Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo Henry Doorly Zoo News 2015

I was recently informed that the recent International Zoo Yearbook lists only 4 American zoos with more than 200 reptile/amphibian species and Omaha (even without a designated Reptile House) comes out on top.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo - 245 species
San Diego Zoo - 210 (but only reptiles listed)
Bronx Zoo - 209
Dallas Zoo - 200

I'm not sure how accurate the IZY numbers are as Fort Worth, Detroit and Saint Louis must also have a lot of reptile/amphibian species...but it makes for an interesting list nonetheless.
 
I have just been looking at the African Grassland plans. Does anyone know where the zoo plan on getting their African elephants from? I thought obtaining spare elephants was a problem in the states?
 
I have just been looking at the African Grassland plans. Does anyone know where the zoo plan on getting their African elephants from? I thought obtaining spare elephants was a problem in the states?

It is. I know the zoo has 1 elephant on loan to the Cleveland metro parks zoo but I'm unsure if she will return once the exhibit is complete. The zoo was also a candidate to receive 2 older females from the Lee Richardson zoo but it was decided that they would be sent to the Cheyenne mountain zoo in Colorado. Im not quite sure what the zoo's options are as far as bringing in individuals now. I can't think of any other facilities set to end their programs that currently has Africans. Maybe they could acquire a bull from the Riddle sanctuary if they are looking to end operations. They just sent their last 2 african females to Fresno to begin their new african elephant program. The Virginia zoo is really the only other zoo i know that is looking to end their program and could potentially send their elephants to omaha but Sedgwick county zoo is looking more favorable seeing as how they already have a female elephant which would put their herd size to 3-the new AZA requirement.
 
It is. I know the zoo has 1 elephant on loan to the Cleveland metro parks zoo but I'm unsure if she will return once the exhibit is complete. The zoo was also a candidate to receive 2 older females from the Lee Richardson zoo but it was decided that they would be sent to the Cheyenne mountain zoo in Colorado. Im not quite sure what the zoo's options are as far as bringing in individuals now. I can't think of any other facilities set to end their programs that currently has Africans. Maybe they could acquire a bull from the Riddle sanctuary if they are looking to end operations. They just sent their last 2 african females to Fresno to begin their new african elephant program. The Virginia zoo is really the only other zoo i know that is looking to end their program and could potentially send their elephants to omaha but Sedgwick county zoo is looking more favorable seeing as how they already have a female elephant which would put their herd size to 3-the new AZA requirement.

It seems I may have the answer sooner than expected. The zoo has just posted the following on it's twitter -

‏@OmahaZoo
The greenery is set! As for the elephants, stay tuned. We’ll be sharing some exciting news about them tomorrow.
 
I'm pretty sure that the zoo's elephant in Cleveland will stay. I recall that being said after she integrated so well with the Cleveland here.

I wondered about importing new genes to the U.S., but seems the timeline wouldn't allow for that and the expected exhibit opening.

Will be anxious to hear tomorrow!
 
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