USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards has selected Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium as the Best Zoo, Asian Highlands as the Best Zoo Exhibit, and Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park as the Best Safari Park. This is the first number one ranking by 10Best for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, which was named the second Best Zoo last year; Asian Highlands has won four years in a row and the Wildlife Safari Park has won each of the past three years.
“We are beyond proud that Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has reached the number one position in the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards,” said Dr. Luis Padilla, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, President and CEO. “We launched a grassroots effort asking our Zoo community to show their pride by voting. We are overwhelmed by the response and accolades.” Dr. Padilla continued, “Thank you for making us the #1 Zoo, #1 Zoo Exhibit AND #1 Safari Park! We especially want to thank our hard-working Zoo staff and community. We are number 1 with – and because – of all of you!”
To thank the community, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has planned a celebration week beginning tomorrow, March 18, through Saturday, March 24.
• Saturday, March 18 – 1 Free Zoo Tote Bag at Main Admissions Gate (while supplies last).
• Sunday, March 19 – Facebook and Instagram Giveaways to Win 10 Tickets to Jurassic Adventure Preview Night at Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park (one winner per platform).
• Monday, March 20 – 1 Free Small Popcorn. Coupon received at Main Admissions Gate (while supplies last).
• Tuesday, March 21 – All Children Under the Age of 12 Receive Free Zoo Admission.
• Wednesday, March 22 – $1 Admission to Stingray Beach.
• Thursday, March 23 – 10% Off Purchases at Zoo and Aquarium Gift Shops (no other discounts apply).
• Friday, March 24 – Asian Highlands Training Demonstrations and Special Enrichment at 10:30 and 11 a.m., 12, 1, and 2 p.m. (weather permitting). See Zoo social media for detailed schedule.
• Saturday, March 25 – Opening Day at Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park (weather permitting). All Children Under the Age of 12 Receive Free WSP Admission.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is currently open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exhibit buildings close at 5 p.m. Hours change to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 1. Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park is scheduled to open on Saturday, March 25, for its first day of the season. Park hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards are selected through public voting. Winners were announced on the 10Best website and on USA TODAY. Voting took place from February 6 to March 6.
10Best, which provides travel advice to more than 40 million travelers annually, asks its readers to choose the 10Best in a single category. These categories range from food, lodging and destinations to travel gear and things to do. 10Best’s travel experts select the top 20 nominees for each category and have the readers vote to determine the top 10 selections.
Nominees for all categories are chosen by a panel of relevant experts, which include a combination of editors from USA TODAY; editors from 10Best.com; relevant expert contributors; and sources for both these media and other Gannett properties. The nomination panel for each award category is displayed on its associated contest page. All voting is digital and the 10Best Readers’ Choice Award contest is accessible on the 10Best.com website.
