Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park have once again earned #1 rankings in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This year’s recognition includes:
Best Zoo – Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (Fourth consecutive win)
Best Zoo Membership – Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (Second consecutive win)
Best Zoo Exhibit – Desert Dome (Seventh consecutive win for Best Zoo Exhibit; third for Desert Dome)
Best Safari Park – Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park (Sixth consecutive win)
“These honors belong to our entire community,” said Luis Padilla, president and CEO of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the Lee G Simmons Wildlife Safari Park. “They are an acknowledgement of the work our team does every day connecting people with the animal world and inspiring a better future for all life.”
Padilla added, “This national recognition is less about a title and more about elevating the values that we live by every day: the impact of our work, care for the animals, nature and each other, embracing innovation in all we do and bringing joy to every guest who visits. We are grateful to everyone who continues to believe in what we represent.”
The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are determined through public voting, with nominees selected by a panel of travel experts and editors. Voting for the 2026 awards took place from February 9 through March 9, with winners announced on the 10Best website.
