Henry Doorly Zoo Conservation Academy sketch, image courtesy of DLR Group.

DLR Group in association with CLR Design was recently selected to work with the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo to program, plan and design a facility that they will call the Conservation Academy.

This project will integrate indoor and outdoor facilities that will provide educational opportunities that will support their Pre-school – Kindergarten education programs as well as their high school education program.  The Pre-K to 8 year old outdoor education facilities will also be available to zoo visitors.

This project will support the Zoo’s Education Mission. Engaging children with nature has been the subject of many recent books and studies that have identified a “nature deficit” in that children appear to be losing touch with the natural world around them.  The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo intends to make a difference in this area and be a leader among North American zoological institutions.