Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo Review

Normally, this place is worthy of Five stars.

Our visit to the HDZ on my brief trip back to Nebraska was highly disappointing. Construction and renovation is occurring all over the zoo and many of the attractions are either currently closed (bears, cats, etc.) or reduced accessibility (Elephants and aquarium to name a few) due to this.

There was no warning to visitors at the gate that there was all of this construction and entry fees were not reduced due to what was clearly going to be a less than satisfactory zoo experience. (5 of us were back visiting our formally favorite zoo from out of state)

If you want to provide a world class experience and maintain a Nebraskan mentality, be hospitable and let visitors know that there is a lot of construction occurring and how we can encounter the best zoo attractions in the park. Help visitors avoid the feeling that we just paid over $100 to go on a construction site that happens to include a few exotic animals intermixed.

We spent all day there. So many things to see and do

Well done zoo. Very nicely organized. In the middle of renovations.

As a Patron Member, it's pretty clear where I stand with supporting the Omaha Zoo. I don't have enough great things to say about the zoo. Their commitment and dedication towards animal welfare and conservation is bar-none in the USA. The Omaha Zoo is simply the best in the nation and should be a destination for anyone traveling through the area.

Thumbs up!!!
I ve been to quite a few zoos and this zoo is exciting, full of awe, organized, ever upgrading, candy to the eyes. And much more.
My 3 family s went and we just had a blast.
We will be back!!

Amazing!!! All day trip. The domes are great. The aquarium is fin-tastic!!!

One of the best things about this zoo is how HEALTHY the animals looked. The San Diego Zoo doesn't even come close!!!

The zoo is currently doing some major renovations & some animals have been relocated until their new digs are available. So if you really want to see some bears, you will be sorely disappointed. BUT even without bears, this is a truly amazing zoo.

We will be sure to visit every time we come back to Omaha.

Easily one of the best zoos in the country alongside San Diego's.

Tickets are HIGH PRICED BUT Our FAmily loved it! My 4 kiddo's, my husband and I had a much stuff to do there that we didn't get a chance to see it all in one day! I only gave it 3 stars though because the prices are outrageous and they charge you extra for different other place to visit in the zoo! And don't even get me started on their price for a small stuffed bear, $17.99!!!! It's outrageous!!!!! But the rest of the park that comes along with your ticket is amazing and well worth the smile's on your child's face!

Beautiful place. Can't wait to take my kids here one day. They have many different animals that you can go see and are adding more all the time. The aquarium is a must see, as well as the desert dome. Would highly recommend to go shortly after they open if you intend on seeing the whole zoo. Also recommend stopping by "king kong" for a good meal which is located by the zoo.

Our new favorite zoo! Absolutely amazing! Well worth the 7 for drive from Wisconsin. You can get close to and see almost every animal and can tell a lot of thought and care went into the planning and construction of each exhibit. We visit a few zoos every year from all over and can usually get through them faster than the average time it takes for people to walk through, but we were here for 5 hours and could have spent even more time here having fun!

Really liked the zoo. Beautiful landscapes and lots to see!

Since we are from the San Diego area, we were very impressed to say it was comparable to the San Diego zoo. We enjoyed the indoor dessert dome as well as the jungle dome.

Love the zoo there. They are always expanding and adding more. Every time we go it's like a new experience

It was good. Definitely not the best zoo in the country and a little overhyped in our opinion...at least on the day we went. Several of the exhibits had one animal and some were just empty. Still some cool stuff to see and not a bad way to spend the day but it s NOT 5 stars in my opinion.

Very large zoo. Lots to see and do for all ages. We went on a really crowded weekend so it was hard to maneuver with our stroller that just explains how popular it is here. Wish the elephant viewing area was a little clearer, but otherwise we got to see a ton of animals. Misters were on bc it was hot which was lovely.

They have really made some great changes to the zoo I enjoy going

Had a great visit here. My favorite exhibit is Stingray Beach where we got to touch and feed the stingrays. The penguins at the Aquarium were pretty awesome too.

The best zoo we have EVER been too! We've been here twice and it is AWESOME. I love it and the kids love it! The stingrays were the coolest thing ever! Everyone there is so helpful also. TONS of things to see and do.

Got a 50% discount on admission using my St Louis zoo membership. Mask are required for all indoor exhibits and gift shop. Many of their snack bars/ drink stations are closed. Many of the animals in the desert dome was off exhibit.

A lot of construction going on so we were unable to see many of the animals. I never thought I would be the type of person to feel sorry for the animals, but many of the cat enclosures seemed like a prison cell. They didn't have any room to run. Very sad to see.

This is our favorite zoo in the US! My son and I have been here a few times, and it gets better with each visit. There are so many unique animals and exhibits. The desert dome feels like desert, the swamp feels like you are walking through a dark, damp swamp, and the sea aquarium is top notch. Both the train and sky lift rides are a fun break from the heat, and the splash pad is so much fun. Worth the trip to Omaha just for the zoo!

No hyperbole, I would go to this zoo everyday if I could

Best zoo I have ever been to! Clean and animals seem to be happy. They have plenty of room to roam. So much to see and not enough time to see it.

Excellent as always. Excited to see all the new exhibits when construction is complete.

Great family experience, convenient amenities, most exhibits within convenient walking distance and proximity of one another. Good value for all the experiences we had during our visit.

We took my one year old for his first visit and to celebrate his birthday. He had a wonderful time with his older brother!

It was amazing!!! Every summer, I go up to the Omaha zoo and I will just walk around and enjoy all the animals. It is by far, the greatest zoo in the world and I will go back every day if I could, just so I can walk around and see all the amazing things ^-^

I dont know what to say other than it is one of if not the best zoo around. Be prepared to spend the day and enjoying yourself. I highly recommend the total package as it well worth the price.

Always a fantastic time! The African safari area is way cool and the Asian highlands is a really neat addition. Our son loves the splash pad!! I definitely recommend trying the African food station, very good.

The aquarium is great on cold winter days. The schools of fish were mesmerizing and octopus was very active when we visited!

Another good day at the zoo! Stringray Cove is always a blast and worth the price to get in. The stingrays will swim right up to your hands! I could spend the entire day there.
Adventure trails was open and filled with kids and families enjoying the cool 'river' water and all the other parts of the playground. Good place to cool down after a hot day and let the kids run themselves out.

An amazing zoo. I absolutely loved the aquarium and Leid Jungle exhibits. New construction all around so am looking forward to returning in a year or so to see what is added.

It's always changing with newer and nicer exhibits.

Always very clean and great place for family and friends. Would recommend to everyone in town or out of town. Best Zoo I have ever been to and they are always expanding!

What an amazing zoo! It's pretty much a slice of Disney World. Everything is done so well and a lot of thought and effort goes into the details. I love how the mix 2 or 3 animals in an exhibit. The kid areas are outstanding. All of the exhibits are well done and maintained. This place is world class.

The area is huge. I heard people compare it to the SanDiego zoo. Which I could see that from the exhibits....but I think it was just too early in the year for the animals to come out fully. San Diego still is number one to me. I gave it a three because of all the construction and closed exhibits. I can not wait to see what the park is like when open and fully functional.

Probably the best zoo I have ever been to! It will take you all do to go through!

A must visit in Omaha. Hands down the best zoo I've ever visited. Aquarium in amazing, along with the desert dome and jungle. If you pack a lunch there is a great spot at the Rosenblatt park just outside the zoo. Where kids can run the bases at the former site of the college world series. If you plan to go to the zoo more than once. Be sure to buy the family pass as it will pay for itself in just 2 visits. You also get discounts on souvenirs and food in the zoo by being a member.

My family and I all loved this zoo. If you are in or around Omaha this is a must stop for sure!

Such a beautiful zoo! Love the aquarium and habitats

We loved the zoo today. Although we did not download the QR codes so we luckily got a super nice guy who took our booking numbers. Thanks for being covid safe and we were happy to spend more than 200$ at the zoo today. PS I touched a sting ray!!!

I've had the privilege to visit several Zoo's around the world, and Henry Doorly is definitely one of the best one's I've been to. Their selection of animals and insects are totally worth your time spent here. The space is large and seems to be constantly growing. The indoor areas can get a little packed during the busy days, but that's pretty much expected at any establishment.

The zoo was really good, but Its not good for those who come in winters , the animals are inside like an ordinary zoo. So my expectation was higher about this zoo, I hope if in winters they arrange animals in some exciting ways, then the people who visit this zoo for first time has some memorable moments about this zoo.

Always love the zoo. Went on a day that was way too hot to be outside for long, which made the number of interior exhibits even better. I try to make sure to visit at least once a year to see all the new animals through their breeding programs. Love the look of the new enclosures for the animals in asian highlands and looks like the sea lions are in for a huge upgrade to their habitat with seeing the size of the construction footprint for their new exhibit scheduled to open in 2020.

It is top motch. Clean and family friendly. Love the Imax too.

This zoo is truly astounding. The desert dome, and underground caves and swamp are easily the best attractions I've ever seen in a zoo. I would highly recommend this zoo to anybody in a 500 mile radius for a family trip. Omaha is an absolutely beautiful city.

We absolutely love the zoo! Buying a pass is 100% worth it! Great for when it's nice out, but they truly have enough indoor areas to come on rainy or cold days, too!

I love this place! What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. It will require around 4 hours to see everything and you will feel like you walked 10 miles, but it is well worth it. The inside and outside view of many of the animals is quite amazing. There are massive building with many exhibits throughout, but from the outside you would never know. At the price of admission of $22, I was expecting a zoo similar to the Columbus OH zoo, more park less zoo, but this place is more zoo, less park. I highly suggest that you bring water and or snacks as food is not available everywhere. I saw many parents bringing wagons to drag the kids around. It is a great idea until you have to drag the wagon up the many hills. Perhaps you could start on the south end and exit on the north? It would be more downhill. Great experience!!!!!

Love, love, love this zoo. They are always adding new things. Nice staff. Plan on spending all day. Bring a rolling cooler or backpack with snacks, concessions are expensive.

The Henry Doorly Zoo is the premier attraction to visit in Omaha. The exhibits are immersive and intimate as you get to experience not only the animals, but convincing recreations of the habitats in which they live. There's desert, swamp, jungle, and ocean habitats imitated in detail, just to name a few. A trip to Henry Doorly Zoo is definitely worth the money even without the attractions that cost extra (such as the skyfari or train), although you will want a whole day set aside to see it all!

Truly a great zoo. Even older children will love this zoo. It is just exceptional in many respects. The parking is easy. The walking is not unreasonable or taxing. The animals look well cared for and have plenty of room.

We love going to the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium! They have great exhibits and are working hard to improve animal habitats. They are family friendly, with activities suitable for all ages, especially with their addition last year of the kids adventure area and Alaskan splash pad. Handicap accessible and have options to rent wheelchairs and electric scooters, and a tram with four stops around the zoo. Nursing mother friendly with one nursing area and another being built, as well as great family bathrooms and changing areas. Several types of food available at different locations, although they are quite overpriced. They allow you to bring in foods and drinks if you would rather not buy it from the zoo. Members receive a discount on food, merchandise, and rides.

Great place to take family. Food prices a little high, but I guess that's to be expected. Good times...

Don't miss the great views, and amazing food at the treetop cafe, which is conveniently attached to the indoor rainforest so that you can enjoy lunch while viewing the animals.

If it only had dolphins, it could be the best zoo in America.

Such a beautiful and we'll laid out attraction! Fun for all ages! The kids have a blast. Make sure to bring water and time for sure. You need time to see everything. There is so much to see!

Wonderful zoo,exhausting day and didn't see half! We will be back. Staff were helpful and informative. Loved our time there with family and friends!

Totally blew me away! 100% recommend that if you are in town, make time to see if you haven't! They are always adding!

Awesome zoo! A must-see when in Omaha! We especially like the aquarium and desert dome. The new African grass lands area is amazing.

Better than San Diego, no undersized exhibits and they need more credit from the A.Z.A.

Huge zoo with a very good selection of animals to view. Went during the "off season" and still spent the entire day there. The desert dome is amazing and all of the animals appear happy and well kept. Can't wait to return during the main season to see what other exhibits will be open.

What can be said about this Zoo that you haven't already heard of? The wonderful aquarium, outstanding rainforest exhibit, and now the new Safari and soon to be Asian Highlands are all a must see! The highlands are almost finished but you can see a brief preview that is an outstanding tease. The staff is wonderful and beyond knowledgeable. There is a reason this Zoo is the greatest Zoo in the world!

I have always wanted to go to check out this place and it is pretty awesome for a zoo in the Midwest. We went here in Summer and found a close parking right in front of the North Entrance. The price of this Zoo includes the Aquarium as well so it's decent price.

This place is so huge and so much to explore definitely needed an extra day to roam around. We didn't get to see everything but I was pretty impressed with the desert dome. Lots of animals and creatures to check out.

If you are in Omaha, this is one of those places to check out with your family or love ones. I was so lucky to have a chance to go on an adventure out of the blue.

Can't wait to go back again to check the Aquarium next time.

Our Favorite place to spend with our little one and take family visiting from out of town!

Fantastic Zoo! Even though we went in April and some exhibits were not open, we had a full, fun day that was not at all disappointing! Great exhibits, variety, plenty of concessions, and restrooms.

Truly an amazing zoo. What makes this is Zoo stand out from others is the habitat interaction they have built for the public. In the jungle exhibit you walk through the jungle and it feels natural to see the animals in what is hardly recognizable as an enclosure. The same can be said for most other exhibits.
The swamp is very unique and very cool,located underneath the desert dome I definitely recommend going to see this. Not anyting I've seen in other zoos.
Another benefit is many large indoor exhibits so you can go and have a good time at any time of year.

Best Zoo you can find. From the variety of animals to the layout of the exhibits, Henry Doorly is our favorite zoo. The indoor jungle is awesome and surrounds and immerses you with the animals, weather and plant life of a real jungle. Desert done is another fantastic immersion into the desert plant and animal life. I would highly advise parents to have a stroller or wagon for younger kids, add the walk can get very long.

Well of Course 5 stars! Omaha's main attraction. As well as it should be. More animals to see than any zoo in U.S. Many indoor zones, and ease of wheelchair and stroller guests

What a feather in the cap for Omaha to have this amazing zoo! It's like Disneyland for our family only 10x cheaper and we get to go every year!

Amazing zoo! I highly recommend anyone in the area visit. Great value.

This is a great place to take anyone, not just kids. They just have a large variety of animals, all in separate sections of the zoo. This place is so big, you'll definitely want to get there early if you want to see everything. It offers so much to see, it's still a great place to return to later.

This is one of the better zoos I have been too. I have gone maybe 10 times in my life. There are just too many pros and cons about this place, but I've never really felt disappointed.

One thing I have to say: The Lied Jungle is absolutely awesome and should be visited by everyone every time!

As of 2018, they were making major renovations. Some of the long standing features were closed, but they're clearly trying to expand and modernize. I'm excited to see what they bring to the table!

The zoo is currently in a redevelopment phase. Will be even better once the projects are completed.

Love the zoo, lots of love and care. Layout was easy to see everything!

Great place...the new additions are kid oriented. The improvements being made will be even more exciting. My only criticism is please...hire people in the food stands who move like they have a purpose!!! On a busy day there's no reason to wait 45 minutes in line while watching someone shuffle through the motions of the job they have.

Best zoo ever. I grew up here and it gets better every single year. You'll have a GRAND OL TIME! :) ps. the sweet potato fries by the elephant area are amazing!

It was a chilly day but we loved it. There are so many places to visit inside, the aquarium, rainforest, elephant home, Gorilla complex.

Absolutely LOVE this place, so cool, liked jungle and kingdoms of the night and the desert dome were truly wonders. The swamp was so cool. It as so good I can t even describe it. You will just be so amazed when u see for yourself!

Was 1 of the best zoos i have ever visited. You nred to allow yourself at least 2 days to get the full benifits.

Said to be the #1 Zoo in the world! We had a great time taking our oldest Grand daughter recently. It was awesome, loved the wrist bands to hop on transports any time.

Beautiful exhibits. Truly the best zoo in the world.

So many things were shut down and didn't get to see all the animals

Outstanding. Make sure you stick around for the fruit bats feeding.

Best zoo ever! So many things to do for families and children of all ages. Only issue is it gets packed and busy quickly. Bring your own food and drinks because concessions are overpriced.

The best zoo ever. And they are adding more for kids all the time. The adventure park is the best.

Best zoo there is! The conservative efforts and programs the zoo does behind the scenes are unmatched!! #1zoo

If you haven't been to the zoo in the last few years it is totally worth it to go see all the changes. If your local get a zoo membership. We've been members for 20+ years and I am still amazed at how great our zoo is.
Wear your walking shoes, and grab a new map.

Omaha has one of the best zoos in the United States, may even be THE best. Everything is near each other, and each exhibit is large, diverse, and dense with animals. Worth the trip from any part of the country as far as I'm concerned. Lucky to have it as close to me as I do. I've only visited a handful of zoos in the country, but nothing comes close to it. They just know how to wow the visitors here. You won't leave disappointed and you will wonder why you didn't make the trip earlier.