While some outsiders might view money as the prime asset Scott brings to the table, those who have served with him on the organizations board say its his leadership. The renovation of Omahas three downtown riverfront parks continues, and new digital watercolor images offer the clearest picture yet. This will be located adjacent to the existing carousel area on the site formally occupied by bears, swan valley and points north. The bill opened the door to the public-private partnership but did not spell out all the terms. The Omaha Public Library has developed a reopening plan for four branches. Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland, Nebraska opened on March 27 as a limited drive-through experience due the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and experienced a record attendance, with over 400,000 visitors on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Walter Scott Jr. is a private, pompless man whose low public profile belies the considerable influence his leadership, fundraising ability and hundreds of millions in personal contributions have had on Omaha civic affairs. Durham Familys Bear Canyon was dedicated. The Zoo is currently investigating how the cheetah got out of its primary enclosure. Asian Highlands will transport Zoo guests on an immersive journey through Asia, ranging from the grasslands of Northern India, though the Himalayan Mountains, to the boreal forests of northeastern China. A giraffe feeding station opened in the spring. The first significant land purchases were completed by the city of Omaha in February 1895 and turned over to the Park Commissioners for improvements. One official likened it to "a damn grass fire.". But given the Denver debacle, Scott also said the money was contingent on the federal government allowing Heritage to oversee the project. Simmons Plaza, near the main entrance, was completed. But a city is always an unfinished project, he said, so we keep looking for new opportunities to improve Omaha.. A study found that there would be savings of roughly $250,000 a year to have the state operate the plan. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. It has transformed the eastern boundary of the Zoo, from the former Grevy's zebra exhibit up to Pachyderm Hill, once home to African elephants and white and Indian rhinos. 2004 Dennis Pate, the executive director and CEO of Omahas Zoo, has been sworn in as the new chair of the board of directors for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Scott was the chairman and CEO of Omahas Kiewit construction company, having followed in the shoes of Peter Kiewit to help the firm grow into one of the nations largest, with massive building projects all over the globe. One of the unique features of the new building is a womens clinic. about GuideStar Pro. The desire to spend more time with family has been a bigger factor than his health in his decision to wind down his involvement with Heritage and other boards, he said. New cat cages were donated by Gould Dietz. The Union Pacific Engine House for the Omaha Zoo Railroad was completed. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The Hubbard Research wing expansion to the Grewcock Center for Conservation and Research opened. But the trucking industry has seen a slowdown this year. The most up-to-date policies, guidelines and committee charters are available on the Governance page. Click here for more information. In 2017, Bass Pro bought Cabela's and consolidated corporate operations at the Bass Pro headquarters in Missouri, dealing a significant economic blow to Sidney. Eppley Pachyderm Hill was opened in November on the old baseball diamond site. UNO leased 27 acres of its campus to donors for $10 a year. Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ. Henry Doorly Zoo corporate office is located in 3710 S 19th St, Omaha, Nebraska, 68107, United States and has 210 employees. Other Heritage board members say they expect the organization to continue to be a major player on the citys biggest public projects under its new chairman, 68-year-old Mike McCarthy. As of November 2021, the endowment and investment funds are valued at $118 million. We noticed a significant increase in donors during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why the 2020 number is higher. Many, but not all, projects Scott has been involved with have also utilized Kiewit as the construction contractor. Board of directors as of 06/05/2016 SOURCE: Self-reported by organization The worlds first test-tube tiger was born at the Zoo. Doris Buffett "gave time as well as money" to help people, said her brother, Warren Buffett, after she died on Tuesday. This milestone more than doubled its attendance in 2019 and well eclipsed the previous record of 246,500 set during the Wildlife Safari Parks inaugural 1998 season. And hes looking forward to stepping up the philanthropic work of his own charitable foundation work that holds much future possibility for Omaha. The Zoo received two AAZPA awards: the Conservation Award for its black-footed ferret management program and the Significant Achievement Award for the Lied Jungle. You can cancel at any time. In the end, it came in well below its original price tag. Sign in or create an account to view Form(s) 990 for 2019, 2018 and 2017. . Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, a non-profit organization, prides itself on its contributions to the surrounding communities. At the time, VA administrators had long recognized the agencys Omaha hospital as one of the most outdated and inadequate in the entire VA system. The Bay Family Childrens Adventure Trails, a five-acre outdoor adventure area with hands-on learning experiences, and the Dick and Mary Holland Meadowlark Theater, featuring a Birds of Flight program, opened to the public in June. 2017 1966 Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium opened Childrens Adventure Trails in June 2017. There may not be another organization quite like it anywhere in the country. The exhibit, located by the Owen Sea Lion Pavilion, was open from Memorial Day through fall 2013. More than a decade ago, Scott tasked Omaha educator Ken Bird to look into creating the Omaha equivalent of the Kalamazoo Promise, a pledge made by anonymous donors to pay the college tuition costs of that Michigan citys public high school graduates. 2006 Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium seeks an experienced, results-oriented chief executive who will provide aspirational leadership toward shaping the future direction of the Zoo, building on its status as a world-class destination and leader in conservation and education. But when Scott and Heritage decided the arena was an amenity the city had to have, they pledged $75 million in private money. A city is always an unfinished project, Scott said, so we keep looking for new opportunities to improve Omaha. At 89, hes looking forward to stepping up the philanthropic work of his own charitable foundation. The old aquarium was closed and construction of the new aquarium began. Founded in 1956, the trucking and logistics firm is based in Sarpy County. This digital means of communication promotes new exhibits, events and other Zoo news using static images and videos. Were not doing it that way, Ashford recalled Morris telling VA officials during a December 2016 meeting in Washington. 2013 Next year, the city is set to host the nations top swimmers for the fourth straight Olympiad. Today, Omaha retains some 1,300 employees with whats now called Conagra Brands, but the city lost the prestige as a headquarters location. Over the years, most Heritage projects have been geared toward improving the quality of life in Omaha, and thats no accident. In all, Heritage over three decades has pumped more than $700 million in private dollars into some $1.2 billion of civic projects. Scott said as he looks to Omahas future, he remains bullish. Construction began on the world's largest Desert Dome. Over 400 larger-than-life lanterns, custom-made for the Zoo, illuminated the Bay Familys Childrens Adventure Trails. The gorilla and orangutan buildings were completely renovated and named in honor of the Owen Family. Older vintage exhibits will be replaced with exhibits measured in partial or whole acres for large animals that live in social groups such as elephants, rhinos and lions. Dave Heineman; Mayor Jim Suttle; Garry Gernandt, Omaha City Council, District 4; and Dennis Pate, the Zoo's executive director and CEO. It was something Morris and Scott had asked for, a recognition of the growing role of women within the U.S. armed forces. In August, Hubbard Gorilla Valley reopened with an updated African Jungle theme and enhancements that reflect the immersive and educational style of Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. The plan was for the new organization to run a joint fundraising drive toward upgrading facilities at both cultural institutions. EMAIL . Register now. Budgie Encounter, a walk-through exhibit, opened. With Ashford carrying the bill in the House and Republican Sen. Deb Fischer leading the push in the Senate, the Omaha VA measure moved through the process. 1987 Board of Directors, AZA Accreditation Commission, and is . Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics, Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools, Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations, Revenue and expense data for the current fiscal year, CEO, Board Chair, and Board of Directors information, *with the ability to download the data for 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015. Renovations to the Main Gift Shop and parking lot, including the addition of over 1,000 more parking stalls, was completed. Gary Meyer, Equipment Manager. Butterfield, Allison 2015 The Walter Scott Family Foundation lists over $1 billion in assets. ), Paper surveys, Focus groups or interviews (by phone or in person), Suggestion box/email. Dr. Padilla's first day at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium will be Nov. 14. World-Herald Square was completed and First Tier Wolf Woods opened. No county in Nebraska has been hit as hard by the coronavirus as Dakota County. There is a legacy of future leaders he has helped inspire and develop that will continue past his lifetime, McCarthy said. The world's second largest walk-through aviary opened, Lee G. Simmons Free-Flight Aviary. In the end, they decided there was already much scholarship money available in Omaha. Hes a big supporter of college scholarships. The Desert Dome, the worlds largest indoor desert, opened to over 1.5 million visitors. End of conversation.. ACZM, as its next President and CEO. Hes more concerned about the end product getting done right.. The Zoo was selected as one of three sites for the endangered black-footed ferret breeding program. The Walter and Suzanne Scott Kingdoms of the Seas Aquarium opened and the Zoo had more than 1.6 million visitors. In 1952, the Omaha Zoological Society was organized to improve the Zoo and to provide administrative help to the city. Scott owes much of his wealth to his work at Kiewit, including as CEO steering it into lucrative new ventures in energy and telecommunications. Our acclaimed zoo has carried the Henry Doorly name for many years, but its trying to emphasize the name Omaha. Already have a GuideStar Account? 1981 In August, the 1916 public swimming pool that had been buried in 1944, and rediscovered in 1970, was reconstructed and became the Owen Sea Lion Pavilion, complete with a new concession building, public restrooms and a gazebo. Pate joined Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium as the President and CEO in 2009 and has maintained the state's top accolade as Nebraska's most visited attraction. She lives in the Scott African Grasslands with her mother and three sisters. We demonstrated a willingness to learn more by reviewing resources about feedback practice. The Zoo partners with Zipline Brewing Co. to launch the Zoo Brew Series four limited-edition beers with a focus on the conservation efforts of four different animal species: red panda, African elephant, rockhopper penguin and snow leopard. Not long after Brad Ashford entered the U.S. House of Representatives in January 2015, the Democrat found himself at a small gathering in Washington that included VA Secretary Robert McDonald. email . 2019 Tina Cherica has been working as a Executive Director at Omaha Zoo Foundation for 16 years. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway continues to grow, with 389,000 employees in all its various subsidiaries. New cat and bear exhibits were built by WPA. Ashford learned Scott was a veteran himself, having served a brief stint in the Air Force during the Korean War. Such control is something Scott has likewise often insisted on with other non-Heritage projects hes supported financially, including dorms and academic buildings at UNO and major research and clinical facilities at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Scott had also been gradually stepping up his charitable involvement in the city. Heritage later put $44 million into TD Ameritrade Park, helping Omaha lock up a long-term contract preserving the citys treasured title as host of the College World Series. Construction on the African Grasslands, the largest project to date, continues. His master plan transformed the Zoo and Aquarium into an immersive experience and living classroom for visitors. Owen Swan Valley and the Primate Research Building were completed. 1993 But even a scaled-back plan for a $136 million outpatient clinic couldnt get funded. In 2016 Pate was instrumental in bringing elephants back to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, which has led to two elephant calves born this year. It's now called Crane Meadows Viewing Tower. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). In July, the Zoo welcomed its one millionth visitor. Position switches part of 'magic' for Nebraska coach Matt Rhule, Shatel: Sam Griesel is 'living the dream' at Nebraska - all thanks to the transfer portal, Live updates: Nebraska high school girls basketball state tournament semifinals, Like Walter Scott, Heritage successor Mike McCarthy has kept a low public profile, Donors, UNO get the ball rolling at new $23.5 million baseball and softball complex, Berkshire headquarters in Omaha is growing, drive to improve its operating efficiency, headquartered in Omaha's Aksarben Village, Helen Kelley, former president of Westside school board, never lost her love of learning and music, State agency applies U.S. Supreme Court ruling on LGBT job rights to housing cases, Doris Buffett dies at 92; She was 'far more philanthropic than I am,' Warren Buffett says, In unusual arrangement, donors were in charge of building UNO's new ballfield complex, Death comes home to Dakota County, one of nation's biggest coronavirus hot spots, Mutual of Omaha removes Native American chief from its logo. The new North Entrance Plaza was completed featuring a new gift shop, warehouse, entrance plaza and visitor gazebo. Construction on the Gateway to the Wild capital campaign continued. Obama signed it in December 2016. During the summer, the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium undergoes renovations. SOURCE: Self-reported; last updated 10/4/2022. Its a mentoring and scholarship program that seeks to help some of Omahas most at-risk kids get through high school and into two- or four-year degree programs. The museums gained additional exhibition space that allowed them to bring in national touring exhibits. This interactive play area sits on five acres of land and combines outdoor adventure with hands-on learning opportunities. In May, the African Grasslands opened to the public. The Lied Jungle, the worlds largest indoor rainforest at that time and Durham's TreeTops Restaurant and Education Center opened. It also includes five new outpatient operating suites, specialty clinics, a new radiology center and the capacity to serve an additional 400 veterans daily. The Omaha Steaks Grill and Patio, located between Durham TreeTops Restaurant and the Lied Jungle, opened. Dr. Padilla received his doctoratein veterinary medicine from Cornell University. Algya-Mixan, Shelly . A visit to Omahas Zoo and Aquarium is a transformational experience that connects people to animals and wild places. The Zoos greenhouse was built near the maintenance shop. There was a problem saving your notification. And a Government Accountability Office report found that the private sector design review method reduced the construction timeline by more than four months. Omaha zoo CEO sworn in as chair of global organization's board of directors. Scott, Morris and Heritage board member Howard Hawks recently headed up a donor group thats building a new $23.5 million baseball and softball complex at UNO, leading the planning, raising all the money and overseeing construction. Correction: An earlier version of this story had an incorrect spelling of Jeffrey Gold's first name. Click on the link in that email By 1917, the zoos collection included buffalo, deer, mountain goats, hogs, bears, bobcats, wolves, coyotes, badgers, opossums, fox, monkeys, alligators, a Mexican duck, pheasants, and a freak five-legged cow.. He was chosen after an extensive and thorough process by the search committee and is the next right leader for Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Bay said, Dr. If we had a project that came in late and over budget, that would happen about once, Scott has said. TITLE . She oversaw the planning, strategy and implementation of the Annual Fund program, Corporate Giving program, Lion's Pride Patron Membership program and special events. The bear grottos, gorilla, orangutan buildings and Ak-sar-ben Nature Kingdom were part of this phase. The Park had an animal population that included deer, grizzly bear, two bison on loan from Colonel William F. Cody and 120 other animals. and who do the programs serve? And unexpectedly, the facility also helped Omaha become the unofficial home of the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials. We are confident that Dr. Padilla is that person. Prior to arriving in Kansas City, Wisthoff had been associate zoo director at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. I look forward to serving theZoo and theOmaha community, while continuingthe legacy of being one of the top zoos in the world., Dr. Padilla continued, Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a globally recognized leader that is proudly beloved by its local community. Construction of Ak-sar-ben Nature Kingdom, eventually named Red Barn Park, was completed and the area opened to Zoo guests. The Bill and Berniece Grewcock Center for Conservation and Research (CCR) opened. Pate has also served as Chair of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Board of Directors, AZA Accreditation Commission, and is currently serving on the Dian Fossey Board of Directors. Scotts support also came with his typical insistence that Heritage oversee nearly every aspect of the project to ensure it came in on time and on budget.