Zoofari

Zoofari 2024

Thursday, June 27 | 5 - 9 pm

Take a walk on the wild side and experience the zoo like never before at Zoofari!

This one-night-only 21+ expedition of the Great Plains Zoo will be filled with cuisine from around the world, animal meet and greets, adult beverages, and exclusive zoo experiences. With the entire zoo available to explore, bring a friend or two and experience the magic of the natural world!

What to expect...

Let your inner explorer come to life as you:

Indulge in delectable global cuisine and mouthwatering desserts throughout the zoo, crafted by Vespa Catering (the folks behind Maribella Ristorante, R Wine Bar, and Brix Wine Bar).
Be the first to see our new African lions, Simba and Amahle.
Experience the thrill of feeding majestic reticulated giraffes up close.
Gain fascinating animal insights from our Animal Care and Education experts.
Meet and mingle with our adorable farm and ambassador animals.
Discover the beauty of butterflies and marine life through interactive experiences.
Tour our veterinary clinic and check out the inner workings of our animal care facilities.
Learn about all the exciting new developments right here at YOUR Great Plains Zoo!

All proceeds from Zoofari will directly contribute to our ongoing efforts to unite all elements of land, sea, and sky on one campus.

Global cuisine by vespa catering

Get a taste of what to expect...

Africa Tapas Menu
- Doro Wat with Naan Bread
Asia Tapas Menu
- Negima Yakitori - Grilled marinated chicken skewers topped with kimchi
Australia Tapas Menu
- Spag Bol - Spaghetti tossed in a Bolognese sauce made with Australian ground beef.
Southeastern United States Tapas Menu
- Smoked pulled pork slider topped with coleslaw.
South Dakota Tapas Menu
- American bison meatballs seared and finished in a local mushroom bourbon cream sauce.
Dessert Menu
- Pavlova - A quintessential summer Australian dessert. Snowy meringue topped with whipped cream and strawberries.
- Wojapi - Berry compote served with waffles.

Raffle Packages

Enter for a chance to win one (or more!) of these wildly fun packages! There's no limit to the number of tickets you can buy - the more you purchase, the better your chances of winning!

Winners will be notified via email on Friday, June 28.

Gather your friends for an unforgettable evening filled with bears, beer, and bourbon! Enjoy a unique behind-the-scenes tour and training demonstration with the bear team, sip on premium beer, bourbon, or wine, and savor delectable hors d'oeuvres. Plus, learn all the fun facts about the bears that call Great Plains Zoo home during our expert Keeper Chat.

This package includes up to 8 individuals.

Enjoy a warm cup of tea with our reticulated giraffe, Olivia Dee! This exclusive experience includes a private tea party at her outdoor yard, with food and drink provided by SFZA and served on a beautiful porcelain tea set. You'll have the wonderful opportunity to learn all about Olivia Dee from our expert giraffe keepers during your very own Keeper Chat. This package combines elegance, education, and the enchanting presence of Olivia Dee for an unforgettable experience!

This package includes up to 4 individuals.

Help give our beloved rhinos the pampering they deserve by learning and assisting our rhino keepers in the "mudding" process. Indulge in a delicious charcuterie spread provided by SFZA, featuring meats, cheeses, and crackers, while feeding our rhinos their very own version! Engage in a fascinating conversation with our expert conservationist, Stephanie Arne, to learn more about our conservation efforts with the endangered black rhino species. Then, prepare to be amazed as you witness the creativity of our rhinos as they paint a masterpiece right before your eyes. Take home their signature work as a unique memento of your Rhino Spa Day experience!

This package includes up to 8 individuals.

Dive into an exclusive aquatic adventure with this Splash Into the Aquarium package! Get a behind-the-scenes look at our aquarium life support spaces and Eastern Shores Touch Pool renovations, assist with target feeding the stingrays, and enjoy exclusive access to our expert aquarists for a personalized tour. Connect with our Director of Conservation, Stephanie Arne, to learn all about invasive species and some of our most endangered residents at Butterfly House & Aquarium. Plus, pick your colors, hold the canvas, and watch as sharks and stingrays paint you a masterpiece!

This package includes up to 6 individuals.

Receive a stunning butterfly makeover from an expert face painting artist and enjoy a complimentary photoshoot with 15 professionally edited photos in the enchanting butterfly conservatory at Butterfly House & Aquarium or the pollinator garden at Great Plains Zoo. You'll also have the opportunity to build a custom butterfly shadowbox with guidance from our expert biologist and enhance your knowledge of the butterfly life cycle by aiding in the processing of a live butterfly shipment behind the scenes or by taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the Dakota Skipper Hoop House!

This package includes up to 2 individuals.