Simplified: The Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium is nearing a fundraising milestone that'll allow it to start construction on a new aquarium on the Great Plains Zoo campus. Meanwhile, they're also looking at renovating the giraffe habitat – here's what you need to know.

Why it matters

  • The zoo and butterfly house merged in 2023, and a new aquarium would be a milestone in a multi-year process to get both entities on one campus at the Great Plains Zoo.
  • Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium CEO Becky Dewitz told City Council this week that the organization has raised $47 million in its capital campaign – just $3 million shy of the $50 million milestone that unlocks another $10 million donation from philanthropist T. Denny Sanford.
    • In addition, they're $6.5 million away from a goal to hit phase two of construction and break ground on the new aquarium in 2027.
  • In addition to the capital campaign, the zoo is also working on an homage to the Delbridge Museum that'll be housed in the new education center. They're also looking at additional habitat improvements, including an expanded habitat for giraffes.
"My favorite part of this is that people would be able to see the giraffes when they're at the splash pad," Dewitz said.

Tell me more

The Delbridge Museum homage will include a video component. SFZA is working with local marketing agency Fresh Produce to develop a documentary, and they've already captured footage of the specimen before they were sent to Notre Dame.

  • In addition, the giant panda specimen is currently being restored for future display.

For the giraffe habitat, the zoo is looking at a larger viewing area and feeding station. Dewitz said one benefit of this larger space would be potential to increase revenue streams outside of admission with giraffe feedings.

  • Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2027.

Another ongoing construction project is the new Butterfly Garden, which is on track to open early next year.

You can book your wedding in the new butterfly garden
The Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium is now taking 2027 bookings for weddings in its brand new butterfly garden.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa

What happens next?

SFZA is continuing to fundraise. You can learn more about the "We Can't Wait" campaign and ways to support that ongoing work on the SFZA website.