Our mission is to support Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, starting in our own community – but extending far beyond. The Zoo seeks to conserve and protect wildlife and natural habitats around the world. To develop and provide the best possible animal care. To educate the next generation of humans who love the wild. Here are just a few of these stories.

World-Class Care for Every Animal.

At Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, exceptional animal care is the foundation of everything we do. Under the leadership of Dr. Taylor Yaw, Vice President of Science and Animal Health, our veterinary and animal care teams provide world class medical care to more than 33,000 animals representing over 1,000 species, ensuring every resident receives the individualized care it deserves.

As Dr. Yaw explains, “Our reputation is all about how we take care of those animals.” Every step of an animal’s care, from the first concern identified by a zookeeper to advanced diagnostics and treatment, is guided by collaboration, expertise, and a commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare.

The Bill and Berniece Grewcock Animal Hospital has transformed what is possible for animal medicine at the Zoo. Equipped with advanced imaging technology, including on site CT scanning, and a fully functioning clinical pathology laboratory, the hospital allows veterinarians to diagnose and treat patients more quickly and effectively without leaving Zoo grounds. “We have all the latest diagnostics at our fingertips right here in the hospital to provide the best care for our animals,” says Dr. Yaw.

The hospital is also helping inspire the future of zoological medicine. Through partnerships with the Zoo Academy and veterinary training programs, students have the opportunity to observe procedures, explore careers in animal health, and learn from experts working at the forefront of zoological medicine. By sharing our work in a safe and engaging environment, we are helping prepare the next generation of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and animal care professionals.

None of this would be possible without the support of our community. As Dr. Yaw shares, “Our secret sauce is our community.” Thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium continues to advance animal care, invest in innovative technology, and provide world class medical treatment that benefits wildlife today and for generations to come.

Conservation Starts in Our Backyard.

At Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, conservation is about far more than protecting wildlife. As Chief Zoological Officer Jeff Ewelt explains, “Conservation is a big word, and it means so many different things to so many people.” At its core, however, conservation is about ensuring that the species and ecosystems that sustain our planet are here for generations to come.

Every day, conservation takes many forms across the Zoo. From sustainable operations that reduce our environmental footprint to the groundbreaking work happening behind the scenes, our teams are helping secure a future for wildlife through breeding and propagation programs, reproductive science, genetics research, and exceptional animal care. As Jeff notes, “Some of the stuff that’s happening behind the scenes is absolutely mind blowing, and it’s all happening right here in Omaha.”

Meaningful conservation depends on collaboration. Through partnerships with fellow accredited zoos and aquariums, scientists, and conservation organizations, we share knowledge and resources to achieve more together than any one institution could accomplish alone. “We’re not afraid to share,” Jeff says. “We all utilize those ideas together for the greater cause.”

While our conservation efforts span the globe, we also believe that lasting change begins close to home. Guided by our mission to inspire people to become lifelong stewards of animals and their habitats, we are expanding intentional local conservation initiatives that encourage our community to care for the wildlife and ecosystems in our own backyard. By connecting people with conservation where they live, we hope to inspire action that reaches far beyond Omaha.

Whether safeguarding genetic diversity, restoring vulnerable populations, or providing exceptional care for every animal that calls the Zoo home, each effort contributes to something greater than ourselves.  Together, we are ensuring that wildlife will continue to thrive for generations to come.

Education Extends Far Beyond the Classroom.

At Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, education lies at the heart of our mission to inspire, educate, and engage people to become lifelong stewards of animals and their habitats.

Under the leadership of Jocelyn Harrison, Vice President of Education, the Zoo’s Education Department reaches learners of all ages, both on and beyond Zoo grounds. From our preschool and kindergarten classrooms to the high school Zoo Academy, students from nine Omaha-area school districts attend school here each day. While completing core coursework, they also explore STEM, conservation, and real-world science side by side with Zoo experts.

 But education at the Zoo extends far beyond the classroom. Through year-round camps, community outreach programs, and engaging on-grounds interpretation, our educators connect with visitors in meaningful ways, whether during a sea lion demonstration, a hands-on campout, or a simple conversation in the aquarium. Each year, these experiences reach tens of thousands of students and nearly a million guests, sparking curiosity and compassion for wildlife.

 Even play becomes a learning opportunity at Bay Family Children’s Adventure Trails, where children explore nature through imaginative, hands-on play that nurtures a lifelong bond with the natural world.

 Through education, exploration, and play, we’re cultivating curiosity and compassion in every learner. Little by little, these moments of discovery can grow into a shared commitment to care for the world around us.

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Get more background on our mission and how it is advancing year after year.