1994 Distinguished Nebraskans Award Recipients Dr. Lee G. Simmons, Jr. and Eugene T. Mahoney Under the guidance of zoological park director Lee Simmons, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo has consistently been recognized among the best zoos in North America. Among his innovations since 1966 include the Lied Jungle (the world’s largest indoor rain forest), the Scott Kingdom of the Seas Aquarium, the Desert Dome (the world’s largest indoor desert) and the Hubbard Gorilla Valley. More than 1.3 million people visit the zoo annually to bring more than $100 million to the Omaha economy. Gene Mahoney’s leadership and fund-raising ability pushed the Nebraska State Parks to unprecedented success and allowed the Henry Doorly Zoo to chase its most ambitious projects. Mahoney, a south Omaha resident, was elected to the Nebraska legislature after a career with the Omaha Police Department. He spent 15 years in the legislature before being appointed director of the Game and Parks Commission in 1976. As director, Nebraska’s parks system became one of the nation’s best and Mahoney was rewarded as the namesake of one of the state’s favorite parks in 1991. Back to list

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