Must-See in Omaha (P*S*C* #17)

As a kid, I loved to watch the Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom show on TV. So, when actually in Omaha, I thought I should go to the highly recommended Henry Doorly Zoo. This was the first time I have gone to a zoo alone - a bit strange, but it was well worth the trip! (John and Kari were off doing wedding errands.)

The Desert Dome - the world's largest indoor desert at 13 stories tall - is pictured in the background. Very impressive! Underground is another "largest" with the Nocturnal exhibit and the first ever cave I've seen in a zoo with stalactites and stalagmites. And a night-time swamp area where a rare white alligator makes his home.

Other highlights of the zoo: the Scott Aquarium, the Butterfly and Insect Pavillion and, of course, the IMAX Theater (Under the Sea) and the Hubbard Gorilla Valley where acrylic mini half domes allow you to get into the living space of the inhabitants. Lucky me to get to see the gorilla up close and personal...and picking his nose!

Animals have a way of reminding us of ourselves, too. These clownfish reminded me of kids on their first day of school with the way the darted here and there and played hide 'n seek.

Somehow this meerkat reminded me of an old family portrait of one of our forefathers! And, if you are a North Park alumni, doesn't this giraffe remind you of our stately Dean Betty Nelson? (You might recall she collected giraffes.)

Being at the aquarium at the zoo also reminded me of snorkeling in Hawaii not all that long ago. I took this litttle mini video for Wes:

This is just a bit of a tease for you readers to entice you to visit this zoo. Maybe in August when you are out for a certain wedding?