Years ago, when I was delivering mail in Medical Lake, WA a women on my route told me about this amazing zoo In Nebraska. Since then, it’d been in the back of my mind in hopes that someday we could experience it. Me, being me, I couldn’t remember the name of the zoo, but I did recall her saying it’s one of the largest zoos in the world! So I began searching.
The world larges desert dome
I found it, The Omaha’s Henry Doorley Zoo and aquarium in Omaha Nebraska. As I began reading on their website I found that they offer an overnight stay to sleep next to the lion enclosure.
It’s a 21 and over program, which includes dinner, drinks, a private guided tour of parts of the zoo, an overnight stay, breakfast and some time at the zoo before it opens.
I was really looking forward to the opportunity, and booked it months ago. So on September 17th 2022 at 5:45 pm along with 14 other people, we all met in the education building at the zoo.
Our tent was closest to the lions, you could see them out the back tent screenNap time You can see the fence for the lions on the right. The cuddle bear is wearing blue 🙂 We just had dinner and the guide was telling us that next we’d be going to some of the exhibits Baby elephant, did you know that elephants are pregnant for 22 months!! The weather brought lightning, and we had to take the tour inside until the security said it was safe to go back to our tentsDown under with the gators we went I think he’s smiling at meTurtle turtleSeriously, they drink blood!The weather was clearing slower than this sloth and it was possible that we wouldn’t be able to go back to our tents for the night
They got us into a theater room, tried to play a movie to pass the time, but that wasn’t working either. Someone in the group (yes, it was me) suggested we play charades to pass the time. Thankfully, soon after, we got the all clear to head back to our campsite.
Time for s’mores
The lighting stayed far enough away, but still gave us an awesome light show!
Time to head to bed, in hopes that we’d hear them at night. The guide said they usually start around 3 in the morning Turn up your volume and press the open button to hear the lions!! We got to see them feed the lions, this is them when they see the staff bring in the food The aquarium; they also have a family overnight available to sleep here“It’s a zoo out there!” Says Mr. fishThe above ground domeYou can feed the giraffes Owl stands on one foot, as they regulate their body temp through the feetRed panda Cheetah Monkeys and fishFlamingoI named this guy poofy head birdI don’t think he likes being watched all the time. I wonder if they gave him a smart phone if he’d play bubble pop… or watch tik-tok??Here he is contemplating the meaning of his lifeI wonder if the gorilla would like to have butterflies in his world? He just seemed so sadI didn’t know… did you?These are stick insects, if you look closely you’ll see themTree toppers restaurant, they serve hotdogs, salads and such. The monkeys are hiding from us this day, but they say they’re thereThey have a skyfari you can ride, a train and so much more The end
It was so nice to get to know you and Suzana! Have you guys thought about renting an RV for your next trip? A try before you buy adventure 🙂 Wishing you both all the best!
Goin' Road Trippin' 
It was great meeting you guys, will keep an eye on your future adventures!
It was so nice to get to know you and Suzana! Have you guys thought about renting an RV for your next trip? A try before you buy adventure 🙂 Wishing you both all the best!
Wow sis, thanks for sharing a wonderful account of this amazing adventure! It was awesome! 🦁