Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
Omaha, NE
One of the Zoo’s most interactive exhibits with a host of educational activities that connect children with the outdoors and animal ambassadors, including interwoven monkey and people trail systems and two animal demonstration areas.
Design Framework Characteristics
Project Type
The state-of-the-art Conservation Academy Education Building (designed by DLR Group) is a 42,000 SF facility that houses classrooms, multi-purpose education rooms, and administrative offices. Anchoring the site is the 3 acre Adventure Trail sequence that includes multiple exploration, dynamic play, and animal encounter opportunities for kids and families. The Pond, Stream, Great Meadow and Treehouse Hub serve as the activity centerpieces for Adventure Trail. These allow kids to dig in the sand, play in the water stream, pull themselves along a Raft Crossing, roll in the meadow, and walk behind a waterfall. They can also climb, crawl, and explore the 3-level Treehouse Hub equipped with a shipwreck slide, climbing net, bridge and net covered climb-throughs.
The highlight of the sequence is the Canopy Trail zone that interweaves elevated trail monkey habitats with forest floor level paths, tree canopy level boardwalks, and bridges for visitors, all built within a woodland setting. As part of this project, CLR is designing a new secondary entrance to the Zoo, and a 400-person wildlife show amphitheater.
Photos courtesy of Sahar Coston-Hardy.
One of our challenges is to help our visitors understand the mission of our Zoo - a mission of conservation and education. The work that CLR does enables that mission, it helps to tell the story of the importance of animals.
— Dennis Pate, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo Director & CEO
Project Characteristics
- AZA Innovation Exhibit Award
- 40-foot-wide, 3 story tall Treehouse
- Animal trail system
- Raft crossing
- Foothill Trails balancing play
- Prairie dog town “bubble” view
- 250-foot running stream with bridge and log crossings
- Stroller Coaster area
- Budgie aviary
- Animal demonstration areas
Legacy & Expertise Notes
Industry Insider
Nature-based play
Technical Expertise
Small primate elevated canopy trail