Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Since 2003, Morrissey Engineering has been involved in renovations and new construction projects at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.

Services and Awards

The Suzanne & Walter Scott Aquarium facade renovation project was recognized with a 2023 IALD Award of Excellence for Lighting Design.

The Suzanne & Walter Scott Aquarium facade renovation project won the 2022 IES Illumination Awards for Exterior Lighting and Lighting Control Innovation.

The solar array canopy project located at the Skyfari Landing received a 2018 ACEC Nebraska Engineering Excellence Merit Award.

Newest Projects

Bill and Berniece Grewcock Animal Hospital (2026), Hubbard Orangutan Forest Renovations (2024), African Grasslands (2015), and award-winning lighting design for the Suzanne & Walter Scott Aquarium facade renovation (2020)

Glacier Bay Landing and Alaskan Adventures

Projects include Alaskan Adventure Splash Pad (2017), Carousel Plaza (2019), Glacier Bay Landing (2019), and Sue's Carousel (2022)

Suzanne & Walter Scott Aquarium Conference Center and Facade Renovation (2012)

The Walter and Suzanne Scott Aquarium opened in 1995. It spans 71,000 sq ft and houses 1.2 million gallons of water. The aquarium is among the largest in-zoo aquariums globally. Morrissey Engineering provided Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing design services for the first renovations in 2012 with the addition of the Conference Center. The facility included species-specific climate control upgrades, visitor viewing area lighting, and ventilation design improvements. The aquarium showcases various aquatic habitats, including polar regions, temperate oceans, the Amazon rainforest, and coral reefs. Notable features include a 450,000-gallon shark tank with a 70 ft shark tunnel, as well as displays of jellyfish, a giant Pacific octopus, and a touch tank for visitors. Freshwater exhibits include a section on the Amazon rainforest and a tank with freshwater bee shrimp.

Asian Highlands, Gorilla Valley, and Mid Valley

Projects include Asian Highlands (2018 & 2019), Stingray Beach (2020), Picnic Pavilion (2020), Hubbard Gorilla Valley renovations (2021), and Carousel Plaza relocation & Engine House (2021)

Coastal Waters Owen Sea Lion Shores (2020)

The 1-acre exhibit replaced the Durham Family Bear Canyon and the Owen Sea Lion Pavilion. Morrissey Engineering provided Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing design services for the enclosure. The exhibit, opened in 2020, includes a 275,000-gallon saltwater pool with wave chambers, shallow beaches for young pups, random fish feeders to encourage hunting, a shaded seating area for 170 visitors, and an underwater viewing cavern. The exhibit hosts two species: California sea lions and harbour seals.

Additional Projects:

Desert Dome Plaza Renovations (2022), Skyfari Landing Solar Array Canopy (2017), Garden of the Senses (2015), Scott Aquarium Upgrades & Renovations (2012), Expedition Madagascar (2010), Skyfari (2010), Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion (2008), New Visitor Center (2007), Conservation & Research Center (2006), Hubbard Gorilla Valley (2006), Hubbard Orangutans Forest Phase I & II (2006), Central Plant & Central Plant Expansion (2005), and Elevator Building (2005).

Location

Omaha, Nebraska

Square Footage

130 acres

Project Work

since 2003

Architects

Stanley J. How Architecture, CLR Design, Holland Basham Architects, Shaffer & Stevens, PC, Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, Alesia Architecture P.C.