Great Plains Zoo

06/05/2026

Happy 🌎💚

Today, we're highlighting a newly renovated habitat that's helping some of our animal friends thrive! Providing safe, enriching, and species-appropriate environments is an essential part of the exceptional care we work to deliver every day!

As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), we're proud of the habitats we've created and our commitment to animal well-being.

Come see the cranes and explore their new home on your next visit! Get your tickets here: https://www.greatzoo.org/buy-tickets/

06/04/2026

🌊 Don't forget! Join us for World Ocean Day this Monday, June 8, from 10–2 as we celebrate at BOTH the Butterfly House & Aquarium and Great Plains Zoo campuses!

Learn about the importance of healthy oceans through special talks, activities, and animal encounters:

Butterfly House & Aquarium Campus
• Build-a-Reef Craft (10–2)
• Aquarist Talk: Venomous Fish Exhibit (11:30)
• Aquarist Talk: Under the Dock Exhibit (1)

Great Plains Zoo Campus
• Keeper Chat: Penguins (12:30)

All activities are included with admission. Get your tickets here: https://www.greatzoo.org/buy-tickets/

06/02/2026

🍷🦒 Adults-only night at the zoo? Yes please!

Join us for Zoofari on Thursday, June 25, from 5–9 at our Great Plains Zoo campus! This adults-only, after-hours event lets you explore the zoo like never before with live entertainment, unique animal experiences, behind-the-scenes tours, and more.

As our largest fundraiser of the year, proceeds from Zoofari directly support the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium's core programs, including education initiatives and world-class animal care.

✨ Featured experiences include:
• Giraffe Feeding
• Vet Clinic Tours
• Butterfly Exhibit
• Horseshoe Crab Exhibit
• Animal Ambassadors
• Live Music in the Plaza & Main Stage

Tickets are on sale NOW, grab yours today! https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/c8d65dbe-8866-4231-bf47-db7b6333a1b4/events/vevt:8f985a74-c1e9-4434-a315-363845a5209e/home/story

05/31/2026

05/30/2026

BIKORO IS FIVE!!!!! 🎉 We are so lucky for the past five years of fun, five years of attitude, and five years of crazy!

Come celebrate Bikoro's 5th birthday with us today! Get your tickets here: https://www.greatzoo.org/buy-tickets/

05/29/2026

Happy !! 🐊

Come along for the alligators’ routine exams before they went to their summer exhibit! Be sure to stop by and see them on your next visit!

Get your tickets here: https://www.greatzoo.org/buy-tickets/

05/28/2026

Y’all mind if we hype up our girl Olivia Dee for a second?? 👏🦒 We are SO proud of the progress she’s made alongside her amazing care team and our vet team!

Hoof care is extremely important for ungulates, and voluntary medical training plays a huge role in keeping their hooves healthy and strong. Shoutout to Olivia Dee and our wonderful team for all their hard work!

Come congratulate her at the Zoo! And DON'T FORGET, giraffe feedings are happening every Friday–Monday through Labor Day (weather and giraffe permitting 🦒). Grab your tickets here: https://www.greatzoo.org/buy-tickets/

05/27/2026

The Butterfly Conservatory will be closing at 1 pm on May 27. The Aquarium, Ambassador Alley, and Discovery Den spaces will remain open until 4 pm.

Due to a mechanical issue with our cooling system, temperatures in the Conservatory will be higher than usual. We are awaiting parts to make the necessary repairs.

Admission will be half off to enjoy the open spaces at BHA between 1-4 pm.

Thank you for your patience while we resolve this issue.

05/27/2026

Visiting Butterfly House & Aquarium campus soon? We suggest exploring the Conservatory between 10 am-noon.

Due to a mechanical issue with our cooling system, temperatures in the Conservatory will be higher than usual. We are awaiting parts to make the necessary repairs.

Thank you for your patience while we resolve this issue.

05/26/2026

It’s one of the BEST days of the year at Great Plains Zoo… Galap move day! 🐢☀️

Hercules and Triton are back in their summer digs and ready to greet all their fans!

Get your tickets and come visit here: https://www.greatzoo.org/buy-tickets/