Omaha Zoo

We decided long ago that before we move from Kansas, we would have to visit the Omaha Zoo.  When to do it on the other hand, would be many discussions later before deciding that Labor Day weekend would be the "Now or Never" time.  So, we headed out after school on Thursday evening.  We got there in great time to our hotel, but the whole "hotel" experience left much to be desired.  Between that, and reminisce of Hurricane Isaac, we decided to cut our trip short and come home a day early.  The Zoo however, was FAB.U.LOUS!  Between the Desert Dome, the Jungle, and the Aquarium, I honestly cannot pick which one I liked best.  It was beautiful to say the least.
Our first stop was this man made Jungle that was so incredible.  It captivated animals from parts of Asia, South America, and Africa.  They actually were right there with you!  Some were in cages, and some were able to roam freely.  They even had fruit bats flying right around above you, snacking on bunches of fruit they had strategically placed around the jungle!  Our next stop was the Aquarium, which was really cool.  It had A LOT of different types of fish, coral, sharks, jellyfish, octopus, etc.  Everything under the ocean you can think of, was there.  They also had this "Creatures of the Night" exhibit; which was too creepy for me, so David and the kids went down underground for that one.  He said that you could seriously walk right into a pond of alligators if you were not careful!  They had albino crocodiles, bats, spiders, rats, etc...NO THANK YOU! Glad I missed that excitement!
Next stop was the Desert Dome.  The name is exactly what it was.  Every plant and animal that live in the desert.  We saw Wallaby, Birds, Cactus, Bear Cats, a certain type of Owl, different types of varmints, etc.  there is a beautiful butterfly exhibit, and lots, and lots of scenery to take in.
After that we spent waaaayyy to much money on eating at the zoo (we always bring in our own food normally), and then walked around and saw all kinds of Monkeys, Zebra's, Giraffe's, Cheetahs, Lions. They had what was called a "Cat Country" which was the only thing we missed, because we decided to see the bear feeding instead. At this point the kids had a meltdown from walking too much, and being tired, etc. So we forgoe'd riding a Sky ride and rented a wagon to fit all three of them for the same price. (Yes, Josh wanted to ride in it too.) The kids also got to dig for fossils, and feed the animals; by this point it was time for the Zoo to close and it started to downpour. With the possibility of rain/thunder all the next day as well, we came home instead. I am glad we went, it was definitely worth the trip. The Hotel on the other hand, was a COMPLETELY different story! If we had to do it over again, we would just wake up early and drive the 2 hour 45 minute drive up there, go the the zoo, and then drive home. But it is for sure a MUST to see and visit if you ever get the chance:) Lots, and Lots of pictures to view...enjoy:)