First of all, if you haven’t been to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, NE… well you need to add that to your bucket list ASAP. When people tell you that it’s one of the best zoos in the world they aren’t kidding. It really is THAT amazing.

We took Jubilee there at the end of April (I know this blog post is super late right? but better late than never) and it was a blast!

Keep scrolling to see some of the highlights of our trip!

Welcome to the Zoo

Shortly before we decided to take a day trip to the Omaha Zoo Jubilee developed a love for maps! Probably because that’s how all the pirates find their treasure. The fact that we got a map upon entering absolutely made her day! I love how intensely she is trying to plan our path here.

When I asked her what she was most excited to see when we got to the zoo she replied, “Penguins and Giraffes.” She then asked if we could bring a giraffe home with us because why not? The answer was obviously a hard no.

I have zero recollection of what this guy is. A cross between a giraffe and a zebra perhaps? I have no idea. BUT I thought he was pretty cool and look at that tongue!

I still don’t know why I was so surprised that she could have spent the WHOLE day at this tiny little playground we stumbled upon.

No worries guys, she didn’t actually pick the Tulips. But we did go back to them numerous times just to admire their beauty!

Shannon and this Gorilla made some pretty intense eye contact for what felt like FOREVER. Seriously, it was intense. And as soon as I pulled Shannon away to move along I swear this guy sat right up and gave a big ol’ belly laugh. Definitely a trip highlight!

The Penguins were without question her favorite part of the zoo. She was absolutely thrilled to pieces by them. But who wouldn’t be?

I got to see the Jelly Fish!! YAY! I could watch the way they move all day long. I find it absolutely mesmerizing.

Jubilee wanted her photo taken with almost EVERY animal statue we came across that day. Which was super strange! Before this, she would have yelled, “No picture!” So thankful she let us document this day!

The butterfly house was definitely my favorite! I could have spent all day just enjoying the environment! No butterflies or plants were touched or harmed while we were there. Promise!

The butterfly house was our last stop of the day. We made it through ALL of the exhibits, with a toddler, no stroller, and only two meltdowns. I would call that a win.