Fabulous New Digs for the Orangutans at the Omaha Zoo!
One of the things that I like best about the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha is the immersive nature of all the exhibits. Each area of the zoo is appropriately themed down to the animal buildings and enclosures. This includes one of my BRAND NEW favorite exhibits - the Hubbard Orangutan Forest. You will really feel like you have been transported to an Indonesian Rainforest when you enter this area.
Not only will you see Borneo Orangutans, you will see them from both ground level and a bird’s eye view. The orangutans have MUCH more indoor and outdoor space and interactive areas than they used to have. There are lots of toys, things to climb, and even some blankets to shut out the world and nap. They fit perfectly under them. You could walk by and never know they were there. I like that they allow some privacy.
Both the indoor and outdoor visitor experience shines. The theming is wonderful. Occasionally you can find “hidden” orangutans carved into the walls of the indoor exhibit. There’s a fun viewing area for kids to get up close to the exhibit. The information signs are brightly colored and easy to spot. There’s even a video wall and a large interactive touchscreen area.
The outdoor areas on both sides of the elevator building are spectacular. In front of the exhibit entrance there is a large observation area. After you enter the nearby building, take the elevator down, and emerge from the inside exhibit, you enter a whole new world. The outdoor courtyard between the Hubbard Orangutan Forest and the Hubbard Gorilla Valley contains some atmospheric buildings, a kids’ small play area with a soft play surface on the ground and a photo ops area with statues of orangutans and a large waterfall. Next door is a concession stand and there are several benches to rest your feet.
Insider tip: If you want to get to and from the back of the zoo faster and with fewer hills, take the Hubbard Orangutan Forest building elevator down to the ground floor, walk out of the building and you are much closer to the Asian Highlands, the Owen Sea Lion Shores, the Garden of the Senses and many other attractions. By doing this you will miss the Bay Family Children’s Adventure Trails and the Scott Alaskan Adventure and the associated hills. This route will make heading from the back of the zoo to the entrance much shorter at the end of the day (when everyone is tired and needs a long nap). Yep, been there, done that! 🥴 You can thank me later. 😉 ⬇️
Since the exhibit has only been open for a week, it tends to get a bit crowded, particularly when waiting for the elevator. You can also use the stairs inside the building. (Of course, it could have been crowded when I went because it was a cooler day and the College World Series was in town, which I forgot 🙄). No worries, though, everyone seems to spread out pretty well in the exhibits. I would recommend if you’ve already seen other popular Omaha Zoo attractions, that you head to the Hubbard Orangutan Forest early in the day when it’s less likely to be as busy.
It’s no secret that those folks who live in the Omaha, Nebraska area and within a day’s drive love the Henry Doorly Zoo. I am also a huge fan. In fact, folks love this zoo so much they voted it as the #1 zoo in all three categories - Best Zoo, Best Zoo Attraction, and Best Safari Park in the most recent USA Today polI. I voted for the Henry Doorly Zoo, so I’m glad to see it won!
So take in a brand new world-class exhibit at the country’s #1 zoo! Click below for the zoo website. ⬇️
