Sometimes things in the universe align, and that’s what chief operating officer of the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium Audrey Otto-Pepper says happened with the Sioux Falls Butterfly House & Aquarium and Great Plains Zoo.
The Butterfly House & Aquarium board had been exploring ways to build a larger experience at the Sertoma Park location since adding aquariums in 2011. With annual attendance increasing from 45,000 to 90,000, the attraction needed more space to meet the interest in connecting with ocean animals in South Dakota.
“The pandemic had forced us to reassess our aquarium expansion plan, and we began partnering with the zoo on a butterfly conservation project,” said Otto-Pepper. “By 2021, [president and CEO of the Great Plains Zoo] Becky Dewitz and I were discussing additional ways for our organizations to be stronger together through our similar missions.”
Dewitz proposed building the aquarium experience at the zoo to reach more children and families as a combined unit.
“Our merger came together when the right time and the right people aligned.”
audrey otto-pepper
“Her idea became a vision that was vetted through our joint exploration committee and unanimously approved by our boards of directors,” said Otto-Pepper. “Now the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium, our united mission is creating connection and inspiring conservation of wild species and spaces.”
The official business merger took effect January 1, 2023, and a multiyear plan began to also merge the teams and operations of the two campuses.
“Each of the department directors was purposeful in bringing team members from both campuses together to establish a collaborative approach to our unprecedented organizational growth and change, which is both exciting and frightening for employees,” explained Otto-Pepper. “Now almost four years into the merger, we are one cohesive team striving together toward one mission and one vision of a united campus.”
Since then, they have hit the ground running, fundraising under the campaign We Can’t Wait! for a “rezoovenation” to transform the zoo into a world-class destination that brings all of the elements of land, sea, and sky to one location. The Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium has successfully raised $47.2 million of the $50 million goal for the master plan.
“It has been incredibly inspiring to experience such unwavering support from our community,” said Otto-Pepper. “Families, foundations, and businesses are investing in future learning, joy, and memories for generations to come, and it would not be possible without their generosity.”
The expansion will come in waves, with the new Butterfly Garden, an expanded education center, and a state-of-the-art aquarium (including a 250,000-gallon shark reef and tunnel experience).
A groundbreaking ceremony was held October 21, 2025 for the butterfly piece of the expansion, symbolizing the beginning of the zoo’s transformation.
Highlights of the $12 million glass structure include being home to nearly 1,000 tropical butterflies from all over the world, a vast array of tropical plants, a Life Cycle Lab, a Falls Park Water Feature, a Lantern Gazebo, and a Tree of Life steel sculpture.
SHR Studios led the exhibit design for the Butterfly Garden, along with JLG Architects for building design. Hausmann Construction also serves as the construction manager at risk.
“All three have been deeply invested in creating and delivering a one-of-a-kind experience that’s both functional for our staff and animals, as well as inspirational for our guests,” said Otto-Pepper. “Within the new Butterfly Garden, we seek to recreate the beauty and serenity of the Butterfly House, while elevating the experience.”
“Not everyone has an 80-degree oasis with hundreds of tropical butterflies in their town or even their state.”
audrey otto-pepper
The approximately 3,600-square-foot glass enclosure has special details like Sioux Quartzite throughout the landscaping to connect guests to the area’s natural beauty. The waterfall is also constructed of stacked, massive Sioux Quartzite boulders, paying homage to the city’s namesake.
To create a dramatic focal point, the team brainstormed botanical-themed ideas with SHR Studios.
“We wondered if we could create an artificial tree that was different from the solid sculpted shotcrete you typically see in exhibits,” said Otto-Pepper. “SHR designed an airy concept of twisted metal and twinkle lights covered in Spanish moss and vines.”
All that was missing was the right artist to bring the idea to reality. Clark Martinek submitted a proposal, and Otto-Pepper says the zoo was drawn to his thoughtfulness, artistry, attention to detail, and passion for the project.
“We love the opportunity to showcase a local artist’s work in a space you may not expect, bringing together art and nature to inspire connection with one another and wildlife,” she continued.
The lobby will feature a view into the butterfly lab, where the butterflies emerge and dry their wings. Guests will now be able to watch their biologists processing new shipments of chrysalides from around the world, as well as learn about the butterfly life cycle with interactive educational displays.
Based on the construction schedule and USDA permitting timelines, the zoo hopes to open the Butterfly Garden by the end of February 2027.
“I am most excited to see everyone’s faces of awe and wonder when they walk into the new butterfly garden experience,” said Otto-Pepper.
UP NEXT
After the opening of the Butterfly Garden (contingent on fundraising), the zoo expects to begin construction on the new aquarium facility in spring 2027 with an anticipated opening in late 2029.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT GREATZOO.ORG+
