Finally, The Lee G. Simmons Aviary is now open!
The Lee G. Simmons Aviary at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium announced its reopening after being closed for almost 4 months.
The Aviary was closed last March 3, 2022, due to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (HPAI). The “Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus” occurs mainly in birds, which is highly contagious, and can be deadly among birds. This virus affected birds across the country of Nebraska and Iowa. It was extremely important to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to protect the birds from getting infected by the said virus; they decided to release the birds to their outside habitats. Dr. Sarah Woodhouse, the Director of Animal Health for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, happily announced that 100 percent of the birds stayed healthy and were not affected by the HPAI Virus. They were able to test samples and the results were negative. They felt confident releasing the birds back to their outdoor exhibits. They started putting out the birds in batches of 20 to 30 in late April and managed to move out 215 birds in over 4 days. They also expressed gratitude to their zookeepers and staff who showed effort and support in protecting the birds during the process.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is excited to welcome visitors back starting June 24, 2022. Aside from the reopening of the Aviary, other Zoo facilities like the Dick and Mary Holland Meadowlark Theater and Budgie Encounter have also been reopened to the public. You’ll once again see the peacocks wandering around the Zoo grounds.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is open daily between 9am – 5pm.
If you want to know more about the ticket price, you may visit: www.omahazoo.com
