Merrymakers Association Toast to Dennis Pate

Dennis E. Pate
President and CEO
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

Dennis Pate joined Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in March of 2009 as its President
and CEO. Prior to his arrival in Omaha, he served as Executive Director of the Jacksonville Zoo
and Gardens from 2002–2009. Dennis also served as the Senior VP of the Lincoln Park Zoo in
Chicago and as General Curator of the Oregon Zoo.
As President and CEO of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, he is responsible for all
facets of park management including animal programs, research, guest services and education,
and oversees a $50 MM budget and over 1,000 full and part-time staff members.
Dennis completed a term as Chair of the Board of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
following 4 years as a member of the board and has served as chair of the Accreditation
Commission. He previously served on the Board of Directors of the National Elephant Center in
Florida, and he currently serves on the Board of the Dian Fossey International Gorilla Fund.
Dennis has been involved in leading an aggressive planning effort to implement the Master Plan.
Since his arrival, the Zoo has completed the acquisition of the Rosenblatt stadium – adding 1,000
additional parking spaces, rebuilt the Zoo’s main gate and associated plaza, renovated the Scott
Aquarium – adding an 11,000 sq. ft. conference center, completed the African Grasslands exhibit,
Alaskan Adventure splash ground, the Robert Daugherty Education Center and Bay Family
Children’s Adventure Trails, the Holland Meadowlark Theater, and celebrated the openings of
two major projects – Glacier Bay Landing, and the Asian Highlands exhibit in 2019. In 2020 the
Zoo unveiled an exterior refurbishing of the Scott Aquarium and Conference Center, and opened
the new sea lion exhibit, Owen Sea Lion Shores.
In 2021 construction was completed on the Simmons Aviary and new flamingo exhibit, a
permanent home for Stingrays, the new Harper Event Center, and renovation of Hubbard Gorilla
Valley. Currently, a refurbishment and relocation of Sue’s Carousel is underway, along with the
renovation of the Desert Dome Plaza area.