Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo welcomed its millionth visitor for 2011 on Sunday.
Sharat Gandhi, of the Des Moines area, walked through the zoo gates with his wife and two daughters at 12:31 p.m.
The Gandhi family received a special gift bag, which included a free membership. The family also participated in a behind-the-scenes tour of the giraffe complex and the penguin exhibit in the Scott Aquarium.
Last year the zoo reached its millionth visitor on July 17, said Dawn Ream, a zoo spokeswoman.
The zoo's millionth visitor typically arrives in mid- to late-July, said Dennis Pate, director and CEO of the zoo.
Pate said rain, flooding and hot weather were a drag on attendance for part of the summer.
"It was sort of a perfect storm kind of year for us," Pate said. "We're behind this year, but the first two weeks of August have been fantastic."
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