Master Plan

CLR completed this Master Plan for the 112-acre Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium establishing an inspiring roadmap for the future of the institution. It focused on undeveloped areas of the campus, existing areas in need of redevelopment, older exhibit zones, expansion for enhanced parking, as well as a new entry complex that would make the visitor arrival experience easier and more comfortable with new ticketing, membership purchases, and shopping for gifts.

New initiatives of the Master Plan included a major African Grasslands experience, the Asian forests and upper highlands, and the Andean mountain regions of South America (the first 2 of these 3 have already opened). These exhibit zones bring new state-of-the-art outdoor immersive experiences to the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Event and revenue opportunities are enhanced through the expansion of the existing Garden of the Senses into the new African Grasslands and create a central event lawn with visitor amenities and lodges for indoor events and sheltered picnics. Additionally, a new Aquarium Conference Center will provide a wonderful enhancement to the existing aquarium experience and satisfy another market demand for a creative, one-of-a-kind rental experience in the city of Omaha.

Education programs have grown throughout the Zoo with a dedicated Adventure Education zone as well as a dispersed series of children’s play areas located at every exhibit zone.