Experience the magic of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium from the comfort of your home or classroom. Our Virtual Field Trips connect students live with Zoo experts via video conferencing and offer an up-close look at some of the world’s most exciting animals and habitats.
Designed to align with and enhance school curriculum, these programs are ideal for schools that can’t travel to the Zoo or for students learning remotely.
Each virtual field trip includes live animal camera views, pre-recorded footage of animals and their keepers in action, and interactive conversations with Zoo educators. Programs are engaging, educational, and designed to meet both state and national standards. They can be tailored for different grade levels and learning styles.
Class size is limited to one grade level and 50 students to maintain a highly interactive experience.
Zoo Adventure: A Tour of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Our newest program allows you and your students to see the entire Zoo virtually, as you get a taste of everything the zoo has to offer. Students will explore the major exhibits and learn the 125-year history of the #1 zoo in the country! Participants will see their favorite animals and some of the behind-the-scenes areas that help keep the animals healthy and active in this program that combines live animals, interviews with animal caretakers, and pre-recorded footage.
Animal Adaptations: Superpowers for Survival
Explore the amazing adaptations of animals around the world and discover how they help animals survive. Participants will explore the different types of animal adaptations, including physical adaptations, behavior adaptations, and more. Participants will gain a greater understanding of how these remarkable adaptations not only showcase the resilience of life on Earth but also inspire conservation efforts to protect these incredible species and their habitats.
Ocean Life and Conservation
Sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and more ocean animals come to life as you join us live from the Scott Aquarium at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. Participants will explore the different layers that make up the Ocean Ecosystem as well as the connection between our biggest and smallest ocean creatures. Participants will learn about the threats facing our oceans and discover simple things we can do in our own communities to help our oceans out.
Penguins Live!
Go nose-to-beak with more than 80 Antarctic penguins in one of our most popular programs! Become a penguin expert and learn about penguins all over the world, including the three types of cold-weather penguins housed inside the Scott Aquarium. Participants will witness their unique behaviors and amazing adaptations from a front row seat at one of the world's premier penguin exhibits.
Endangered Species: A Global Crisis
An extinction crisis is threatening our planet. Join us live from Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium as we visit some of the endangered species that call the Zoo home. We will look at the interconnectivity of all plants and animals in an ecosystem and the threats they face. Participants will learn about the conservation work the Zoo is involved in to help protect animals and eco-diversity and about simple steps we can take to help save some of the world’s most majestic creatures.
Elephants: Animal Architects
Join us live from North America’s largest indoor elephant herd room and meet our herd of African elephants. Participants will learn the story of how these amazing animals came to live in the middle of the country, and what it takes to keep them healthy, happy, and engaged. Discover what makes these gigantic animals unique, and why it is colossally important that we work to protect them in the wild.
Sights and Sounds of the Rainforest
This virtual tour of our multiple rainforest and jungle habitats gives participants a chance to see gorillas, monkeys, bats, frogs, and so much more! We will learn about the plants and animals that make their home in various layers of the rainforest and the lush tropical backdrop will help build an appreciation for this incredible ecosystem as participants discover why it is important to save Earth's rainforests.
Desert Life: Adapt to Survive
Join us on a quest to find adaptations among the plants and animals of the world’s largest indoor desert! Inside the biggest glazed geodesic dome on earth, participants will learn about the amazing adaptations needed to survive this dry habitat. Participants will learn what makes a desert while meeting the desert’s most incredible animal survivors. Students learn how plants protect their water, why some desert animals sleep all day, and much more.
Giraffes: A Silent Extinction
Giraffes, the tallest animals on earth, are a keystone species that play a major role in their ecosystem. Over the past few decades, giraffe populations have shrunk at an alarming rate due to habitat loss, human population growth, poaching, disease, war, and civil unrest. With a mix of live footage, keeper interviews, and video clips, participants will learn about the “silent extinction” facing these majestic creatures. Participants will also learn just what makes them so special, from their prehensile tongues to their six-foot legs.
Ocean Life and Conservation
Sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and more ocean animals come to life as you join us live from the Scott Aquarium at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. Participants will explore the different layers that make up the ocean ecosystem as well as the connection between our biggest and smallest ocean creatures. Participants will learn about the threats facing our oceans and discover simple things we can do in our own communities to help our oceans out!
Tails and Tales: Animal Storytime
Join us for a special virtual zoo-themed story time! We’ll share stories and information, along with amazing animals from the Zoo. Our team will work with you to choose the perfect habitat and story for your class and will share not only a fun and engaging story, but amazing information about the real animals.
Penguins Live!
Go nose-to-beak with more than 80 Antarctic penguins in one of our most popular programs. Become a penguin expert and learn about penguins all over the world, including the three types of cold-weather penguins housed inside the Scott Aquarium. Participants will witness their unique behaviors and amazing adaptations from a front row seat at one of the world's premier penguin exhibits.
Participants will need a webcam, microphone, and a reliable internet connection (preferably wired).
A pioneer in distance learning, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium has connected with schools for over 20 years and was recognized with the Pinnacle Award from the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration.
Contact the Education Department at (402) 738-2092 or [email protected] for more information.