Omaha Zoological Society Inc

Programs: Program service 1: operation of zoological and botanical gardens for public enjoyment: omaha zoological society operates and maintains omahas henry doorly zoo and aquarium. The zoo sits on 112 acres and houses approximately 1,300 animal species including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. It boasts natural, immersive exhibit spaces, including a newly constructed african grassland, an aquarium, the worlds largest indoor desert covered by a transparent glazed geodesic dome, americas largest indoor rainforest, the worlds largest nocturnal exhibit, and gorilla and orangutan habitats. During 2016, 85,890 memberships were sold and a record 2,046,171 people visited the park.

program service 2: conservation and research: omahas henry doorly zoo and aquariums center for conservation and research conducts valuable conservation science research in the areas of veterinary medicine, reproductive physiology, genetics, nutrition and rare plant propagation. The scientific teams conducting research in 2016 included five veterinarians, six ph. D. Scientists and post-docs, five masters level researchers and twelve technical staff. These teams were actively participating in seventeen research projects that led to the publication of seven manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, one book chapter and one text book. In addition, our researchers presented at international conferences and scientific meetings along with invited talks and lectures at universities and husbandry courses. Omahas henry doorly zoo and aquarium supported forty-nine in-situ and ex-situ projects focusing on conserving species in six key regions globally including oceans, north america, central and south america, madagascar, asia and africa. Support not only included financial contributions to the projects but staff expertise and time with direct participation and leadership in conservation efforts including coral propagation and restoration of reefs through secore, breeding and release of salt creek tiger beetles in nebraska, breeding and release of amphibians in north america and puerto rico, and reforestation efforts and community education in madagascar. Staff also provide extensive leadership and expertise in more than fifty key services roles on sustainability programs through the association of zoos and aquariums as advisors, species survival plan program leaders, studbook keepers, committee members, project coordinators, instructors and taxon advisory group chairs and steering committee members.

program service 3: education: omaha zoological societys educational initiatives are local, national, and internationally focused. More than 5,590 educational programs were conducted in 2016. This programming, which included day camps, classes, distance learning classes, campouts, and on-grounds programming reached 953,426 individuals. The zoo also has conservation oriented education programs in veterinary medicine, reproductive physiology, molecular genetics, nutrition, rare plant propagation, and animal management and husbandry in the center for conservation and research. In 2016, professional training was provided at the zoo to 165 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. In addition, the zoos professional staff participates in a range of offsite education programs which cover a broad spectrum from lectures at universities to longer duration professional training programs in specific scientific or conservation techniques, as well as supporting primary and secondary school conservation education programs.