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 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