Four Eastern Indigo Snakes have hatched. It’s the first time Omaha have bred the species: Omaha zoo celebrates first time birth on World Snake Day
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium News 2021
- Thread starter MidwestFan
- Start date
The Simmons Aviary re-opens today and here are some more details from the zoo's website:
"Aviary's New and Improved Features
From a twitter post last night, it looks like in addition to the flamingos, there are Roseate Spoonbills and the egret species are on exhibit for sure.
"Aviary's New and Improved Features
- Boardwalk features two perspectives of the birds, including over 375 feet of elevated walkway and over 365 feet of ground pathway.
- Elevated walkway decking material is made of a composite wood that is eco-friendly and made of recycled materials. It is extremely durable and helps with long term maintenance.
- Cable railing gives a more open view of the birds for everyone (including those in strollers and young children) and is extremely durable.
- New benches along the boardwalk
- New netting, including a sturdier center portion that will stand up to heavy snowfall.
- Entrance and exit moved to one location, near the Asia entrance path and train crossing, so that visitors will not miss any other Zoo features as they explore the Aviary.
- Beautiful landscaping by the Zoo’s Horticulture department.
- Advanced sod and seeding system (seed roots grow into sandbags with growing media) around the pond to maintain the shoreline and shape.
- Educational graphics focus on the theme of birding and different ways to identify birds (such as by color, feet shape, beaks, etc.).
- Over 250 birds will live in the Aviary, including a mix of waterfowl (geese, ducks and a swan), flamingos, West African crowned cranes, White storks, Scarlet ibis, Hadada ibis, Waldrapp ibis, Straw-necked ibis, Roseate spoonbills, Snow egret, Cattle egret, Hamerkop, and Inca tern.
- Not all birds will be in the Aviary immediately as each type of bird will move in as weather allows and so that birds can settle in gradually without too many disturbances.
- All birds should be in the Aviary by next summer.
- Some of the birds will live in the Aviary year-round, primarily the waterfowl.
- Birds like the White storks and flamingos will also stay in the aviary, with access to their winter quarters as needed. "
From a twitter post last night, it looks like in addition to the flamingos, there are Roseate Spoonbills and the egret species are on exhibit for sure.
Just got back from the zoo and posted 15 photos of the new aviary to the gallery.
In addition to the species list above, here are the other species of waterfowl that were signed in the aviary (bolded ones are currently on exhibit that I saw):
In addition to the species list above, here are the other species of waterfowl that were signed in the aviary (bolded ones are currently on exhibit that I saw):
- Black Necked Swan
- Bar Headed Goose
- Ruddy Shelduck
- Cinnamon Teal
- Marbled Teal
- Red Crested Pochard
- Redhead
- Mandarin Duck
- Rosybill
- Northern Shoveler
- Blue Winged Teal
- Ringed Teal
- Inca Tern
- Scarlet Ibis
- Straw Necked Ibis
- Cattle Egret
- Snowy Egret
- American Flamingo
No problem. And I agree about more uncommon species, but we will see what they do through the life of the aviary. But here’s the thing with the locals here, most do not care about birds at this zoo. The old aviary was by far the most passed over exhibit in the zoo. Everyone here gets blinders on for the big megafauna exhibits and don’t take the time for exhibits where they see “just a bunch of ducks”. I hear it all the time at the zoo. Even in the Lied Jungle, most don’t look for the birds, more people are interested in the tons of bats everywhere.
I can't say I paid much attention to the aviary on my visit, either, but it was quite awful. The boardwalk was having some sort of issue so you couldn't walk all the way around, just a bit in each side. There weren't any species signs, either, just "ducks" and "ibises" and the like. It felt like the zoo didn't care at all about the aviary, so why should visitors? Hopefully that turns around.
There was a post in another thread for some new photos of the status of Gorilla Valley and I grabbed a couple today.
Outside facade.
Lower Entrance plantings
Lower Entrance Statue (may be relocated from the Upper Entrance)
Caught a peek of the top of one of the new climbing structures in the larger bachelor yard.
However, I have the feeling this will not open on August 6th as had been previously noted on the website and at the zoo. Now all mentions talk of “Early Fall” and I’m guessing this may be Labor Day (but don’t take my word for it). Between this and the Aviary being delayed multiple times this isn’t all too surprising. It is most unfortunate though for sure.
As someone who works with the construction field, this year the zoo has broken some general rules when stating when a project will be re-open by giving exact dates. If you aren’t 100% sure the project will open that day, you better not announce it or post it that way as now you will be flooded with complaints. A look at the 1-star review bombs from this year alone is a lot of complaints about things not being open and this certainly doesn’t help. (End my little critical rant).
Outside facade.
Lower Entrance plantings
Lower Entrance Statue (may be relocated from the Upper Entrance)
Caught a peek of the top of one of the new climbing structures in the larger bachelor yard.
However, I have the feeling this will not open on August 6th as had been previously noted on the website and at the zoo. Now all mentions talk of “Early Fall” and I’m guessing this may be Labor Day (but don’t take my word for it). Between this and the Aviary being delayed multiple times this isn’t all too surprising. It is most unfortunate though for sure.
As someone who works with the construction field, this year the zoo has broken some general rules when stating when a project will be re-open by giving exact dates. If you aren’t 100% sure the project will open that day, you better not announce it or post it that way as now you will be flooded with complaints. A look at the 1-star review bombs from this year alone is a lot of complaints about things not being open and this certainly doesn’t help. (End my little critical rant).
Attachments
My apologies if this is a bit of a dumb question, but does anyone know what is currently closed at the zoo? I’m making my first visit to Omaha later this week and I know the orangutan and gorilla exhibits will be closed but I was unsure if anything else was and I didn’t want to be caught off-guard.
I believe the only other thing closed is the ground floor of Lied?
According to their website, the Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Pavilion is currently closed. The orangutan area is supposed to open August 7.
Thank you both!! Very appreciated. Visiting on Monday so the orangutan area won’t be open for me unfortunately, hoping im not missing too much there.
A giraffe calf was born at the Omaha Zoo
CUTE ALERT: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo shows off new baby giraffe
CUTE ALERT: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo shows off new baby giraffe
The zoo just put out a call for the start of their campaign to revamp the Desert Dome Plaza. Renderings show lots of plantings, refurb of side of Lozier Giant Screen Theater, expansion of seating of Oasis Grill, some event space. Sadly, the original plan for this area of making a new Komodo Dragon exhibit from the old master plan is not in the works.
Plaza (omahazoofoundation.org)
Plaza (omahazoofoundation.org)
Now, I know Omaha is a great zoo ... just that Desert Dome why not let it look more like cactus country or is that given Climategate a bit too ambitious? A covered domme Perhaps?
Cacti wouldn't do too well outside in Omaha for most of the year.
Depends on the species. Believe it or not, there are multiple cacti species native to Nebraska.
There are, but they're small, and native to the western prairies, not Omaha.
There's two species native to Wisconsin. I have several growing in my yard.
Update on Claire the African elephant’s pregnancy:
Omaha zoo excited to welcome baby elephant; Claire due in February 2022
Omaha zoo excited to welcome baby elephant; Claire due in February 2022
I cannot express how excited I am to see what happens with the renovated gorilla enclosures at Omaha. I remember visiting them a few years ago and would love to see them again!