Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium - Alaska Adventure

Omaha, Nebraska

The Alaskan Adventure exhibit features dancing waters that spray and spout around and over 75 bronze sculptures created by Nebraska’s own Matthew Placzek. The action is computer controlled, spraying a mix of water and air through nozzles around and within the sculptures to simulate the water effects made by the animals as they breech, splash, spray water from their blowholes, and leap from or dive into the ocean.

The centerpiece of Alaskan Adventure is a monumental sculpture of a humpback whale. It is 18 feet high, and has water trailing from its extended fins. A whale’s tail is a separate sculpture, 16 feet wide and eight feet tall, with water flowing from the edges as it appears to dive. Other sculptures include 30 jumping salmon, 25 puffins, 15 sea lions sunning on rocks, three orcas, and three brown bears.