I won’t argue if the pick of Travelers’ Choice Best Zoo in the World is the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska. Ranking 275 zoos and aquariums, the zoo in Omaha topped the list.

“Award winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews for zoos and aquariums worldwide, gathered over a 12-month period,” said the website.

Why is the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium considered the best in the world? I have visited the zoo 4 times and each time, there was always something new to discover.

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Desert Dome

“This is the world’s largest indoor desert, located under the world’s largest glazed geodesic dome has become a landmark for the city of Omaha. You will see plant and animal life from three deserts around the world: the Namib Desert of southern Africa, the Red Center of Australia and the Sonoran Desert of the southwest United States. Kingdoms of the Night, located beneath the desert, is the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit.”
Omaha Zoo

Omaha Zoo Omaha Zoo

Omaha Zoo Omaha Zoo

Hubbard Gorilla Valley

“Hubbard Gorilla Valley: where the gorillas roam free and the visitors are on display! This exhibit is a three acre site that includes two acres of gorilla and visitor space. This cutting-edge exhibit and management facility allows Omaha to be a major player in gorilla conservation. Omaha’s current research partners include zoos in North America, Europe, South Africa and Australia.”

Omaha Zoo

Omaha Zoo Omaha Zoo

Omaha Zoo Omaha Zoo

Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium

“Walk on the bottom of the ocean and come nose to nose with sea turtles as sharks circle above you in the 70 foot shark tunnel. Discover polar regions, temperate oceans, coral reefs and the Amazon exploring the largest aquarium in a zoo, the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium. From Antarctic penguins to colorful warm water fish, you will observe the magical world of underwater life.”

Omaha Zoo

Omaha Zoo Omaha Zoo

Omaha Zoo

Omaha Zoo Omaha Zoo

Simmons Aviary

“See over 500 birds in the world’s second largest free-flight aviary. This four acre sanctuary features a variety of birds including flamingos, ducks, swans, storks and cranes without a net or glass obstruction. Plus, you have the chance to catch a glimpse of the tufted deer in this beautiful and peaceful exhibit.”

Omaha Zoo

Omaha Zoo

Omaha Zoo Omaha Zoo

Lied Jungle

“Explore the natural rainforest environment as you walk through America’s largest indoor rainforest, the Lied Jungle. Inside this exhibit you will hear waterfalls crashing, see gibbons swinging and feel the tropical environment surround you.”

Omaha Zoo

Omaha Zoo Omaha Zoo

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Omaha Zoo Omaha Zoo

View the Zoo from above on Skyfari and see giraffe, cheetahs and more.

Omaha Zoo

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See all the cats.

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Animals outside are also many.

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To best see all attractions in the zoo, consider a weekday visit to avoid the crowd. You may need at least two days to see everything, especially if you go with kids.

You may also bring in food of your own as there are nice picnic areas available.

The zoo is fairly inexpensive:

Children (2 & under) FREE
Children (3-11) $10.95
Adults (12 & over) $15.95
Seniors (65 and over) $14.95
Military Adult (12 & over) $14.95
Military Child (3-11) $9.95

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Address: 3701 S. 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68107
Zoo Business Office: (402) 733-8401

Where to stay.

Find your hotel accommodation using this link: Find the Best Deals at hotels.com!

Or search for hotels within your budget, near the Omaha Zoo.

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Also: See all my travel adventures here.