Henry Doorly Zoo; Zoo, Aquarium, and NOW ,Desert Dome!
Written: Oct 18 '01 (Updated Jun 08 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Zoo and Aquarium both.
Open year round.
Cons: HILLS to walk, cost of food & drink.
The Bottom Line: Well worth the trip. I've been told that it is listed among the top 10 zoos in the USA.
Fun for the family but bring a hat or parsol.
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| caithnessfan's Full Review: Henry Doorly Zoo |
I stumbled onto the Henry Doorly Zoo about two years ago when I moved into Bellevue (basically a suburb of Omaha),
Nebraska.
I get acquainted with new areas by wandering aimlessly and
getting lost then finding my way back to where I'm staying.
It's a great adventure most of the time and so far I've
not stumbled into a bad area that wasn't safe.
While wandering around town I saw the sign for the zoo and
decided to check it out.
It had been a long time since I had been to a zoo and I
wasn't let down at ALL by this one.
Basic information
Adult entry cost $7.75 Child entry $4.25
(12 and under I believe)
PARKING: HUGE parking areas fairly well laid out and in
alphabetic sections, but if it's a high draw day then be
prepared to walk a loooooong way to get into the zoo.
Variety of animals: GREAT.
Mammals of many kinds, Fish in the aquarium, birds, and reptiles. Jungle, Savanah, and Desert.
:Transportation once in the park.
Feet, Tram rides with stops at several places throughout
the zoo, and train. (almost all areas are wheel chair
acessable to a fair degree but some are tight squeezes inside.)
Souvenir availability: not too intrusive, there is one at
the zoo entrance/exit and one at the aquarium, if you get
a large drink then you get a "free" souvenir plastic cup
included.
Areas that I like about the Henry Doorly Zoo
:JUNGLE/TROPICS building:
A great variety of wildlife from most jungle areas of the
world including a WHITE aligator (not albino but ACTUALLY
WHITE)
:Aquarium:
One of the best displays of sea life tht I've seen in a
zoo. There is a display of various penguins as well as a
walkway that is covered with water and has various sharks
and other ocean life swimming above and beside
the "tunnel". Great displays of various fish from most
parts of the world including jelly fish and reefs. This is almost as good as the Baltimore or Monterey Aquariums if you've been there then this one will come close and certainly not dissapoint.
:Aviary:
Many tropical birds from all over the world are on display
throughout the zoo but there are a LOT of them here.
Things that I don't care for at the zoo
:Cat House:
Most of the big cats are in extremely confined areas and
seem to have their spirits broken. I'm not a bleeding
heart but I just don't like to see these noble beasts in
small cages.
:Primate House:
The Gorillas are not too happy but then again neither
would I be if I were on display and had no place to get
off of display. The smaller primates are in "adequate"
areas but none of the animals are in anything near "luxury
accomodations"
:lay out:
The areas aren't extremely well marked as far as signs go.
Navigating from point A to point B can be a bit of a
challenge. The zoo is built on an extremely steep, hilly area which can make getting about for those with difficulty
walking or not of good stamina a bit of a problem.
Shade is a comodity in many some areas of the park but if you time your trip for a nice time of year this isn't too much of a factor (read as any time other than Summer)
:prices of food and drink:
As with any park, air port, or other place where you are
virtually captive until you decide to leave, the prices of
food and drink are high. (Bring a wagon or back pack with
your lunch and snacks and save an easy $50 for the
family)
:Other attractions:
The Henry Doorly Zoo also offers an IMAX theater and now
open a Desert Dome which will has displays of various
Desert environments and life.
Summary
I hvae been to the Henry Doorly Zoo several times in the
year that I've lived here so far and enjoyed it a lot each
time. The zoo is easy to make a half day or full day trip
if you are walking and even if you take the tram or train
throughout the park.
The aquarium is relaxing and the jungle/tropical building
sparks the immagination.
Parking can be a bother but if you are willing to walk you
SHOULD be able to find a spot.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
caithnessfan
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 - Top 1000 |
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Member: Will Young
Location: Fort Smith, AR
Reviews written: 209
Trusted by: 32 members
About Me:
40, voracious reader, lover of good wines and beers and bad puns
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