Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium - African Grasslands

Omaha, Nebraska

The African Grasslands exhibit spans more than 28 acres on the southeast side of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. The exhibit is part of the Zoo’s 2010 master plan to place animals in more natural surroundings, based on the part of the world they come from rather than by zoological category. With this project, the Zoo reintroduced elephants and plains zebras, and for the first time it now features impalas.

There were two phases: Phase I utilized a large amount of civil work and theming, creating new habitats and buildings for animals such as elephants, giraffes, and rhinos, as well as hoofstock such as gazelles, antelopes and zebras. There is an Africa-themed lodge, a train station, and a new path for guests. Phase II created a game-management headquarters, with new habitats for lions, cheetahs and other animals of the African grasslands.