By: Matt Henry
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium exhibits cat complex is the only one of its kind in the Midwest and it is home to several of the world’s rarest cats. Visitors to Omaha’s zoo and aquarium can view the exotic animals up close and personal, as well as learn more about their lives through educational activities. The cat complex also houses a range of other animals, including giraffes, zebras, lions, rhinos, and ostriches.
African Grasslands habitats
African Grasslands is one of the new habitats at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. The habitat opened last year after a two-year construction period. It is located on the southeast side of the zoo.
This exhibit is a part of the zoo’s master plan, which aims to relocate animals in more natural settings. To help achieve this goal, the zoo is working with a wide range of organizations, including many from around the world.
African Grasslands features multiple hoofstock species. It also features a variety of animal demonstration areas. These include an elephant crate, which was transported by 747. Also in this area is the female’s daughter Penelope.
The African Grasslands exhibit is part of the zoo’s 2010 master plan. Its purpose is to replicate a national park in the wild. The zoo’s mission is to educate people about nature, as well as conservation.
Grewcock Center for Conservation and Research
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is located in Omaha, Nebraska. It is one of the world’s leading zoos, with more than 900 species of animals. In addition, the Zoo has an extensive program of scientific research, with numerous projects in the wild.
A significant portion of the zoo’s history was shaped by the Grewcock family. They sponsored two important exhibits at the Zoo.
The first was the Cat Complex, a large breeding facility for cats. This was built with money provided by the WPA. It consisted of eleven indoor enclosures and a number of outdoor ones. During its first phase, the facility claimed to have a capacity of 100 cats.
Another major exhibit was the Elephant Habitat, which was also financed by the Grewcock family. Today, the habitat is named for the family.
Lied Jungle
The Lied Jungle at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is America’s largest indoor rainforest. Built in 1992, the Lied Jungle is designed to immerse visitors in the atmosphere of a tropical rainforest. In addition to its six large waterfalls, the exhibit features genuine fig trees, palm trees, and bamboo.
To reach the Lied Jungle, visitors first enter an elevated walkway. They then travel through caves, pass a 50-foot waterfall, and cross a swaying suspension bridge. Once atop the ledge, they can view the animals on display. At the end of the walkway is a fabricated ledge that serves as “Danger Point”.
Inside the Lied Jungle, guests have the opportunity to view pygmy hippos, monkeys, macaws, and gibbons. Many animals also swing from trees overhead.
Amphibians’ permeable skin makes them susceptible to absorbing harmful pollutants
Amphibians are an important species of wildlife and their permeable skin makes them a prime candidate for being exposed to harmful pollutants in the environment. These chemicals can lead to disease, deformities and even death, putting them at risk of losing their habitat and population.
There are several different sources of pollution. Some of the more common include fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Aside from these, the most serious threat to the amphibian population is likely to be climate change. Climate change can affect the frequency and intensity of precipitation. The result is a reduction in the amount of available water for spawning and breeding.
It’s a known fact that amphibians are the main predators of many insect species. As a result, they are a significant part of the food chain. They also play a key role in providing sensitive biological indicators of environmental change.
Lemurs
When Henry Doorly, the founder of the Omaha World-Herald and Children’s Memorial Hospital, died in 1962, his wife stipulated that the zoo be named after him. The zoo now consists of 17,000 animals in 130 acres of natural habitats. In addition to its mission of conservation, it also features educational programming.
The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). It is located at 3701 South 10th Street in Omaha. Over the last four decades, the zoo has welcomed more than 25 million visitors.
A major attraction at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is its Skyfari aerial tram. This ride passes through the African veldt and koi lagoon before descending to a lion viewing platform. Another attraction is the carousel.
