Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Today's journey takes us to Omaha, Nebraska, situated near the Iowa border and in close proximity to Adventure Land, where we visited the day before.

The reason behind my visit to Omaha, Nebraska is quite amusing. It all started with my family's tradition of ordering Omaha steaks annually, which made me curious about how an Omaha steak would taste in its namesake city. Moreover, Omaha was conveniently situated along my route to my next stop, Worlds of Fun. Additionally, the city boasted a renowned zoo named the Doorly Zoo.

Settling In / Harrah's

Prior to entering Nebraska, I made a brief stop in Council Bluffs, a town famous for its casinos, to check-in and unload my belongings in my room at Harrah's. After a quick tour of the premises, I noticed that there wasn't much to boast about; the casino was quite small and many facilities were still closed due to the Coronavirus. Once I had dropped off my luggage, I made my way to the Doorly Zoo when it opened.

Doorly Zoo Summary/Thoughts

Upon arriving at this zoo, the initial thing that caught my attention was the strong resemblance it had to Animal Kingdom. The thematic elements were prominent right from the entrance, and the zoo's layout on varying terrain added an element of surprise, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement as I explored further.

My day at the Zoo started by going in the opposite direction of the usual layout. The first distinctive spot I encountered was the tree fort area, where you could enjoy a bird's eye view of the zoo. It reminded me of the Swiss Robinson treehouse at Magic Kingdom, but with much more room to explore and admire the scenery from the treetops.

We then headed to the Desert Dome as our next stop. This particular attraction was highlighted in numerous Zoo advertisements and was known for its distinctive indoor canyon setting showcasing a variety of animal exhibits. Below the dome, there was an additional basement floor featuring even more exhibits with animals that thrive in dark environments.

Later on, I further investigated the exhibits and came across the most distinctive feature of the Doorly Zoo: a chairlift ride that ascends above the animal displays, providing a view from above. I strongly suggest experiencing this attraction if you are not afraid of heights, as it offers the opportunity to capture fantastic photos of the animals below.

Next, I explored the aquarium section and discovered a fascinating pathway featuring a transparent tunnel that runs beneath the aquatic tank. Additionally, there were various other zones where visitors could observe unique close-up views of different fish.

Overall, this zoo is incredibly well-maintained, and I regret not having more time to fully explore it. Undoubtedly, it ranks among the best zoos in the United States. Without further ado, I will allow the pictures to convey the experience below. Additionally, stay tuned for an upcoming review of the Omaha steaks!

Harrah's Hotel on the Iowa side of the river

The Doorly Zoo features lovely plazas and gardens where visitors can relax. They were especially enjoyable on a scorching day.

Starting Counter-clockwise, I found the zoo had a literally tree fort observation deck with climbing nets. There was a lot of neat vantage points.

Another image at the highest point of the Tree Fort Observation deck

The Desert Dome And Its Indoor Canyon Structure Seen through The Glass

The Desert Dome contained a lot of animals that you could get close up to

Although the dome may seem big on the outside, it feels even more expansive once you step inside. Additionally, there is a lower level where you can observe the animals that dwell in the shadows.

At Doorly Zoo, you can enjoy a special chairlift ride that allows you to overlook the animal exhibits, offering stunning 360-degree views.

Could you imagine that this photo of a lion on his rock was actually captured from a chairlift?

Another Photo From The Chairlift

At the aquarium, you have the opportunity to journey through a glass tunnel and observe the aquatic life swimming above you.

Another chamber in the Aquarium provides a unique view of different fish species.

The Doorly Zoo is a highly recommended if you are in the Omaha area