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Community Partnerships

We rely on our corporate sponsors to help keep our Zoo a vital and integral part of our community, and a source of great pride for the entire Midwest region. These contributions help assist us in providing educational support for a variety of youth programming, supporting conservation of animals and their habitats, and enhancing the community we serve.


Supporting Partners
 

 

 

Sammons Financial Group

In 2015, a $100,000 gift from Sammons Financial Group expanded the Zoo’s educational footprint across eastern South Dakota. Thanks to funding from Sammons, the ZooMobile will reach 96 poverty-level schools in 42 school districts over three school years. As part of the partnership, the Zoo also unveiled a colorful ZooMobile vehicle that will travel across the state as part of the program.

ZooMobile programs are 45-minute educational encounters led by a Zoo Educator and several animal ambassadors. Students learn about animals and their habitats, and have the opportunity to meet and get up close to learn about the Zoo’s education animals. All ZooMobile programs meet state and national science standards.

Avera Logo For Web

Avera Health

Dedicated to the environment and education of others, Avera partnered with the Great Plains Zoo to create a new pollinator habitat on the zoo campus. This endeavor encourages the successful breeding and releasing of the Dakota skipper, an endangered butterfly species. Lush native vegetation surrounds the habitat to heal the mind, body and spirit. Avera hopes visitors enjoy learning about the beautiful and delicate nature of our regional ecosystem for years to come.

Annual Corporate Sponsors

Argus Leader Media 
Chesterman Company
GreatLIFE

Exhibit Sign Sponsors

POET

  • Love this zoo! Great place to get a walk in and the animals are everywhere! The museum/indoor part is very educational too. Has a lot of shade for when it's hot out. Very clean. Friendly staff.

    Taylor F.

  • We love to visit the zoo. They have great outdoor exhibits and lots to do inside as well. Great for kids and adults.

    Robin A.

  • Lots of great exhibits and animals to see! Fun gift shop and learning center.

    Stephanie N.

  • The museum gives you a break from the sun on hot summer days and has a great selection of animal exhibits from around the world.  The zoo keeps growing and adding new animal habitats or improving existing ones.  Membership offers reciprocal benefits to other zoos around the country.

    Bill T.
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