Summer Fun!

My all-time favorite zoo is the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha.  Its home to 17,000 animals of 962 species which make it one of the largest zoos in the world.  We revisited the zoo in June because they are always adding something new to see that entertains both adults and families.  It’s also a short drive and great weekend getaway from Des Moines.   http://www.omahazoo.com/

Their newest $73 million exhibit is the African Grasslands and recently opened this year.  Despite advertising as officially open in June, they were only partially done when we visited due to some weather delays.  It will be quite something when it is finished!

The concept is similar to what you’d see on the savanna in Africa where different types of animals live together just as they do today.  Zebras, impalas and elephants will all share the same watering hole.  Rhinos, ostriches, and giraffes will also be grouped together.  And at the top of the hill overlooking it all, the lions will roar down in their newly expanded enclosure.  They are even hosting safari tent camping where you can tent overnight next to the lions.  That seems pretty exciting:  http://www.omahazoo.com/family/campouts/

Highlights of our June zoo visit included….

Bear feeding @ 11am.  The sun bears are especially talented at catching food as it was tossed to them:

IMAX movies – They offer some of the best documentaries on animal wildlife with stunning visual effects on their special IMAX screen.  It’s also a great way to beat the heat and give your feet a rest.  The 1pm and 2pm movies are always the most crowded.  Try the 4pm and 5pm movies to dodge the masses.

While the zoo is quite busy, the crowds start to wind down by 4pm.  The buildings are open til 6pm and we were virtually alone when we visited the Sea Aquarium at 5pm:

The Desert Dome remains one of my favorites due to the variety of animals in one location and you can’t help but feel like you are in the desert!

The animals in the Desert Dome were so close!

The Lied Jungle is a natural rainforest environment with paths that wind their way in and out of a jungle setting.  Waterfalls are crashing, birds are flying and monkeys are swinging all within a short reach!

We capped off our visit with dinner at the 360 Steakhouse at Harrah’s Casino in Council Bluffs.  Named aptly for its stunning 360 panoramic views.  One side of the restaurant (called the Omaha room) offers fabulous views of the Missouri River and Omaha skyline which you can see below.  The other side offers more scenic/nature views of the Iowa landscape.  Reservations recommended.  https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluffs/restaurants/360-steakhouse#.V64iu032bcs

The food was pretty amazing too as we splurged on a 10-ounce lobster tail and braised swiss chard with crème brulee for dessert.  It was the perfect end to our weekend!