Nebraska Zoos and Aquariums: Complete Guide to Wildlife Attractions

Nebraska features world-class zoological facilities including Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, rated the world's best zoo by TripAdvisor in 2014. With 4 AZA-accredited institutions and numerous wildlife parks, Nebraska offers exceptional opportunities for animal encounters, conservation education, and family-friendly adventures across the state.

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AZA-Accredited Facilities

17,000+

Animals at Henry Doorly Zoo

7+ Acres

Indoor Exhibits in Omaha

15+

Wildlife Attractions Statewide

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AZA-Accredited Zoos in Nebraska

Nebraska is home to 4 facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), representing the highest standards in animal care, conservation, and education. These world-class institutions are among 240 AZA-accredited facilities nationwide.

AZA Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Location: Omaha

Website: omahazoo.com

Highlights: Rated world's best zoo by TripAdvisor (2014). Features world's largest indoor desert, indoor rainforest, and nocturnal exhibit. Home to 17,000+ animals on 160 acres.

Accreditation: Continuously accredited since 1983

AZA Lincoln Children's Zoo

Location: Lincoln

Website: lincolnzoo.org

Highlights: Home to 400+ animals on 10 acres. Largest attended zoo per acre in the U.S. Features endangered species including Amur leopards, Humboldt penguins, and red pandas.

Accreditation: Through September 2027

AZA Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari

Location: Ashland (I-80 Exit 426)

Website: omahazoo.com

Highlights: 440-acre drive-through safari featuring 350+ North American animals. USA Today #1 Best Safari Park (2022). Includes Wolf Canyon overlook and hiking trails.

Accreditation: Through September 2026

AZA Riverside Discovery Center

Location: Scottsbluff

Website: riversidediscoverycenter.org

Highlights: Only zoo in western Nebraska. Home to 170 native and exotic animals including lions, tigers, and 16 rare/endangered species. Features 22-acre park with splash pad and petting zoo.

Accreditation: Since 1990

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium - World's Best Zoo

Address: 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107

Phone: (402) 733-8401

Hours

  • Summer (May 1 - Sept 30): 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily (buildings open until 6:00 PM)
  • Spring/Fall/Winter: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM daily (buildings open until 5:00 PM)
  • Closed: Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

Admission (Summer Rates)

  • Adults (12+): $31.95
  • Children (3-11): $24.95
  • Seniors (65+): $28.75
  • Children 2 and under: FREE
  • Military Adult: $28.75
  • Military Child: $22.50

World-Record Exhibits

  • Desert Dome: World's largest indoor desert (84,000 sq ft) and largest glazed geodesic dome (137 ft high, 230 ft diameter). Features Sonoran Desert, Red Center of Australia, and Namib Desert of Africa.
  • Lied Jungle: America's largest indoor rainforest (nearly 2 acres). Multi-story exhibit with 90+ species from South America, Asia, and Africa.
  • Kingdoms of the Night: World's largest nocturnal exhibit (42,000 sq ft) and world's largest indoor swamp. Features wet cave with 14-ft deep aquarium.
  • Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium: Largest aquarium inside of a zoo in North America.

Key Features

  • 17,000+ animals on 160 acres
  • Over 7 acres of indoor exhibits (year-round attraction)
  • Children's Adventure Trails with interactive water play
  • Animal encounters including giraffe feedings
  • Conservation and research leader in artificial insemination of large cats
  • Free parking and tobacco-free facility
Recognition
  • TripAdvisor #1 World's Best Zoo (2014)
  • USA TODAY #1 Zoo (2 years in a row)
  • AZA-accredited since 1983
Parking & Amenities

Free parking available. Multiple dining options, gift shops, and stroller rentals on-site. Wheelchair accessible throughout.

Lincoln Children's Zoo - Best Zoo for Children

Address: 1222 S 27th St, Lincoln, NE 68502

Phone: (402) 475-6741

Hours

  • Daily: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Member Extra Hours: 9:00-10:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM

Admission

  • Adults: $15.95
  • Seniors (62+) and Children (2-12): $13.95
  • Children under 2: FREE
  • Military and First Responder discounts available (ID required)
  • AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program accepted

Animals & Exhibits

  • 400+ Animals: Including endangered Amur leopards, Humboldt penguins, Matschie's tree kangaroos, red pandas, cheetahs, Sumatran tigers, and giant anteaters
  • World's Smallest Monkeys: Pygmy marmosets
  • Animal Kingdom: Meerkats, sloths, tamarins, flying foxes, chameleons
  • Butterfly Pavilion: Open June-September with Laura's Butterfly Pavilion and Hive exhibit
  • Humboldt Penguin Exhibit: First penguins in Nebraska (opened 2011)

Interactive Features

  • Giraffe feeding ($3 for lettuce bundle)
  • Animal Encounter Stage with bobcat, alligator, fennec foxes
  • Historic ZO&O Railroad rides
  • Zoofari stations with Larry the Cable Guy
  • Ellie the Elephant play structure (25 ft tall)
  • Wild Safari Theater with daily animal shows
Awards
  • Rated among best zoos for children by Parent Magazine
  • Largest attended zoo per acre in U.S.
  • 375,000+ annual visitors
  • Third most attended arts/science attraction in Nebraska
2024 Update

Pony ride experience will not be available for 2024 season. New animals added in recent years include giraffes, spider monkeys, red pandas, Sumatran tigers (2019), cheetahs, and giant anteaters (2020).

Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari - #1 Safari Park

Location: I-80 Exit 426, Ashland, NE (22 miles west of Omaha)

Website: omahazoo.com

Season & Hours

  • Open: Late March/early April through October
  • Closed: November through March

Experience

  • Drive-Through Safari: 4-mile scenic drive through 440 acres of prairies and wetlands along the Platte River
  • 350+ Animals: Over 50 species including American bison, black bears, wolves, moose, elk, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, bald eagles, white pelicans, and sandhill cranes
  • Wolf Woods: Walk-through area for close wolf viewing (short walk required)
  • Hiking Trails: 2 miles of trails with multiple wildlife overlooks
  • Wolf Canyon Overlook: Elevated viewing platform

Special Programs

  • Daily Animal Experiences: 2:00 PM near bear habitat (Memorial Day - Labor Day)
  • Meet Animal Ambassadors: One-on-one conversations about animal care
  • Cheetah Facility: View 20 cheetahs from Henry Doorly Zoo's breeding program
Awards
  • USA Today 10Best #1 Safari Park (2022)
  • AZA-accredited through September 2026
  • Affiliated with Henry Doorly Zoo
Visitor Tips

All animals can be viewed from your car during the 4-mile drive. Wolf Woods section requires a short walk. Bring camera for wildlife photography opportunities. Plan 2-3 hours for full experience.

Riverside Discovery Center - Western Nebraska's Only Zoo

Address: 1600 S Beltline Hwy W, Scottsbluff, NE 69361

Phone: (308) 630-6236

Website: riversidediscoverycenter.org

Hours

  • April - October: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • November - March: 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM (weather permitting)
  • Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, and two weeks prior to Halloween

Admission

  • Adults: $11
  • Toddlers: $5

Animals & Exhibits

  • 170 Animals: Native and exotic species from around the globe
  • Endangered Species: 16 rare and endangered animals for up-close viewing
  • Featured Animals: Lions, tigers, brown bears, monkeys, bison, swift fox, and native prairie species
  • Heritage Barn: Heritage livestock breeds and Don Steen Heritage Room with taxidermy displays

Family Amenities

  • Petting zoo
  • Playground
  • Splash pad
  • Dino dig

Education Programs

  • School group programs (20-30 minutes on zoo grounds)
  • Outreach programs available (bring the zoo to your classroom)
  • Custom programs aligned with Nebraska education standards
History

Began in the 1950s as a small collection of native animals on the North Platte River banks. AZA-accredited since 1990. Merged with Children's University and Wildlife World Natural History Museum in 2009 to become Riverside Discovery Center.

Location

22-acre center within Scottsbluff's Riverside Park. Only zoo in western Nebraska serving the Panhandle region.

Petting Zoos and Animal Farms

Scatter Joy Acres

Location: Murray, NE

Website: scatterjoyacres.org

Therapeutic animal sanctuary with 88+ animals including sloth, kangaroo, capybara, kinkajou, porcupine, otter, tamandua, bushbaby, camel, llamas, alpacas, goats, pigs, horses, sheep, ponies, chickens, and cows. Offers Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT), Equine Eagala Model Program, and private animal encounters.

Horn T Zoo

Location: Monroe, NE (between Genoa and Columbus)

Season: Weekends, June through October

Family-owned zoo with 40+ species from Nebraska and around the world. Visitors can snuggle hedgehogs, pet camels, and watch ring-tailed lemurs perform acrobatic shows. Features hands-on animal encounters.

The Old Poor Farm

Location: Nickerson, NE

Historical farm offering charming petting zoo experience on historic grounds. Cares for neglected and special needs animals with disabilities. Operates on visitor donations.

Pete's Exotic Animal Safari

Location: Alda, NE

Family-owned farm with diverse collection of exotic animals. Visitors can feed certain animals, making it perfect for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

Stable Productions Exotic Animal Ranch

Location: Seneca, NE

Hands-on experiences with exotic animals in a safe and educational environment. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages.

Gifford Farm

Location: Bellevue, NE

Educational working farm destination. Learn about farm life, meet friendly animals, and participate in hands-on activities.

Dusty Trails

Location: North Platte, NE

Offers water activities, bird watching, horse riding, and petting zoo. Fun-filled experience for families and animal enthusiasts.

Wildlife Sanctuaries and Rescue Centers

Raptor Conservation Alliance

Rescue Hotline: (866) 888-7261

Website: rcabirds.org

501(c)3 non-profit caring for Nebraska's raptors since 1976. Over 14,000 raptors admitted to facilities over 45+ years. Reputation as one of top 10 raptor rehabilitation organizations in the nation. Offers educational programs with permanent resident raptors. If you find an injured raptor in Nebraska, call their toll-free rescue hotline.

Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, Inc.

Phone: (402) 234-2473

Website: nebraskawildliferehab.org

Rescues, rehabilitates, and releases native Nebraska wildlife and migratory birds. Mission includes preserving and restoring native habitats and educating youth and adults about wildlife and ecosystems. Takes many types of wild animals and non-raptor birds in need.

Wildlife Rescue Team, Inc.

Service Area: Lincoln area

All volunteer-based organization dedicated to raising and rehabilitating orphaned and injured wildlife from Nebraska, with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.

Nebraska Humane Society - Wildlife Division

Phone: (402) 444-7800

All hawks, owls, falcons, eagles, and other raptors that come into the Nebraska Humane Society are turned over to Raptor Recovery for rehabilitation and release. Raptors are protected by federal and state laws - only permitted parties are allowed to handle birds of prey.

Aquariums and Nature Centers

Schramm Education Center (State Aquarium)

Location: Schramm Park State Recreation Area

Website: outdoornebraska.gov

State-of-the-art educational center featuring over 60 species of freshwater fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates found in Nebraska. Formerly known as Aksarben Aquarium. Features freshwater aquariums, sturgeon touch tank, bird-watching area, reading nook, maker space, play area, and interactive touch screens. Walking paths through forests showcase native ecosystems.

Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium

Location: Inside Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo

Largest aquarium inside of a zoo in North America. Part of the world's best zoo complex. Features diverse aquatic ecosystems and thousands of marine species.

Educational Programs and Outreach

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo Educational Programs

Field Study Workshops: 2-hour programs for grades K-12 with conservation quests, animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes tours. Aligned with Nebraska's College and Career Ready Standards for Science and Next Generation Science Standards.

Zoo to You Program: Bring programs to schools, libraries, senior centers, and events. 60-minute dynamic assemblies with Ambassador Animals, artifacts, and hands-on activities. Requires 3-week advance scheduling.

Wildlife Encounters of Nebraska

501(c)3 non-profit offering award-winning educational programs seen by over 1 million students nationwide for 30+ years. Programs follow Nebraska Education Curriculum and are excellent for assemblies, grades, or classrooms. Also offers wildlife birthday parties for children.

Riverside Discovery Center Education

School programs (20-30 minutes) with education animals on zoo grounds. Programs aligned with Nebraska education standards. Can bring the zoo to your classroom with custom topics created by Education Curator. Discounts available for multiple programs.

Visitor Information

Best Time to Visit

  • Year-Round: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo (7+ acres of indoor exhibits)
  • Spring/Summer/Fall: Wildlife Safari Park (closed November-March)
  • Summer Months: Best weather for outdoor zoos, butterfly exhibits open

Planning Your Visit

  • Henry Doorly Zoo: Plan full day (6-8 hours)
  • Lincoln Children's Zoo: 3-4 hours
  • Wildlife Safari: 2-3 hours
  • Riverside Discovery: 2-3 hours

Accessibility

  • All major zoos are wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller rentals available at major facilities
  • Service animals welcome
  • Accessible restrooms and dining

Membership Benefits

All AZA-accredited Nebraska zoos participate in reciprocal admissions programs. Members of participating zoos (Kansas City, Des Moines, Omaha) receive discounted or free admission at other AZA facilities. Lincoln Children's Zoo members get exclusive extra hours (9-10 AM and 5-7 PM).

Parking & Transportation

  • Free parking at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
  • Free parking at Lincoln Children's Zoo
  • Free parking at all major Nebraska zoos
  • Riverside Discovery Center: Free parking on-site

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is considered the best zoo in Nebraska and was rated the world's best zoo by TripAdvisor in 2014. It features world-record exhibits including the world's largest indoor desert, America's largest indoor rainforest, and the world's largest nocturnal exhibit. With 17,000+ animals on 160 acres and over 7 acres of indoor exhibits, it offers year-round entertainment and is consistently ranked among the top zoos globally.

Nebraska has 4 AZA-accredited facilities: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Lincoln Children's Zoo, Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari, and Riverside Discovery Center. These facilities are among only 240 AZA-accredited institutions nationwide and represent the highest standards in animal care, conservation, education, and research.

Lincoln Children's Zoo is specifically designed for young children and rated among the best zoos for children by Parent Magazine. With 400+ animals on 10 acres, it's the largest attended zoo per acre in the U.S. Features include interactive Zoofari stations with Larry the Cable Guy, giraffe feeding, historic ZO&O Railroad, Animal Encounter Stage, and a 25-foot tall Ellie the Elephant play structure. The zoo's mission is "to enrich lives through firsthand interaction with living things," making it perfect for hands-on learning experiences.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Lincoln Children's Zoo, and Riverside Discovery Center are open year-round (with limited closures for holidays). Henry Doorly Zoo is especially great for winter visits thanks to over 7 acres of indoor exhibits including the Desert Dome, Lied Jungle, and Kingdoms of the Night. However, Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari is seasonal, operating only from late March/early April through October.

Summer admission (May 1 - September 30) is $31.95 for adults (12+), $24.95 for children (3-11), $28.75 for seniors (65+), and free for children 2 and under. Spring/fall rates (March-April, October-November) are $26.95 for adults, $19.95 for children, and $24.95 for seniors. Winter rates (December-February) are $19.95 for adults and $13.95 for children. Military discounts are available with ID. Parking is free, and the zoo is a tobacco-free facility.

The zoo is famous for its world-record exhibits: the Desert Dome is the world's largest indoor desert (84,000 sq ft) and largest glazed geodesic dome; the Lied Jungle is America's largest indoor rainforest (nearly 2 acres); and Kingdoms of the Night is the world's largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp. The zoo also houses the largest aquarium inside of a zoo in North America (Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium). With 17,000+ animals, pioneering conservation research in artificial insemination of large cats, and TripAdvisor's 2014 ranking as world's best zoo, it's recognized globally as a leader in zoological excellence.

Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari is a 440-acre drive-through North American wildlife experience. Visitors drive their own vehicles along a 4-mile scenic route through prairies and wetlands along the Platte River, viewing 350+ animals of over 50 species up close from their cars. Species include American bison, black bears, wolves, moose, elk, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, prairie dogs, bald eagles, white pelicans, and sandhill cranes. The park also features 2 miles of hiking trails, a Wolf Woods walk-through area, Wolf Canyon overlook, and a cheetah breeding facility. Rated #1 Best Safari Park by USA Today in 2022.

Yes, Riverside Discovery Center in Scottsbluff is the only zoo in western Nebraska. This AZA-accredited facility has been serving the Panhandle region since the 1950s and gained AZA accreditation in 1990. The 22-acre zoo features 170 native and exotic animals including lions, tigers, brown bears, monkeys, and 16 rare/endangered species. Admission is $11 for adults and $5 for toddlers. The center also includes a petting zoo, playground, splash pad, and dino dig, making it a complete family destination.

Nebraska zoos offer numerous hands-on experiences: At Henry Doorly Zoo, visitors can feed giraffes, explore the interactive Children's Adventure Trails with water play, and meet Animal Ambassadors. Lincoln Children's Zoo offers giraffe feeding ($3 for lettuce), Animal Encounter Stage with bobcats and alligators, daily Wild Safari Theater shows, and Zoofari stations. Wildlife Safari Park offers daily 2 PM Animal Experiences near the bear habitat (Memorial Day - Labor Day). For more intimate encounters, Scatter Joy Acres in Murray offers private animal encounters with sloths, kangaroos, capybaras, otters, and other exotic animals, plus Animal Assisted Therapy programs.

For injured raptors (hawks, owls, falcons, eagles), call the Raptor Conservation Alliance rescue hotline at (866) 888-7261. Do not attempt to handle raptors yourself unless instructed - they are protected by federal and state laws. For non-raptor birds and other wildlife, contact Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, Inc. at (402) 234-2473. In the Lincoln area, Wildlife Rescue Team serves orphaned and injured wildlife. The Nebraska Humane Society at (402) 444-7800 also accepts raptors and transfers them to Raptor Recovery for rehabilitation. All these organizations are dedicated to rehabilitating native Nebraska wildlife for return to the wild.

Last updated on November 27, 2025