This is a paid piece from the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium.

Simplified: A new set of trading cards from Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium lets you have a little reminder of your favorite animals wherever you go. It's also a great stocking-stuffer that promotes not only education, but also conservation. Here's what you need to know.

Why it matters

  • The zoo first released the new trading cards earlier this year, and with the recent addition of Asha, the new baby snow leopard, the inaugural 20-pack of cards is complete.
  • The cards feature animals from both the Great Plains Zoo campus and the Butterfly House and Aquarium. Each card shows a picture and name of a specific animal on the front and various species-specific fun facts on the back.
  • Work has already begun on the 2026 trading cards, and the goal is to have 20 new cards released each year, said Denise DePaolo, director of PR and marketing for Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium.
"These cards can help keep kids engaged with animals during winter months when they're maybe not visiting the zoo quite as often," DePaolo said. "You can also bring them to the zoo and make it a game to go try and find each animal. We want them to use them as a tool, and also these are a great way to benefit our conservation program."

Tell me more

Cards are available for purchase in a six-pack of cards featuring one specialty gold card and five regular trading cards for $5.99. Want to collect them all? You can also get the full 20-pack for $18.99.

  • There are only 100 complete packs available. Once they're gone, they're gone, so now's a great time to grab one and create a new annual tradition or snag a limited-edition gift.

Some of the animals featured in the 2025 trading card set include Kirby, one of the new axolotls at the Butterfly House and Aquarium, and Puddles, the penguin chick born earlier this year.

  • The set also includes a card for Amur Tiger Callie, who died in September at age 16.
"This would be a wonderful way of having something to remember her by," DePaolo said.

How can I find these trading cards?

The card sets are available for purchase in the gift shops at both the zoo and the butterfly house.

  • You do not have to purchase admission to either establishment to visit the gift shops.