Zoo News

Our Zoo Animals and Exhibits Are Always Making Headlines

One of the most exciting things about the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls, SD, is we’re always working on innovative projects or welcoming new animals to our exhibits. Through donations from our corporate sponsors and our staff's hard work and dedication, we’re continually working on ways to improve the zoo experience and deliver fun and excitement, whether it’s your first visit or you’re a regular visitor. Check out the latest zoo news below!

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ZooMobile Gets a Fresh New Look

Sammons Financial is one of our biggest community supporters, and their gifts make this new look possible. Keep an eye out for us on the road!
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Great Plains Zoo Unveils Master Plan

Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House & Aquarium unveil a transformative 15-year vision for the zoo campus at March 26 city council informational meeting.

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March Sea Star: Rhinopias Scorpionfish

Time to spotlight a new member of the BHA family!

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Maya is March Penguin of the Month

Maya was born at GPZ in 2016.

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Zoo Targeted by Ticket Scam

Scammers are placing social media ads advertising zoo ticket packages that are 4 for $6.95.

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February's Sea Star: Banded Orange Butterfly 

The natural range of this butterfly includes Brazil, Central America, and limited sightings in Florida.

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Tadeo is February's Penguin of the Month

Tadeo is an excellent nest-builder. He likes to hang out on the rocks in the middle of the long row of nest boxes, right in front of his own box.

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Vote to Name Red Wolf Pups

Each form submission of six names costs $6. Proceeds from the votes will contribute to the care of the wolves, as well as future renovations to their habitat.

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January Sea Star: Short-tail Nurse Sharks

BHA’s three short-tail nurse sharks were introduced to the Under the Dock exhibit in January 2023.

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"Sammy" Sammons is January Penguin of the Month

Sammy was born at the zoo in July 2023. He is easy to identify, because unlike the rest of the troop, he still has juvenile grey feathers.

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Capitol Christmas Tree Celebrates Zoo's 60th Anniversary

Preparing the ornaments has been a months-long process, with employees from various teams – including Animal Care, Marketing, Facilities, Education, and Volunteer – working on a wide range of components.

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Zoo Hosts 2nd Annual Creative Creatures Art Show

Curated by Sioux Falls art collective Untitled.10, Creative Creatures brings art out of the gallery and into the zoo. 2023's event will center on nine local artists creating original murals on the large, white wall in the zoo lobby.

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Zoo & BHA Partner with Seeds of Change

SOC is a nonprofit providing immersive, original research experiences in Costa Rica for high school students in grades 9-12.

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Delbridge Museum Closes

Out of an abundance of caution, leaders from the City of Sioux Falls and Great Plains Zoo have agreed to close the museum, while a decision can be made about the future of the animals.

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Zoo Celebrates Penguin Birth

The chick hatched June 16, and has been under close surveillance by GPZ Animal Care and Veterinary teams. Caregivers are pleased with how the chick is progressing and will continue weekly health checkups.

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Red Wolves Born at Great Plains Zoo

The pups were born to parents Camelia and Uyosi, who arrived at GPZ in October from facilities in Washington and Texas. This litter, comprised of two females and four males, is the first for both parents.

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Zoo Breaks Ground on Lion & Meerkat Habitat

This species-specific habitat will provide a dynamic environment for a pride of lions, providing engaging year-round indoor/outdoor public viewing opportunities. It will feature two indoor viewing spaces, a training window, and a kopje rock viewing area, in addition to multiple outdoor yards for the lions.  

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