Henry Doorly Zoo Announces Next Big Project

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (OmahaZoo.com) will open Alaskan Adventure, a new splash park, in 2016.

This new area is the next step in our masterplan created in 2010 that will eventually include a new sea lion pool and a home for polar bears. Alaskan Adventure, a $14 million project, is both a splash ground and water feature and is set to open this summer. The new exhibit is Alaskan-themed, featuring dancing waters through sprays and spouts and over 75 bronze sculptures created by Nebraska’s own, Matthew Placzek. The spraying water is managed through computerized controls, systematically spraying a mix of water and air through nozzles arranged around the sculptures to simulate the water effects made by the animals as they breech, porpoise, splash, spray water from their blowholes, and emerge from or dive into the ocean.

The centerpiece of Alaskan Adventure is an 18 foot high humpback whale which will have water trailing from its extended fins. A whale’s tail is a separate sculpture and will be 16 feet wide and eight feet tall with water flowing from the edge as it appears to submerge for a deep dive. Additional bronze sculptures include: 30 jumping salmon, 25 puffins, 15 sea lions sunning on rocks, three porpoising orcas and three brown bears. Misting nozzles and native Alaskan landscape will surround this new area to truly allow Zoo guests to feel like they are in Alaska.