CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF IMPACT BECAUSE OF YOU | Omaha Zoo Foundation

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF IMPACT BECAUSE OF YOU

Mar 24, 2026

For more than 40 years, the Omaha Zoo Foundation has helped turn bold ideas into extraordinary realities at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. None of it happens without people like you, supporters who believe in what the Zoo can be and help bring it to life.

Over time, more than 88,000 gifts from donors like you have helped shape the Zoo into the world-class destination it is today. From the sweeping landscapes of African Grasslands and Asian Highlands to the immersive experiences of Lied Jungle, the Desert Dome, and the Aquarium, these are not just exhibits. They are the result of a community coming together to build something remarkable.

Most recently, that spirit came to life with the completion of the Bill and Berniece Grewcock Animal Hospital. This state-of-the-art facility is already transforming how we care for more than 30,000 animals. It expands what is possible through advanced diagnostics, specialized treatment spaces, and hands-on learning opportunities for the next generation of veterinary professionals. It stands as a powerful example of what can happen when a community rallies behind a shared purpose.

But it is not just about what we build.

Your support also fuels critical conservation work, like advancing cheetah reproduction efforts, and expands access to education through programs that bring students from underserved schools to the Zoo. It shows up in everyday moments too, like Zooventures, where kids become active learners without even realizing it and discover the natural world through curiosity, play, and exploration.

Every day, children walk through the Zoo gates and experience something they will never forget. A giraffe stretching high above them. Penguins darting through the water. A quiet moment surrounded by butterflies. These are the moments that spark curiosity, create connection, and inspire a lifelong commitment to caring for the natural world.

And just as importantly, the Zoo is one of the rare places where families can simply be together. Walking side by side. Sharing reactions in real time. Laughing, pointing, asking questions. It is time spent outside, away from distractions, where connection happens naturally and memories are made without even trying.

As we celebrate this milestone, we are building forward. Each project completed opens the door to what comes next and ensures the Zoo continues to lead in animal care, education, and conservation for generations to come.

We are so grateful to have you as part of this story.

Simply put, you make it all possible.