Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium is thrilled to welcome some new additions to the Great Plains Zoo (GPZ) campus.

A reticulated giraffe named Mario arrived earlier this week from Lincoln Children’s Zoo. He was born there in June 2022. Mario’s keepers from Lincoln say he is a confident and curious giraffe. He has distinctive markings inherited from each of his parents – brown spots with white speckles from mom Kendy, and Mickey Mouse-shaped spots on his neck from dad Joey. He is currently 12-feet tall and will continue growing until around age four.

Mario will need some time to quarantine and get used to his new care team – and GPZ’s 17-year-old giraffe Olivia Dee. Guests will be able to see Mario around the giraffe barn as he settles in, but daily public feedings have ended for the summer.

GPZ is also very excited to welcome five new one-and-a-half-year-old meerkats, recently arrived from the Oakland Zoo. The all-male mob is comprised of Kai, Api, Ixigaza, Zimwi, and Khoa, who have taken up residence in the African lion building’s new meerkat habitat. Meerkats Biff and Clementine will remain in the giraffe barn’s meerkat exhibit.

When visiting any animal, particularly new arrivals, GPZ asks that guests do their best to remain calm, keep voices low, and refrain from tapping on glass. We want to ensure that the animals feel calm and safe as they acclimate to their new homes.

Important End of Summer Dates:

Monday, September 2: Final day for splash pad and daily zookeeper chats
Sunday, September 15: Final day for train rides (running weekends only 8/19-9/15)
Sunday, September 29: Final day for carousel (running weekends only 9/3-9/29)
Sunday, October 6: Final day for daily farm feeding