Omaha Rises to the Top Again
I love when I see my hometown rise to the top. And it always surprises people, particularly those that aren't from around here, that we're still number one.
In its annual Choice Awards, USA TODAY ranked the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium as the best zoo in the world in three different categories. The wildlife safari park was named the best safari park in the nation, the desert dome was named the best exhibit in the nation, and the overall zoo and aquarium was named best zoo in the United States.
Yes, that's in Nebraska…yes, that's over amazing organizations like the San Diego Zoo and the Bronx Zoo.
When I tell people this, which I try to do all too often, they look at me in amazement. They don't believe it. Some have even gotten out their cell phone and started to google it to see if I’m telling the truth. There's almost a consistent disbelief if you're not from Omaha or Nebraska. People and families travel a great distance to come to the zoo. According to one statistic, 42% of the visitors to the zoo come from more than 60 miles away. They're coming for an overall experience far beyond just looking at animals.
How does this happen in the middle of the country with a city population of less than one million and a statewide population of less than two million?
The answer is philanthropy.
While the zoo brings immense community pride to all, leaders within the philanthropic community have for decades signalled a special place in their heart for zoo growth and expansion. In particular, a special thanks should be given to Walter and Sue Scott who have led that charge.
But the zoo isn't the only amazing asset in Omaha. I tell people consistently that Omaha has more millionaires and billionaires per capita than anywhere else in the United States. It is a unique philanthropic culture and community that embraces private Public Partnerships with the government, immense civic pride in museums, the zoo, universities, etc. However, it's the zoo that always takes the headlines, as it should.
How great is the zoo? Let me just say that it's unbelievably cheaper to get a yearlong membership than pay individually when your kids love it so much that you use it 10 to 12 times per year. My kids know the exhibits, the walk, the animals, and even some of the staff almost by name. It's that great of an experience.
So, if you're driving I-80, across the country, just a few hundred yards off of a nation’s thoroughfare on 13th street, sits the number one zoo in the world. And yes, that is in Omaha, NE.
