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73-575: The Omaha Zoo Railroad was one of the first major attractions added after the zoo's 1963 re-incorporation as the Henry Doorly Zoo . As part of its centennial celebration, the Omaha-based Union Pacific Railroad decided to sponsor the construction of a ridable miniature railroad at the zoo. The zoo's railroad initially had just over two miles (3.2 km) of 2 ft 6 in ( 762 mm ) narrow gauge track (roughly half

146-451: A public aquarium , opened on April 1, 1995, at a cost of $ 16 million. The building has 71,000 sq ft (6,600 m ) and contains a total of 1,200,000 US gal (4,500,000 L; 1,000,000 imp gal) of water. The exhibit was first renovated in 2011, and opened again on April 5, 2012. It is one of the largest in-zoo aquariums in the world. It features displays of aquatic habitats from polar regions, temperate oceans,

219-534: A Kid's Discovery Trail. The first phase of the exhibit opened in the spring of 2018 and the second phase opened in the spring of 2019. Species in the exhibit include: The Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion opened in 2008. The Pavilion is a 14,000-square-foot (1,300 m ) total-immersion exhibit located between the Scott Aquarium and the Giraffe Complex. Viewed from the sky, the exhibit resembles

292-546: A claimed capacity of up to 100 cats. The building was the largest cat-breeding and management facility in North America. The Cat Complex was awarded the "Edward H. Bean Award" (1994) for tiger husbandry by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums . Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is known worldwide for its work in the field of artificial insemination of large cats. The zoo's 15-year master plan, composed in 2010, called for

365-400: A concealed location, returning the engine to a more historically correct appearance. In 2011, the engine was repainted from its cascade green and black paint scheme to an all dark green with maroon wheels. In 2013, a new bell from Union Pacific was supplied and installed. In July 2023, 104 received yet another external makeover while new rods were being fitted. As a nod to its European origin,

438-514: A cost of $ 15 million. It is one of the largest indoor rainforest exhibits in the world; it occupies an 80-foot (24 m) tall building that spans 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) and is located just inside the main entrance. This exhibit allows visitors to look out from behind a 50-foot (15 m)-tall waterfall. Inside are 123,000 ft (2.82 acres; 11,400 m ) of floor space, of which 61,000 ft (1.4 acres; 5,670 m ) are planted exhibit space; 35,000 ft (0.8 acres; 3,250 m ) are

511-762: A display management area; and 11,000 ft (0.25 acres; 1,020 m ) are an education area. Visitors can walk along a trail on the floor of the jungle , as well as on a walkway around and above the animals. The exhibit was (at least partially) closed between 2020 and 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic . As of July 2023, the Lied Jungle exhibit had been fully re-opened to the public. Both levels are split into sections by continent, including Asia, Africa, and South America. Along both trails, about 90 species can be found, including: Ring-tailed lemurs , red ruffed lemurs , and black-and-white ruffed lemurs used to be on display in

584-444: A giant sundial . There are over 250 species of herbs , perennials trees , roses and other flowers , butterfly -friendly plants, and trellises . The birds include macaws , South American parrots , and Australian cockatoos . The Hubbard Gorilla Valley is a gorilla exhibit named after Dr. Theodore Hubbard, a cardiologist from Omaha. It opened on April 8, 2004, at a cost of $ 14 million. Prior to being expanded and rebuilt,

657-505: A male calf in March 2023. Species include: A new exhibit built on previously undeveloped space, the Asian Highlands area is a $ 22 million, 8-acre recreation of the highlands of central Asia, including India and China , designed to simulate a mountain ascent, featuring species native to the region as well as a Yeti Camp, acting as a hub for visitors with themed food and gift options, and

730-660: A safari-themed "Trail Head" where visitors begin their "wild" adventure at Omaha's zoo. Mutual of Omaha's Exploration Station includes a detailed interactive map of the zoo and video previews of major attractions, as well as information on the History of the Zoo. The center of the Pavilion features a 20-foot (6 m)-high netted tree, with free-flying birds. Below the tree includes water displays with turtles, archer fish , and more. The building's original public area, or living classroom, contains what

803-498: A small tank locomotive of Austrian Heritage named "Riva" was found in Romania and its owner, Plasser & Theurer , was willing to donate it to the zoo. The locomotive was restored in the UP's shops and entered service at the zoo in 1976, together with two extra cars that were purchased to augment the original four. Kenefick Station was added in 1981 allowing guests to board the train closer to

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876-521: A small memorial at the location of home plate. Rosenblatt was replaced by the Charles Schwab Field Omaha downtown. After six years of planning and three years of construction, the 28-acre, $ 73 million African Grasslands exhibit opened to the public May 27, 2016, over the zoo's former eastern boundary area and Pachyderm Hill exhibits. In 2017, Warren the African elephant unexpectedly died. He

949-482: A smiling tiger superimposed over it. Though the direct references to Union Pacific place names have faded over the years, UP's support of the zoo railroad has remained strong. For years the train equipment was trucked to the Union Pacific's Omaha shops for winter maintenance, and when the shops closed much of the machinery was donated to build a new shop on site at the zoo. The Union Pacific Engine House, as this building

1022-648: A specialized wastewater treatment system, insect culturing area and thorough disinfection protocols to ensure the entire space remains pathogen-free. With only three full-time keepers, the Amphibian Conservation Area has supported the release of more than 121,000 amphibians to date. Wyoming Toad Western Boreal Toad Eastern Hellbender Puerto Rican Crested Toads Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog Crown Metal Products Crown Metal Products

1095-563: A total of 84,000 sq ft (1.9 acres; 7,800 m ). The Kingdoms of the Night features a wet cave (with a 14 ft or 4.3 m deep aquarium), a canyon, an African diorama, a eucalyptus forest, a dry batcave, and a swamp . The swamp is also the world's largest indoor swamp. The Kingdoms of the Night logo is a sign that has owl eyes. Some of the animals found at the Kingdom of the Night include: The Lied Jungle opened on April 4, 1992, at

1168-608: A toucan. The aquarium features aquatic animals from around the world, including: The Eugene T. Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night opened beneath the Desert Dome in April 2003 at a cost of $ 31.5 million (includes Desert Dome). Kingdoms of the Night is the world's largest nocturnal animal exhibit at 42,000 ft (0.96 acres; 3,900 m ). Both the Kingdoms of the Night and the Desert combine to

1241-519: A winged insect. The building features several exhibits: The Desert Dome opened in April 2002 at a cost of $ 31.5 million (includes Kingdoms of the Night). It is one of the world's largest indoor deserts at around 42,000 ft (0.96 acres; 3,900 m ). Beneath the Desert Dome is the Kingdoms of the Night, and both levels make up a combined total of 84,000 sq ft (1.9 acres; 7,800 m ). The Desert Dome has geologic features from deserts around

1314-607: Is a zoo in Omaha, Nebraska . It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums . In August 2014, TripAdvisor rated it the "world's best zoo", ahead of the San Diego Zoo and Loro Parque , based on an algorithmic assimilation of millions of reviews for 275 major zoos worldwide. The zoo is known for its leadership in animal conservation and research. Evolving from

1387-431: Is a partial listing of parks that currently operate, or previously operated, Crown locomotives: Back in the 70's, Crown Metal Products Company purchased the patent and manufacture of steam locomotive air brake equipment from Westinghouse Air Brake Company (now WABTEC) of Wilmerding, Pa., U.S.A. As main railroad steam locomotives were superseded by diesel units, Crown Metal Products could only sell this equipment abroad. Such

1460-507: Is attached to the public portion and institutes a holding and quarantine tank. Other tanks include multiple species of jellyfish , a Giant pacific octopus and open-ocean schooling fish. Another addition is a touch tank which allows visitors to feel the textures of various starfish , shells, and possibly a chain catshark or one of its empty eggs. The only freshwater display is of the Amazon rainforest that includes fish, invertebrates, turtles, and

1533-512: Is called, was dedicated in July 1994. Union Pacific crews continue to maintain the crossing signals along the zoo railroad's route. During the 1970s the Omaha Zoo Railroad and the zoo as a whole saw large increases in attendance. Especially on the weekends, it became evident that the original four car train could not provide the needed capacity, and a search was begun for a second train. By chance,

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1606-453: Is considered steep) were required and some of the curves were well under 150 feet (46 m) in radius. Track crews from the Union Pacific were brought in to lay the track, and operation commenced on July 22, 1968, under the supervision of UP Roadmaster Robert Kovar. Fitting for a railroad attraction sponsored by the Union Pacific, the Omaha Zoo Railroad was initially themed after the UP's first transcontinental railroad route, for which Omaha

1679-598: Is known as the Small Animal Collection. This area houses part of the zoo's reptile collection, as well as a large number of invertebrates . The animal collection represents the tremendous diversity in the animal kingdom, and includes tarantulas , turtles, snakes, hedgehogs , and other small animals. Stingray Beach features a shallow saltwater pool where visitors can touch and feed three species of stingray; Cownose , Southern , and Atlantic . The area also features turf green space, art sculptures installed prior to

1752-417: Is known for its colorful paint scheme, polished brass, and sweet-sounding Nathan six-chime whistle. No. 119 was the original locomotive on the Omaha Zoo Railroad and was custom-built for the zoo in 1968. It was built by Crown Metal Products of Wyano , Pennsylvania, a company that built replica steam trains for amusement parks and zoos all over the country. In honor of zoo railroad benefactor Union Pacific ,

1825-535: Is linked to ongoing projects in Madagascar and conservation efforts that the zoo's Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership has been active in since 1998. It underwent extensive renovations in 2021 during a closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic , and reopened in July 2021. Animals in the exhibit include: The Garden of the Senses opened in spring 1998 at a cost of $ 1.8 million. The garden houses plants , fountains , birds , and

1898-407: Is the first of the zoo's two locomotives and regularly hauls a train of five open-air coaches. It is a 4-4-0 " American " type locomotive, meaning that it has four pilot wheels to help guide it through curves, 4 large driving wheels, and no trailing wheels. This type of locomotive was prevalent on American railroads from 1850 to about 1880, thus earning it the nickname "American standard". This engine

1971-495: Is the outdoor habitat that includes two 65-foot (20 m)-tall, 100- short-ton (91- metric-ton ) Banyan trees interconnected with vines enclosed by a stainless steel netting. It underwent extensive renovations in 2021, while the exhibit was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic , and reopened in July 2021. A 20-foot (6.1 m) waterfall is named after Claire Hubbard, the Orangutan Forest's primary donor. The second phase,

2044-752: Is the world's third-largest free-flight aviary . It is home to about 500 birds from around the world. The Aviary is 800 feet (240 m) long and rises to 75 feet (23 m) at the center. The structure is covered with 142,000 sq ft (13,200 m ) of two-inch nylon mesh that is supported by a system of cables and poles. The use of nylon instead of wire is a unique concept to modern aviaries. In this 4-acre (16,000 m ) exhibit, visitors see American flamingos , black crowned cranes , scarlet ibises , hadada ibises , northern bald ibises , straw-necked ibises , hamerkops , cattle egrets , snowy egrets , roseate spoonbills , Inca terns , ducks , black-necked swans and white storks . Situated inside

2117-408: Is the zoo's first diesel locomotive. It is a four-wheeled, 40-ton diesel switcher locomotive built by Plymouth in 1957. Unlike 119 and 104, this locomotive was originally built for 36" track and later re-gauged to 30". When the engine arrived at the zoo in 2008, it was painted light blue and featured a likeness of a woman's face (presumably that of its previous owner's wife). The zoo has since removed

2190-529: The 4-4-0 wheel arrangement, with the exception of Carowinds locomotive no. 1 "Melodia", a 2-6-2 rebuilt from a 0-6-2T built by Porter in 1897. Most locomotives were styled after the typical American 4-4-0 type locomotives of the mid 19th century, with most having two domes, similar to the Jupiter , The General , and the Inyo . However, some of the 3 ft ( 914 mm ) gauge offerings featured three domes in

2263-413: The 1.8-mile (2.9 km) trip around the park. Two of the engines are steam locomotives, and though they are similar in the basic principle of their operation, the two locomotives are otherwise quite different and guests can easily distinguish between them. The third engine is a diesel, which operates very differently from the steam locomotives. New coaches have been added to replace the old coaches. 119

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2336-681: The 2005 release of the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Global Amphibian Assessment, as in-depth status report on the world's 8,000-plus known frogs, toads, salamanders , and caecilians , which declared amphibians as the most significantly threatened group of vertebrates in the world. The mission of the behind-the-scenes area, which is not accessible to visitors, is to address wild amphibian decline by continually advancing conservation efforts through evolving welfare, reproduction, collaboration, and reintroduction. The 3,800 square-foot facility features 13 temperature-controlled rooms,

2409-666: The CFR's Alba Julia – Zlatna line until 1968, when it was finally retired and sold to Plasser & Theurer , an Austria-based builder of track maintenance machinery. An American representative of Plasser & Theurer became aware of the Omaha Zoo's search for a second locomotive, and in 1974 arrangements were made for "Riva" to be donated to the zoo. Restoration took place in the Union Pacific's Omaha shops. The overhaul consisted of major running gear work, American air brake equipment installation, and conversion from coal to oil firing. The locomotive

2482-610: The Crown locomotives, providing replacement parts and service through his company, Castle Ridge Products of Claysville, Pennsylvania , until 2004. That year, the necessary tooling, jigs, inventory and rights were purchased by Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock, North Carolina . Tweetsie Railroad currently handles parts, restoration and service of Crown locomotives. A large number of Crown-built locomotives continue to operate at amusement parks, recreational parks, and tourist railways. Below

2555-584: The Durham Family Bear Canyon, and the smaller Owen Sea Lion Pavilion. It features a 275,000-gallon saltwater pool with natural wave chambers, shallow beaches for young pups learning to swim, fish feeders that release fish and calamari at random times and places in the exhibit encouraging hunting behavior, a shaded seating area with a capacity of up to 170, and an underwater viewing cavern. The exhibit features two species: California sea lions and harbour seals . The Simmons Aviary opened in 1983, and

2628-584: The Hubbard Gorilla Valley was the Owen Gorilla House. It underwent extensive renovations in 2021, while the exhibit was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic , and reopened in July 2021. Some of the animals included are: The Hubbard Orangutan Forest opened in two phases during 2005; the first phase was opened in May, and the second phase opened in late summer at a cost of $ 8.5 million. The first phase

2701-554: The Lied Jungle, but were moved to the Expedition Madagascar exhibit when it opened in 2010. Visitors to the jungle can view the indoor jungle through 90 ft (27 m) of floor-to-ceiling windows at the Durham's TreeTops Restaurant, which is next to the jungle. A portion of the electrical power needed for the jungle is provided by natural gas fuel cells . The jungle has won several awards, including "Single best zoo exhibit in

2774-543: The Omaha depot. Today the trains circle the park in a clockwise direction, covering roughly 1.8 miles (2.9 km) and taking 15–20 minutes on each circuit. The Promontory Junction Station was abandoned in the early 1990s. Beginning in 2010, both trains have operated simultaneously on busy weekends allowing more frequent departures from the two stations. Visitors to the Henry Doorly Zoo ride behind one of three locomotives for

2847-461: The continental divide in Wyoming. The steam locomotive was painted and decorated to resemble Union Pacific's No. 119, the famous locomotive used in the laying of the real " golden spike " marking the transcontinental line's completion, and the four coaches were given names significant to the UP's history. The UP influence was perhaps most evident in the Omaha Zoo Railroad's logo: a Union Pacific shield with

2920-633: The country" in 1994 by the Family Life Magazine ; "Significant Achievement Award for Exhibit Design" in 1993 by the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums ; "Top ten designs in the world" in 1992 by Time , and "Top eight US engineering accomplishments" in 1992 by the National Society of Professional Engineers The Owen Sea Lion Shores opened on September 4, 2020, costing $ 27.5 million. The one-acre exhibit replaced

2993-489: The demolition of Bear Canyon, and a small event center. The zoo also features Lozier IMAX Theater, Glacier Bay Landing, a Budgie Encounter in the Adventure Trails children's play area. Peacocks, peahens, and peachicks wander freely throughout the zoo, often spotted nesting near the Desert Dome. The Cat Complex opened in 1977 at a cost of $ 2.5 million. The complex had 11 indoor enclosures and 10 outdoor enclosures with

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3066-505: The early 1970s due to the need for faster turnarounds and the new locomotive's inability to negotiate a tight curve on the north (Bailey) wye. The connecting track lay idle for two decades before finally being removed in the mid-1990s, retaining a short section of track on the western side, and a wye at the eastern end, which were used for storing railcars not in use. These last remnants of the connecting trackage were removed in 2016, with new sidings for storing rolling stock installed just beyond

3139-570: The elimination of the Cat Complex along with the overhauling of several other exhibits. Going forward, animals at the zoo are grouped not by their genetic relatives, but by regions of the world. The exhibit was closed permanently in 2019 and demolished in 2022 as the cats located in the Cat Complex were relocated to new exhibits in the African Grasslands and Asian Highlands, or at other zoos and sanctuaries. The complex contained nine species from

3212-409: The engine was decorated to resemble the Union Pacific's ceremonial engine used at the 1869 completion of the first transcontinental railroad . During the 119's first years at the zoo, it was underpowered and had difficulty pulling the train up the steep hills. Subsequent modifications by the Union Pacific and the zoo railroad's own shop have improved it greatly. And after a major rebuild in 1996–1999, it

3285-507: The face and reimagined it in a striking red color. Virgie entered service in 2009 and mainly acts as a switcher for the coaches. The diesel was previously tested around the whole route, but it was deemed underpowered and had difficulty at certain points on the line. There are no plans for passenger services. 41°13′44″N 95°55′39″W  /  41.22889°N 95.92750°W  / 41.22889; -95.92750 Henry Doorly Zoo %26 Aquarium Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

3358-486: The family Felidae : The Durham Family Bear Canyon opened in 1989 at a cost of $ 1.4 million. The canyon had a large 30,000-U.S.-gallon (25,000 imp gal; 110,000 L) tank for polar bears. Having previously housed four bear species – the polar bear , the American black bear , the sun bear and the spectacled bear , it was closed and demolished in 2018 to make room for Owen Sea Lion Shores. The Red Barn Park

3431-629: The firebox and cab. Generating tractive effort of 10,600 pounds, it has almost twice the pulling power of 119, and typically operates with a train consisting of six open-air coaches and a caboose. Riva began its long career in 1890 when it was turned out by the Krauss Works of Linz , Austria as serial number 2360. Its first owner was the M.A.R. ( Mori – Arco – Riva del Garda ) Railway in northern Italian region of Trentino - South Tyrol , her sister locomotive served for 2 years alongside two identical sister engines, "Arco" and "Lago di Garda". The railway

3504-406: The flooded Amazon rainforest , and coral reefs . The 450,000 US gal (1,700,000 L; 370,000 imp gal) shark tank features a 70 ft (21 m) shark tunnel at the bottom of the 17 ft (5.2 m)-deep tank. This tank features sharks, stingrays , sea turtles , and coral reef fish. An additional 450,000 US gal (1,700,000 L; 370,000 imp gal)

3577-408: The four squares in the logo. In 1894, the first animals were exhibited here under the name Riverview Park Zoo . By 1898, the collection had grown to over 120 animals. The Omaha Zoological Society was founded in 1952 to organize the long-term efforts of the zoo. The name was changed to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium in 1963, after a $ 750,000 donation from Margaret Hitchcock Doorly, given with

3650-453: The indoor habitat has 3,126 ft (0.07 acres; 290 m ) of floor space. The Hubbard Orangutan Forest recently underwent extensive renovations and fully re-opened in June 2024. The expansion includes an all-new indoor/outdoor siamang exhibit, an updated elevator building and plaza, a café, a walkway, and a seating area. Animals in the exhibit include: The Walter and Suzanne Scott Aquarium,

3723-459: The locomotive was repainted all black with red wheels and a matching frame. All 4 lamps were removed, its pilot was restored to its original appearance, and cosmetic stenciling was reapplied. In August of 2024, the bell was tucked underneath the smokebox and a single lamp took its place. This new headlight arrangement matched the M.A.R. appearance from 1890-1915, while its cab placards honor its C.F.R. heritage from 1941-1968. Virgie , number 6035,

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3796-601: The locomotives sold, as well as a set of standard gauge ones for the Greenfield Village's Weiser Railroad . By the 1980s, tighter Federal Railroad Administration regulations for operating steam locomotives, the inherent dangers of boiler failures, as well as the significant amount of work required to keep steam locomotives maintained on a daily basis, resulted in the Crown locomotives falling out of favor, with more parks opting for diesel locomotives or steam-outlines (locomotives powered by diesel or gasoline engines but given

3869-427: The outward appearance of a steam locomotive) for their railways. The most popular steam-outline locomotive is the 2 ft ( 610 mm ) gauge replica of the C.P. Huntington locomotive produced by Chance Rides , which continues to be produced for park railways around the world. Crown Metal Products was shut down in 1989, with all remaining orders fulfilled by 1990. Ken's son, Bert Williams, continued to support

3942-490: The public Riverview Park Zoo established in 1894, today the zoo includes several notable exhibits. "Kingdoms of the Night" is the world's largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp, the "Lied Jungle" is one of the world's largest indoor rainforests, and the "Desert Dome" is one of the world's largest indoor deserts, as well as the largest glazed geodesic dome . The zoo's mission includes four pillars, "Conservation , Research, Recreation, and Education" which are represented by

4015-462: The railroad for 36 years. Riva , number 104, is the zoo's second steam locomotive, acquired in 1974. It is an 0-6-2 tank locomotive, meaning that it carries its fuel oil and water in tanks on the locomotive rather than in a separate tender, as does the 119. It has six small driving wheels and large cylinders, making it extremely powerful for its size and is also known for its European-style high-pitched whistle. A two-wheel trailing truck supports

4088-527: The same size, these having African styling. Besides steam locomotives, Crown also built 2 ft 6 in ( 762 mm ) diesel-hydraulic steam outline locomotives, of which two are known to exist. One operates at Valleyfair in Minnesota, and the other operates at Dorney Park in Pennsylvania. Crown also constructed the open-air Narragansett-style excursion cars that were usually provided with

4161-604: The stipulation that the zoo be renamed in memory of her late husband. Henry Doorly had an influential career the chairman of the World Publishing Company . In addition to the World Publishing Company, the zoo soon connected with another notable Omaha business: Union Pacific . Union Pacific helped the zoo lay down 2.5 mi (4.0 km) of track in 1968 and the inaugural run of the Omaha Zoo Railroad

4234-416: The summer and maximum light in the winter to reduce energy costs. Expedition Madagascar opened May 7, 2010, and has many animals including lemurs, straw-coloured fruit bats , and giant jumping rats . The building allows visitors to learn about Madagascar , an area considered one of the top hotspots for biodiversity because it is home to the largest number of endemic plant and animal species. Each exhibit

4307-635: The vein of locomotives such as the William Crooks and the Countess of Dufferin . The locomotives were built to burn coal or wood as fuel, though many were later converted to propane or compressed air . Busch Gardens Williamsburg purchased two 3 ft ( 914 mm ) gauge locomotives that, while built to the same specifications as the typical Crown offerings, were given European style appearances. Similarly, their sister park in Tampa bought two locomotives of

4380-470: The width of standard mainline railroad tracks) in the form of a twisted oval with a connecting track through the middle. Two wyes (Y-shaped track arrangements enabling the train to reverse direction) were constructed at the intersections of the connecting track and the main oval. The track was laid using rail from the Union Pacific's Encampment branch in Wyoming. Due to the hilly terrain of the zoo's riverside location, grades of up to 6% (for most railroads 2%

4453-523: The world. The firm has its roots in 1946, when Ken Williams, a machinist and railway enthusiast of Wyano, Pennsylvania, founded Crown Metal Products in Sutersville, Pennsylvania to produce pot cleaners. In the 1950s, Williams purchased a miniature steam locomotive, presumed to have been built by the Cagney Bros. , and decided to construct his own locomotive of the same design. In the summer of 1959, Williams

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4526-542: The world: Namib Desert of southern Africa, Red Center of Australia, and the Sonoran Desert of the southwest United States. Animals include: In addition to being one of the world's largest indoor deserts, the Desert Dome's geodesic dome is also the largest 'glazed' geodesic dome. The dome is 137 ft (42 m) above the main level and 230 ft (70 m) in diameter. The 1,760 acrylic windows with four shades (some clear) were placed to allow maximum shade in

4599-479: The zoo's main entrance, the 21,000-square-foot (2,000 m ) Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Pavilion was completed in the spring of 1987. The building currently houses reptiles, insects, amphibians, and small mammals, while also providing business offices, a 312-seat multimedia auditorium, and classrooms. The Wild Kingdom Pavilion has been partially transformed into the Exploration Station exhibit, serving as

4672-531: The zoo's main entrance. In late 2014, the Kenefick station was demolished and the track was shortened to make room for plans of a new exhibit. (African Grasslands) A new Kenefick Station was opened in 2015, across the visitor pathway from the African Lodge. In the early years the train commonly ran figure eights through the zoo using the connecting track and often reversed direction on the wyes. This practice ended in

4745-610: Was a manufacturer of railroad rolling stock based in Wyano, Pennsylvania . The company was founded by Ken Williams in 1946 and initially sold pot cleaners and then electric fence wires and other products. In 1959, the company began to transition into producing narrow gauge locomotives, a personal interest of Williams. The company went on to produce steam locomotives and passenger cars of various sizes for amusement park railroads . The firm ceased production in 1989; however, much of its rolling stock continues to operate at various locations around

4818-585: Was a petting zoo that opened in 1966. It included numerous domesticated animals including goats and cattle and was particularly noteworthy because of the large red barn that could be found in the area. It was demolished in 2018 and replaced with the Glacier Bay Landing area which opened in the spring of 2019. Many of the animals found in the exhibit were transferred to the Children's Adventure Trails . The zoo's Amphibian Conservation Area opened following

4891-723: Was closed when Italy entered the World War I in 1915. The railway was on the front line and then sustained heavy damage, while "Riva" was sent to work on the Heeresfeldbahn (field military railways) in the Eastern front. From 1918 to 1941, it served an industrial railway in Stryj , Poland. World War II brought another stint in military duty before the engine finally ended up on the State Railways of Romania (CFR) as number 395–104. "Riva" operated on

4964-399: Was deemed to be in better-than-new condition. During the rebuild, the engine also received a cosmetic makeover. Originally painted black and red, it emerged resplendent in a beautiful maroon and blue scheme. A new stained wood cab was also fitted. This engine returned to service in May 2013 after an overhaul. In 2022, the cab received a small placard honoring the late Henry Morris Jr. who served

5037-540: Was made on July 22, 1968. The zoo has two rides that circumnavigate the property (tram and train): a carousel and the Skyfari, an aerial tram which opened in 2009 and takes visitors from the Butterfly and Insect Pavilion to the lion viewing exhibit. The zoo is adjacent to the former site of Rosenblatt Stadium . In 2011, the zoo began developing the land at the stadium to become the new parking area and visitor center, leaving

5110-493: Was the eastern terminus. Passengers boarded at the "Omaha train depot" located in the Aksarben Nature Kingdom (today known as Red Barn Park) and rode to "Promontory Junction" at the south end of the zoo's lagoon, where they had the option of disembarking at the small depot and catching a later train back to Omaha. The ride also featured a climb up the 6% grade of "Sherman Hill", named for the Union Pacific's own grade over

5183-495: Was the only male of the six African elephants that arrived at the zoo from Eswatini . In May 2019, the Birmingham Zoo 's male African bush elephant Callee joined the herd of five female elephants to breed with them. In January 2022, two baby elephants, Eugenia and Sonny, were born to two of the females, Kiki and Claire respectively. In March 2022, the zoo announced a third female was pregnant; Lolly would go on to give birth to

5256-428: Was then painted, and missing parts such as the headlights and bell were replaced. The reborn "Riva" entered service at the zoo in 1976 during the annual Family Night/Members' Day event, and has operated almost every year since. A major multi-year overhaul took place in the early 1990s and another in 2000–2002. During the winter and spring of 2005, the water tanks were replaced and the air tanks (added in 1976) were moved to

5329-701: Was visited by Gaylon and Sallie Borders of Flora, Illinois , who had taken an interest in his locomotive. Gaylon then placed an order for a locomotive of Williams' design, which would become the first locomotive to be built by the Crown Metal Products. This locomotive was given the name "Little Toot", and over the following decade, more locomotives would be produced for parks, zoos, and other amusement attractions. The locomotives produced by Crown were narrow gauge live steam locomotives of various sizes, ranging from 15 in ( 381 mm ) gauge to 3 ft ( 914 mm ) gauge. All locomotives built were of

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