Hubbard Orangutan Forest opens at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - The Hubbard Orangutan Forest is now open at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.
Like little ducklings, children filed in to see the creatures double their size. They include orangutans Tuki, Ruby, Sepi, Suri, and the zoo’s newest addition, Denda, who came from Toledo, Ohio.
Brittany McGee of Council Bluffs said, “I think this is amazing. It is beautiful and it is such a good representation of their conservation efforts that they’re trying to do here at the zoo.”
The $21 million exhibit has been a long time coming. The previous orangutan forest closed to the public in 2020 because of the pandemic. Renovations and additions for the new exhibit began in September 2022.
The zoo’s President and CEO, Dr. Luis Padilla said, “It’s a really, really exciting day when we get to show it off to our community for the first time.”
The habitat features a 20-foot-tall waterfall, a tree root climbing structure, and both indoor and outdoor areas. Technology is integrated throughout, creating an immersive experience for both the orangutans and their visitors.
Padilla said, “Our intent was to expand on our tradition of experiences that have made Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium the number one zoo in the United States.”
Most impressive to Eddy Sykes of Bellevue are the siamangs. Sykes said, “That they could swing and they’re free so they can swing around wherever they want.”
Their howl is something visitors will never forget.
The Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is open year-round except on Christmas Day.
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