Visitors to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium have probably experienced Suzanne Scott’s impact throughout the zoo. It’s right there in the names of some of our exhibits like the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium and the Suzanne and Walter Scott African Grasslands, and on plaques throughout the zoo. Her likeness is even immortalized in a bronze statue by Matthew Placzek at the Scott Alaskan Adventure.
One of the projects closest to Mrs. Scott’s heart was Sue’s Carousel, a beautifully nostalgic carousel with vividly painted enamel zoo animals and horses. The carousel, dedicated to, in Mrs. Scott’s words, “kids and grandkids of all ages,” opened in 1999, with her own grandchildren in attendance.
“I’ll never forget how much fun she had watching us have fun, and vividly remember the ebb and flow of her hooting and giggling as we all went around and around,” her granddaughter, Suzanne, recalls.
Another granddaughter, Emily, adds, “I remember hearing about how novel it was for a carousel to be featured at a zoo, and that’s what makes it no surprise that it was Grammy’s idea. She was always thinking outside the box on how to make experiences more enriching and enjoyable for others. She never let ‘well that’s not how it’s usually done’ be a reason for why a project or idea should not go forward.”
These were qualities that served Suzanne Scott well as the founding executive director of The Omaha Zoo Foundation. In the four years that she served (1983-1987), she took a special interest in growing the membership at the Zoo — actually doubling the number of family memberships. Her success in that role, as well as her tireless volunteerism and generous philanthropy in the years that followed, helped lay the groundwork for what the Zoo is today.
For all her passion, intelligence, and determination, Mrs. Scott was beloved for her kind and fun-loving spirit — qualities her family feels are well represented by the carousel. “Her caring heart went beyond her family and friends and deep into the Omaha community,” says her granddaughter, Sarah. “She always had creative ideas on how to make Omaha stand out, the carousel being one of them.”
Because of Sue, zoo guests young and old alike have been enchanted by the nostalgic beauty and inherent charm of Sue’s carousel for generations. With its sparkling lights, brilliant colors and spirited animals, the carousel has been a zoo tradition that continues to make magical memories for families visiting the Zoo. Join us in preserving the carousel’s legacy with a gift to engrave the name of a loved one on a custom plaque to be placed on one of the available carousel horses of your choice. Space is limited. To learn more, please email beverly@omahazoofoundation.org or call (402) 738-2065.