductions are sometimes out there for kids (free entry for kids below two years), seniors, and native residents. The structure of the zoo is right for households, and it’s giant sufficient to fill a complete day with exploration, however walkable and well-organized, with loads of indoor displays for warm or wet climate. Meals courts, picnic areas, stroller leases, and shaded paths additionally add to its appeal as a family-friendly vacation spot.

The zoo has additionally been acknowledged by the Affiliation of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for its conservation work and received USA Today’s 10 Greatest Readers’ Selection Award for Greatest Zoo. Moreover, Henry Doorly Zoo has topped TripAdvisor’s Vacationers’ Selection record in previous years and is among the many 15 greatest zoos and wildlife parks, based on TripAdvisor.

What To See And Do At Henry Doorly Zoo

With greater than 100 acres of themed zones, academic signage, interactive stations, and conservation messaging all through, this zoo presents one thing for each age and curiosity. One in all its distinctive highlights is the Desert Dome, a glass geodesic dome towering 13 tales excessive and visual from throughout town. It’s the largest indoor desert on the planet, and it’s extra than simply sand and cacti.

Guests stroll by means of the searing landscapes of the Namib Desert in Africa, the Crimson Middle of Australia, and the Sonoran Desert in North America. Right here, wildlife lovers encounter meerkats, sand cats, peccaries, and different heat-adapted species in detailed, climate-controlled environments.

Beneath the Desert Dome lies the dimly lit Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night, which is the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit, mimicking nighttime ecosystems. This exhibit options swamps with alligators and beaver dams, plus eerie caverns housing blind cavefish and bats. There may be even a creepy however fascinating reproduction of a Louisiana bayou, full with croaking frogs and flickering lanterns.

From there, guests can wander into the Lied Jungle, the biggest indoor rainforest in America. Right here, the temperature rises, the air thickens, and guests are enveloped in lush greenery and cascading waterfalls. Free-flying birds, swinging gibbons, tapirs, and pygmy hippos share this biodome, replicating the rainforests of South America, Africa, and Asia. Guests discover this magnificent space alongside elevated pathways and jungle flooring trails, providing views of the resident animals from each angle.

The zoo additionally boasts spectacular out of doors displays, just like the Owen Sea Lion Shores, a visitor favourite, that includes a 40-foot-long underwater viewing window the place sea lions glide in a crystal-clear pool. Youngsters and adults typically stand mesmerized as they watch the animals dart by in acrobatic loops.

The Scott African Grasslands are one of many zoo’s most formidable expansions, spanning over 28 acres. This space presents sweeping views of elephants, white rhinos, cheetahs, zebras, and giraffes. Close by, the Asian Highlands brings guests face-to-face with snow leopards, purple pandas, sloth bears, and Amur tigers, every housed in recreated pure habitats that prioritize visibility and luxury for the animals.

Guests in search of interactive experiences can head to the giraffe feeding station, which permits friends to hand-feed leafy greens to curious giraffes, an up-close second that’s memorable for youths. The Skyfari, a ski-lift-style journey, presents an aerial view of the zoo, gliding quietly over rhinos, ostriches, and gazelles beneath. For a extra grounded journey, the prepare journey loops across the property, providing a soothing manner to absorb the views between stops.

To spherical out the go to, the zoo’s IMAX theater screens nature documentaries on an enormous display that brings wildlife to life in dazzling element. Seasonal Zoo Lights occasions through the holidays, Late Nights on the Zoo, and behind-the-scenes animal encounters supply extra causes to go to repeatedly.

Henry Doorly Zoo will not be probably the most talked-about attraction within the U.S., but it surely is among the nation’s most spectacular. With the biggest species assortment within the nation, immersive displays, and a dedication to conservation, this zoo presents a world-class expertise within the coronary heart of Omaha. For vacationers searching for one thing extraordinary off the overwhelmed path, this underrated gem is properly well worth the journey.