Omaha's 'top zoo'

By Ashley Harris,

Over spring break, I had the chance to go visit the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Neb.! I’d heard from family that this is one of the top, best zoos in the country, competing with the San Diego Zoo.

The first animal I saw in the Desert Dome was a baby dik-dik, and I couldn’t get over how cute it was. It was the perfect way to start exploring everything the exhibit had to offer!

Watching the elephants move together in their habitat was incredible! There’s something peaceful about seeing them roam freely. They are also my favorite animals, which made this moment even more sentimental.

In the rainforest exhibit, the Olmec statue really caught my eye. It made the space feel like I was wandering through an actual jungle, not just a zoo, adding a cultural and historical element to an already immersive environment.

Ending the day at the gift shop, I found paintings created by some of the animals themselves! All proceeds go to the zoo’s local AAZK chapter, supporting the care and conservation of these incredible animals.