Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

Sheppard’s Business Interiors partnered with Holland Basham Architects (HBA) and Kiewit on the development of this 32,000‑square‑foot animal care facility for the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. Designed to stand out on campus, the hospital’s footprint reflects the diversity of species the Zoo cares for while providing a centralized, easily accessible location for veterinary teams. Inside, the facility includes office space, conference rooms, and a veterinary resource library that support daily operations and educational outreach.

SBI furnished specialized areas throughout the building, including an observation room overlooking two procedure rooms, sterile surgery, and CT imaging; multiple animal holding rooms designed for species ranging from primates and carnivores to avian and aquatic animals; and a centrally located Diet Prep Kitchen to streamline workflow. Large garage bays accommodate all vehicle types for animal transport, while an on‑site pharmacy with an exterior vestibule and drive‑up window offers efficient access. The facility also supports partnerships with local college programs, providing spaces for observation and hands‑on learning. Together with HBA and Kiewit, SBI helped deliver a highly functional, future‑ready medical environment that elevates animal care and veterinary education.

To support its growing education programs, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo partnered with SBI and the DLR group to reimagine the spaces inside its Education Building. The redesigned facility creates meaningful opportunities for students to connect with the natural world through “adventure education,” deepening their understanding of animals, ecosystems, and conservation efforts. The project centralizes classrooms, educator offices, and administrative workspaces that were previously dispersed across the campus.

SBI furnished a variety of instructional and collaborative spaces, including flexible classrooms and huddle rooms that open into shared breakout zones. These environments support both informal interaction and structured educator workflows, creating open, connected workplaces that enhance communication and learning. The result is a cohesive education hub that strengthens the Zoo’s mission and enriches the visitor and student experience.