Conservation

Working to Save Wildlife

Conservation is a cornerstone of the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium’s (SFZA) mission. Alongside the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), we work to save animals from extinction every day.

From rounding up for conservation when you purchase your ticket to participating in boots-on-the-ground field work, SFZA is focused on conservation efforts that move the dial toward species preservation - right at home and across the globe!

Learn a little bit about SFZA's conservation efforts below!

Donate to Conservation

Black-footed
Ferret

Bumble Bee
Atlas

Butterfly
Farms

Coral
Propagation

Dakota
Skipper

Seeds
Of Change

Snow
Leopard

Raptor
Rehab

Black
Rhino

Conservation Events

AZA SAFE

The Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium (SFZA) is proud to be a Protector member of the Founders Circle of AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction.

As an AZA accredited zoo, SFZA is partnering with AZA and other AZA institute members for eight SAFE programs. We are very proud to be one of the founding members of the Lion SAFE program, as we work in close contact with AZA throughout our Building Our Community Pride campaign to bring lions to SFZA. The goal of the program is to collaborate with other AZA facilities to focus on conservation efforts for these animals, as we move the dial to save species in need.

SAFE aims to:

  • Protect threatened animals
  • Build on established recovery plans and history of commitment
  • Prioritize collaboration among AZA institutions
  • Implement strategic conservation and stakeholder engagement activities
  • Measure and report on conservation progress