Henry Doorly Zoo - Omaha~

From the first time we'd driven past the Dome of the Henry Doorly Zoo - I had to ask what it was?  I first mentioned it to our friend Linus - who had actually worked there for several years!  He & everyone else seemed unanimous - speaking high praise of this attraction. 

Knowing that Mason & Cassidy would be visiting with their mother, we purchased the Grandparents Pass.  It was a great deal, allowing both of us & up to six children admission.  

A Great Zoo~

We'd planned to go during the week, to avoid the huge weekend crowds.  As we purchased tickets for the train & Skyfair - heavy dark clouds dominated the sky & thunder boomed.  Rain to a bunch from Washington State?  No Problem!  :-)  We were about the only people without umbrella's & had to laugh!

In the Lied Jungle~

Having been given lots of good advice on how to plan our day - we decided to go in to the Lied Jungle first.  It was like walking into a tropical rainforest!  There were waterfalls, streams, ponds & many, varieties of creatures.  A swinging rope bridge & the sound of the rain storm on the roof really added to the experience.  Our timing couldn't have been better, when we emerged from the jungle, the rain had just let up & everything was so fresh & clean. 

Next was the Butterfly & Insect Pavilion!  What a beautiful place!  There was a double door & mirrors so that you could check to be sure you weren't taking butterflies out with you!

Yummy fruit lunch~

We all agreed that next had to be the African Grasslands!

Cassidy, Papa & Mason

The Giraffe's were so calm & friendly - more than happy to take leaves from the children's hands.  the enclosure was large enough that the younger ones could actually run a little!

Up close & eating leaves :-)

Elephants, White Rhino's & other big game animals were in this area.  We were exited about riding on the Skyfair!  After looking at our map, we thought it would be the perfect way to get to the far northern end of the Zoo & see everything in-between!

From the air!

What a wonderful ride!  We crossed above animal enclosures, gardens, ponds & the views were great!  Since we were going to where the Lions are kept - it was thrill to see this big lioness snoozing!

"Typical cat" :-)

When we were in Greenfield a few months ago, I met a lady who asked where I'd started school.  When I mentioned the basement of the Lutheran church - she said;  "My brother started there too!"   I'd managed to run into the sister of one of my best childhood friends - Doug.  As I told Linus the story - he informed me that Doug is now the head Vet of the Zoo & a world expert on White Tigers.  Having a description of him, as; "Tall & a big man." I kept an eye open for someone of that description without success.   He is known for walking out & about at the Zoo, I do hope we manage to meet one of these days.

Desert Dome~

The largest in the world, this is more amazing from the inside than the view of it from out!  The temperature was perfect!  If you click on the link above, it will take you to a fact sheet & the facts of this exhibit are incredible.

Cassidy & Butch~

Lets face it - when it comes to sheer CUTE - Lemurs have got to be in the top ten!  Some of the expressions on these little guys faces had us laughing!  I think they enjoy people watching as much as the people enjoy watching them!  Cassidy was ready to take one home :-)

lemur~

The collection of cactus was incredible - especially when you realize we're in Omaha - not the Southwest!

Cactus~

In a way - it was like one of the futuristic movies when mankind has to live in domes to survive.  The birds here could fly around all over the dome & did!  It was so fun when one of these beauties landed close by.

Bright colors!

When we thought we were through - we discovered that their was an entire world below us!  As Mason got excited & Cassidy was ready to walk right it to the deep darkness - I was the one who could have passed on this exhibit!  :-)

A very Big guy!

While I would have passed - Kingdom of the Night -the kids loved it!  I kept wondering which of the creepy, crawly creatures in this barrier free habitat would crawl over my feet!  :-)

Mason & Butch moving the big ball!

It was a relief when we finally found our way out into the fresh air again!  :-)  We ended the day's adventure at the Imax - with a very informative show on The Great White Shark!  As we were walking back to the truck - we realized we'd been there for over eight-hours & hadn't seen it all!  No problem - we'd be back!