After combining forces in 2023, the Great Plains Zoo and the Butterfly House & Aquarium of Sioux Falls have been hard at work on a “rezoovenation.”
“Our planned projects—including the butterfly garden, aquarium, and education center—resonate deeply with the community, not only because they enrich the quality of life in our region, but also because they drive tourism in southeastern South Dakota and deliver significant economic benefits,” said Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium COO Audrey Otto-Pepper.
To help bring this vision to life, T. Denny Sanford donated $25 million the summer of 2024 and encouraged the community to match his gift. When this gift is matched, he promised to provide an additional $10 million to help continue the efforts of the campus revitalization.
Dubbed the We Can’t Wait Campaign, the funds not only go towards this new vision, but also will rejuvenate outdated exhibits, like the current penguin, giraffe, and red wolf habitats.
“YOU CAN WALK THROUGH AN UNDERWATER TUNNEL WITH VARIOUS SPECIES OF SHARKS, STINGRAYS, AND FISHES SWIMMING OVER AND AROUND YOU TO EXPERIENCE THE OCEAN IN A WAY TYPICALLY FOUND ONLY IN LARGE CITIES.”-Audrey Otto-Pepper
New additions include a 350,000-gallon shark reef aquarium with a tunnel experience, jellyfish, corals and other exotic species, a reimagined butterfly garden, and a modern education center serving four times more learners of all ages.
The new additions will create an interactive experience with guests. Otto-Pepper says this was very important to both her and Great Plains Zoo CEO Becky Dewitz, as they are former educators.
“In the aquarium, for example, children will learn through play with mangrove trees, crawling through roots and tunnels and into a dome with near-shore fish and invertebrates swimming up to say hello,” said Dewitz.
Other immersive elements include the new penguin habitat bringing guests “nose to beak” through the viewing window and the butterfly garden having tropical butterflies landing directly on visitors.
“Visitors will be able to Enjoy the beautiful zoo grounds and exhibits while also benefiting from a warm respite of the butterflies and aquariums on cold days, or a cool aquarium escape from the heat of summer,”
-Becky Dewitz
During the quiet phase of the campaign in 2023 and 2024, the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium successfully secured nearly $12 million in commitments, including over $1 million in contributions from their board of directors. In November, they launched a Community Appeals campaign endorsed by the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.
“Thanks to the dedication of more than 80 volunteers, we raised over $2.3 million during a five-month period, surpassing our initial Community Appeals goal by more than $1 million,” said Otto-Pepper.
Now entering the next fundraising phase with $15 million already committed, Otto-Pepper says the team is energized by the early momentum.
“With such exciting developments ahead, our donors are enthusiastically rallying behind the bold vision for the future of the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium,” she said.
“By bringing our mission to life through vibrant, modern habitats and experiences, we will connect our growing community to the beauty of wild species and spaces and ensure they can continue creating unforgettable memories.”
– Becky Dewitz
This project will not only improve the attraction, but will make an economic and cultural impact. It is projected to increase annual attendance to more than 500,000 visitors by 2031, as well as contributing $60 million to the local economy each year.
The Great Plains Zoo’s most recent additions at the campus—the Denny Sanford Family Splash Pad and the new African Lion exhibit—and a new Eastern Shores exhibit at the Butterfly House & Aquarium campus, helped increase attendance by 33% and memberships by 15% in 2024.
“The Splash Pad has been an incredible summer amenity for our guests,” said Dewitz. “We’ve also focused on creating species-specific habitats that exceed AZA (Association of Zoo & Aquariums) standards, with renovations to the black bear exhibit (most of it behind the scenes to accommodate the bears better) and a new African lion building – with much more to come.”
HAVING A WILD TIME AT ZOOFARI
Unleash your wild side for the 21+ expedition on June 26.
Enjoy global cuisine, animal encounters with the giraffes and ambassador animals, photobooths, and zookeeper chats.
New this year is plaza and stage entertainment and the return of an on-site silent auction that also offers bidding for those who can’t attend.
Funds aid operational needs at the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium and help support everything from veterinary care, medications, to animal enrichment, and food.
Every gift to the We Can’t Wait Campaign, no matter the size, will help bring this vision to life. Recognition opportunities are available at designated giving levels.
With each dollar, Otto-Pepper and Dewitz stress it will make the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium a world-class facility, improving the quality of life, expand workforce development, and strengthen tourism and economic development in Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas.
“Having SFZA in one location will provide a one-stop, year-round destination for learning and exploration where children and families can connect with the animals of land, sea, and sky while creating memorable moments,” said Dewitz.
She continued, “The benefit to our animals, staff, and community will be extraordinary.”
