Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium (Omaha Zoo, for short) is widely regarded as one of the best zoos in the United States. While there are many popular zoos in the US, like the Phoenix Zoo and the Bronx Zoo, the Omaha Zoo stands out for its conservation, education, and exhibit efforts.

A world-renowned zoo, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo is the leader in endangered species conservation and reproductive sciences; it's where the first 'test-tube' tiger was born. The pride of Nebraska and one of the Mid-Western state's hidden gems, The Omaha Zoo, is continuously striving to research and protect the world's wildlife.

That's why the Omaha Zoo is the #1 zoo in America and among the top 5 best zoos in the world. Not yet convinced that Omaha Zoo is the best zoo in the USA? If its consistent top 10 world zoo ranking position isn't enough, here are 10 more reasons why the Omaha Zoo is the best in the US.

10 The Omaha Zoo Is Rated #1 In The USA

A seal at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Photo by Alan Rodriguez on Unsplash
A seal at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

It's not just word of mouth: the Omaha Zoo is the best zoo in the US for 2023, according to USA Today readers! The Omaha Zoo also won first place for Best Zoo Exhibit, and Best Safari Park.

This isn't the first time that Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium was has gained national attention. The Zoo's 'Asian Highlands exhibit has won the Best Zoo exhibit category for the past four years, and the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park has also won its category for the past three years.

Even prior to winning the best zoo in the US USA Today acclaim, the Omaha Zoo was already considered one of the biggest and best zoos in the US.

9 Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo Is Huge

The Omaha Zoo may not be the biggest zoo in the US or the largest zoo in the US, but it is undeniably massive. Home to nearly 1,000 different animal species spread across 130 acres of land in mid-Western America, the Omaha Zoo is comes second only to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium in Ohio in terms of space.

This is huge for a zoo, especially when considering that the amazing San Diego Zoo is only 100 acres in size. While the Omaha Zoo is not the biggest zoo in the world, it does encompass over 13 major exhibits, six acres of which consist of purely indoor exhibits. It's so big that it can even take visitors more than one whole day to walk the entire Omaha Zoo!

8 The Omaha Zoo Specializes In Unforgettable Experiences

Why is the Omaha Zoo so good? In addition to the usual day-to-day offerings of a zoo, the Omaha Zoo also has some unforgettable experiences that just can't be had elsewhere.

There are 'late nights at the Zoo' and even 'Sleeping Bag Safaris,' where visitors can spend an entire night at the zoo. Among Omaha Zoo events, these two are the biggest and most unique of the lot. Spend an evening with sea lions, penguins, stingrays, and more at the Zoo or with the lions on the Safari! There are different sleeping locations and themes for each safari night that can be checked online.

7 The Omaha Zoo Has The Largest Zoo Exhibits In The World

The Omaha Zoo may not be the biggest zoo, but it does have some of the largest zoo exhibits in the world. There's the world's largest nocturnal exhibit, the world's largest indoor exhibit for rattlesnakes, and the world's largest indoor rainforest.

But what Omaha Zoo is really known for is the incredible 'Desert Dome'. Without a doubt, this is one of Henry Doorly Zoo's best exhibits. The largest indoor desert in the world right beneath the "world's largest glazed geodesic dome" (according to the Zoo itself), this massive space features plant life and animals from three different deserts and a mountain reaching 55 feet!

Weather isn't so much an issue since the Desert Dome's exhibits are all indoors, so the Omaha Zoo is completely open in winter. However, the Omaha Zoo's best time to visit is still during the Fall when the temperature in Nebraska is not as swelteringly hot outside as in the Summer.

Related: The 13 Largest Zoos In The US Are A Must See For Animal Lovers

6 The Exhibits Are Top-Notch

All the best zoos in the United States make a considerable effort to ensure that their animal exhibits are as comfortable for their animals as possible. The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo goes above and beyond to ensure this.

Like with the African Grasslands exhibit. From Omaha Zoo pictures, it's easy to see why this exhibit has contributed to the Omaha Zoo becoming the #1 best zoo in the US. Costing $73 million to build and covering 28 acres, the exhibit features a huge mixed-species habitat for elephants, giraffes, and rhinos. The exhibit is also home to lions, antelopes, and cheetahs, although they are kept separate for obvious reasons.

5 Education Is At The Zoo's Forefront

With 1 million visitors a year on average, the Omaha Zoo is definitely one of the best zoos in the United States. But why is the Henry Doorly Zoo the best in the country? Another significant reason is the Zoo's continuous effort to educate the public.

Be it engaging with local schools for field trips, virtual programs, and camps, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo takes pride in the educational services it provides. It even holds the regional Science Olympiad and works in partnership with the Omaha STEM Ecosystem to bring science more readily into children's lives.

Related: Best Zoo Hotels Around The World For Animal Lovers

4 The Omaha Zoo Is Super Keen On Conservation

In addition to being an ethical zoo, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo is also a leader when it comes to conservation. The Zoo has its own incredible Center of Conservation and Research, which specializes in animal husbandry and species conservation, with scientists learning from the Zoo's animals to as to better understand how to apply conservation genetics, medicine, and nutrition.

Yet perhaps the biggest conservation effort from the Omaha Zoo is its numerous projects in Madagascar as part of the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership (MBP). Among the projects, the Zoo has a particular focus on protecting the critically endangered lemur and their fragile habitat.

So, when it comes to who has the best zoo in the US, it's clear that the Omaha Zoo is good - both inside and out.

3 Giving Back Is Part Of Their Ethos

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo is keen to give back and protect the planet, so much so that the Zoo even planted its 4-millionth tree in Madagascar in 2021 as part of ongoing conservation efforts in the island nation!

There are also many success stories that have arisen as a result of the Omaha Zoo's diligent conservation efforts. In addition to babies of endangered species being born, another notable story is the release of four critically endangered frog species back into the wild in 2019 following an intense breeding program.

On a more local note, the Omaha Zoo also provides special Zoo experiences for children and adults with terminal illnesses. Free tickets are also sometimes issued to children under 12 as a gift during the Christmas holiday season.

Related: 10 Zoos From Around The World Worth Planning A Whole Trip For

2 The Omaha Zoo Is A Leader In Breeding Endangered Species

There's no getting around the fact that many species around the world are now facing extinction. Elephants, cheetahs, rhinos, tigers, and orangutans, are just some of the world's most endangered animals. It is therefore welcoming to hear of new members to each of these species being born, even if it is in captivity.

Since 2014, the Omaha Zoo has had 29 cheetah cubs arrive. With cheetahs on the brink of extinction, it's heartwarming to hear of the birth of four cheetah cubs in 2022.

The African elephant is another endangered species that the Zoo has taken great care to protect. One baby elephant was born on March 22nd, 2023, bringing the new total of African elephants at the Omaha Zoo to eight elephants. Another baby is expected to be born in the summer of 2023.

1 The Omaha Zoo Is Considered To Be An Ethical Zoo

As a not-for-profit organization and a holder of AZA accreditation (the Association of Zoos and Aquariums), Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo is widely considered to be one of the most ethical zoos in the United States and in the world.

The definition of an ethical zoo is a zoo that puts animal welfare, conservation, and education at the forefront of everything it does. In accordance with this definition, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium's mission is, and has always been, "to inspire, educate and engage people to serve as lifelong stewards for the conservation of animals and their habitats."