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Code of Conduct

The safety of our guests, team members, and animals is our top priority. To ensure every has a safe, enjoyable experience – physically and emotionally, we expect everyone to follow these rules while on zoo grounds.

Respect for People

· Threats or acts of physical violence, including intimidation, harassment and/or coercion will not be tolerated.

· Discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status will not be tolerated. 

· Clothing featuring Confederate flags, swastikas, profanity, or other symbols or language associated with hate speech are not allowed.  

· Smoking, vaping, and drug use are prohibited on zoo grounds.

Respect for Animals

· Do not harass or yell at animals or tap/bang on habitats to get the animals’ attention.

· Do not feed the animals or toss any objects into their enclosures. This includes geese, squirrels, and other animals on zoo grounds. Farm animals  may be fed only with the food available in designated feeders.

· Barriers are placed throughout the zoo for the safety of guests and animals. Do not climb on or move barriers, or hold children over them.

· Climbing, sitting, or setting children on railings is prohibited.

If you observe behavior not in compliance with the Code of Conduct, or if you have questions, call (605) 367-7003 ex. 110 or alert zoo staff.  

Failure to comply with this code of conduct will result in removal from zoo and/or intervention by the Sioux Falls Police Department, in addition to possible prosecution under the following South Dakota codified law(s).

22-35-5. Criminal trespass--Violation as misdemeanor.

Any person who, knowing that he or she is not privileged to do so, enters or remains in any building or structure surreptitiously, or enters or remains in any critical infrastructure facility, is guilty of criminal trespass. Criminal trespass is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

22-35-6. Entering or refusing to leave property after notice--Misdemeanor.

Any person who, knowing that he or she is not privileged to do so, enters or remains in any place where notice against trespass is given by:

(1)    Actual communication to the person who subsequently commits the trespass;

(2)    Posting in a manner reasonably likely to come to the attention of trespassers; or

(3)    Fencing or other enclosure which a reasonable person would recognize as being designed to exclude trespassers is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. However, if such trespasser defies an order to leave, personally communicated to him or her by the owner of the premises or by any other authorized person, the trespasser is guilty of criminal trespass, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

  • 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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