Spring/Summer Operations

Admission Gate Hours:

• As a reminder, admission hours change to our summer hours beginning 4/1/25. The zoo will be open from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM for admissions with grounds and indoor exhibits closing at 6:00 PM.
• The Lied Jungle will close at 4:00 PM

North Gate

• North Gate is planned to be open weekends only through the end of April.
• To be more accommodating to guests, North Gate will now remain open until grounds close at 5:00 PM (6:00 PM in summer hours).

Carousel

• Open daily (weather permitting) from 10:30 AM-3:30 PM in March.
• Open daily (weather permitting) from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM starting in April.

Tram

• At least one tram open daily (weather permitting) from 10:30 AM-3:30 PM in March.
• At least one tram open daily (weather permitting) from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM starting in April.

Train

• One train weekends only (weather permitting) beginning 4/1 from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Skyfari

• Ideally, this is weekends only beginning 4/1 from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. However, we do not currently have enough staff hired to safely operate but are continuing to hire for this position. The opening date is subject to change.

Stingray Beach

• This will remain temporarily closed until further notice.

Giant Screen Theater

• Theater schedule will be changing in April with the first showtime at 9:30 AM and the last showtime beginning at 4:15 PM. More detailed information coming soon.

The information below is intended to provide more details on the planning process, including important dates and ways in which you can get involved. I am also sharing the key leaders driving these efforts, as they (we) can also be a conduit for representation.

Why We Are Doing This:

The strategic plan will prioritize resources, focus our efforts, and guide us toward future success at the Zoo and the Safari Park. The plan will give us a shared purpose, unifying us around a common vision and rallying us to work together towards our collective goals.

When and How:

The planning process is structured in phases, starting with grounding our efforts in March and concluding with the final strategy by November 2025. Key milestones include:

• Phase One (Deciding on participants, roles, and timeline): February-March 2025
• Phase Two (Exploring stakeholder perspectives): April-June 2025
• Phase Three (Creating a shared purpose and vision): June-August 2025
• Phase Four (Identifying priorities and initiatives): August-October 2025
• Phase Five (Evaluating the process and refining for the future): November - December 2025

Who is Involved:

The Working Group and Steering Committee are guiding the development of the plan. The Board of Directors will review and approve the final plan.

• Working Group: A diverse group of leaders that will be responsible for developing the key concepts on the strategic plan. They will gather information and perspectives, synthesize data, and generate initial drafts. In addition to the following members, this group includes steering committee members.

• Steering Committee: The steering committee is our executive leadership team, and will refine and finalize the strategic direction of the organization.

• All Staff: All staff will be invited to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas, ensuring the strategic planning process reflects the full breadth of our collective experiences and aspirations.

We will also incorporate feedback from members, visitors, volunteers, and portions of our community to ensure that our plan is informed by those we serve and with whom we engage.

The work is being facilitated by EcoLeaders LLC, and we look forward to introducing their Chief Executive Officer, Robin Keith, in the near future.

How We Will Communicate:

• Frequency: We will share our plans at the beginning of each phase and update you on what we’ve accomplished at the end.
• Format: Volunteers may expect updates via the Volunteer Newsletter and All-Volunteer meetings.

Please feel free to reach out to your direct supervising staff with any questions or thoughts, or email volunteers@omahazoo.com

Dear Zoo Team,

Last fall Helen Fagan & Associates guided our organization through an intensive focus group opportunity to gain deeper insights directly from individuals across the organization and within all departments. The results from the focus groups are summarized for your visibility below.

• Trust: An Obstacle to Inclusion
• Trust emerged as a critical barrier to positive experiences at all organizational levels.
• Concerns included a lack of follow-through on reporting issues, insufficient anonymity protections and mistrust in HR processes.
• Participants hesitate to speak up, fearing their voices aren’t heard or valued.
• Communication and Feedback
• Inconsistent communication further hindered trust and engagement.
• Participants emphasized need for:
• Active listening and meaningful responses.
• Transparent decision-making processes with clear explanations.
• Multiple communication avenues, including those for volunteers and part-time staff.
• Employee and Volunteer Treatment
• Participants perceive that animal care takes precedence over staff and volunteer wellbeing.
• Staff and volunteers emphasized a strong desire to be seen and known, underscoring the importance of personal connection.
• Participants called for:
• Clear standards and HR processes defining acceptable behavior, retaliation prevention and accountability.
• Greater recognition and support for the efforts of staff and volunteers.
• Void in Leadership Development
• The perception is that there is a significant gap in equipping leaders with necessary tools and resources which has impacted leaders’ effectiveness and accountability at all levels.
• Staff and volunteers want leaders who actively listen, respond empathetically, provide transparency in communication and foster team cohesion.
• Middle Managers desire training and development in inclusive principles to support frontline staff.

We are proud of the progress made by the Senior Leadership Team and members of the Inclusivity Committee, who have devoted significant time to prioritize, collaborate and lead this important work. The timeline of work is represented in the accompanying graphic.

Marketing and Communications Department

In this section of the newsletter, we'll be answering your submitted questions and are happy to take new ones! If you have a question about Volunteer Services or anything happening at the Zoo, simply click the button below to submit it. When relevant, we'll feature the answers in the next newsletter (anonymously) or email you directly if you've requested a private response.