Great Plains Zoo facts for kids
Main Entrance
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| Date opened | 30 June 1963 |
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| Location | Sioux Falls, South Dakota |
| Coordinates | 43°32′15″N 96°45′53″W / 43.5374°N 96.7648°W |
| No. of animals | 1,000+ |
| No. of species | 137 |
| Annual visitors | 300,000+ |
| Memberships | AZA |
The Great Plains Zoo is an exciting 45-acre (18 ha) zoo located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States. It's home to over 1,000 animals from 137 different species! The zoo works closely with the City of Sioux Falls to bring you amazing animal experiences.
The City of Sioux Falls owns the land and buildings. The Zoological Society of Sioux Falls, a non-profit group, manages the animals and runs the zoo. In 2016, the Great Plains Zoo received a special "Quarter Century Award" from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This award means the zoo has been continuously recognized for its high standards for 25 years!
Discover the Zoo's History
The idea for the zoo started a long time ago. In the 1880s, South Dakota Senator Richard F. Pettigrew kept a few animals for people to see in local parks. By the 1930s, the Sioux Falls Parks System took over and added more animals to Sherman Park.
The Zoological Society of Sioux Falls was created in 1957. This group helped build the Great Plains Zoo, which first opened its doors on June 30, 1963.
Growing the Zoo: New Habitats and Animals
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the zoo added many new areas. These included a Children's Zoo, a home for Black-footed Penguins, and a special area for Birds of Prey. They also built a Primate Complex and a large 10-acre (4.0 ha) North American Plains Exhibit.
In the 1990s, the zoo updated many of its older buildings. New habitats were also added, such as the Asian Cat Habitat and the Wild Dogs of America exhibit. Visitors could also explore the Australian Outback, Bear Canyon, and the Galapagos Tortoise exhibit.
Making Improvements for Animals and Visitors
Around 2005, the zoo needed some help. Its buildings were getting old, and it needed more money to operate. To make things better, Elizabeth Whealy became the CEO and President of the zoo. She wanted to improve animal care and make the zoo more welcoming for visitors. In 2007, the Sioux Falls City Council approved the zoo's plans for these changes.
Since then, the zoo has completed many projects, costing about $14 million in total. This includes a big update to the Asian Cat exhibit in 2008. The zoo also launched the "Monkeys, Magic and More" project in 2013. Since 2005, the zoo has doubled its animal collection, growing from 500 to over 1,000 animals! They also fixed up their ponds and brought in exciting traveling exhibits.
The Delbridge Museum of Natural History
The Delbridge Museum of Natural History used to be connected to the zoo. It displayed over 150 mounted animals. However, the museum permanently closed in August 2023 due to safety concerns. The animal displays had to be removed.
Exciting Zoo Exhibits
The Great Plains Zoo has many amazing exhibits for you to explore!
Asian Cats Exhibit
The Asian Cat exhibit was updated in 2008. Here, you can see incredible Amur Tigers and Snow Leopards. You might also spot the unique Pallas Cats.
Hyvee Face-to-Face Farm
In 2009, the old Children's Zoo became the Hy-Vee Face-to-Face Farm. This area lets you get up close with rare farm animals. You can meet San Clemente Island goats, African Pygmy goats, and Nigerian Dwarf goats. There are also Alpacas, Jacob's sheep, and different kinds of Chicken.
Rare Rhinos of Africa
In 2010, the Great Plains Zoo opened a new home for a pair of Eastern black rhinoceros. This exhibit helps provide a safe place for these rare rhinos. It also helps them have babies to increase their numbers.
Japanese Macaques Habitat
In 2013, the zoo opened a fantastic Japanese Macaque exhibit. This was part of a bigger project that also updated the zoo's entrance. The Snow monkey exhibit offers 180-degree views from covered areas. It also has two water features that the Macaques love to use. In 2015, this exhibit won an award for its design! The Great Plains Zoo is one of only 13 zoos in the United States that cares for Snow monkeys.
Fortress of the Bears
In 2018, the zoo updated its popular Bear Canyon habitat. This exhibit is now themed like Southeastern Alaska. This is where you can find the largest number of Grizzly Bears in North America.
Walkabout Australia
In 2019, the zoo transformed some of its eastern areas into an Australian-themed exhibit. This new area is home to Red and Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Bennett's Wallabies, and emus. You can also see New Guinea singing dogs and Bactrian Camels. There's even a special petting area with sheep! Plus, you can spot several types of Australian birds.
Future Zoo Projects
The Great Plains Zoo is always planning new and exciting things!
African Savannah Area
Soon, new exhibits for lions, meerkats, and leopards are planned for the African Savannah area. This project will also update the Roar Café, the zoo's restaurant. It will have more seating and views into the animal exhibits. Zoo officials hope to start this $8 million project soon.
Black Bear Exhibit Renovation
In 2021, the zoo announced plans to update the Black Bear exhibit. This renovation is part of the zoo's ongoing work to improve its older buildings and habitats.
Images for kids
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Main Entrance
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Dedication plaque on a building constructed in the 1980s.
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A Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
