By Karen Dietzius
The History of the Henry Doorly Zoo
Henry Doorly Zoo is located in Omaha, Nebraska, and features a large cat complex and indoor rainforest. It is a leader in animal conservation and research, and currently offers programs in collaboration with universities around the world to build up leaders in conservation.
Origins
Originally River Park Zoo, it was opened in 1894 and founded by the City of Omaha. In 1963 its name was changed to Henry Doorly Zoo.
Henry Doorly
Henry Doorly was the chairman of the World Publishing Company and the late husband of Margaret Hitchcock Doorly, who donated $750,000 to the zoo under the condition that it would be named after him.
Omaha Zoological Society
This society was created in 1952 to work on improving the zoo as the number of animals was increasing. It was reorganized 13 years later with a focus on maintaining the zoo as a non-profit organization.
Animals
In 1898, the park had 120 animals, plus deer, grizzly bear and two bison. Cat and bear exhibits were created in the 1920s through the 1930s. By 1965, the gorilla and orangutan buildings were completed, as well as the Ak-Sar-Ben Nature Kingdom (now Dairy World).
Railroad
In 1968, 2.5 miles of railroad track were laid and sponsored by Union Pacific Railroad. The first locomotive, Engine 119, transported zoo visitors for a 1.8-mile trip around the zoo.
About the Author:
Based in Baltimore, Md., Karen Dietzius has been a professional writer and editor since 2005. She has been published on various websites and edited scripts for "A Work In Progress," an inspirational radio drama.
Photo Credits:
http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1168175
