Great Plains Zoo Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Tips

Date: 16/08/2024

Introduction

Welcome to the Great Plains Zoo, a cherished destination located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This renowned zoo offers a unique blend of education, conservation, and recreation, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike. The zoo’s rich history dates back to the 1880s, originating from a private collection owned by Senator Richard F. Pettigrew. Over the decades, the zoo has evolved significantly, transitioning to public management and forming the Zoological Society of Sioux Falls in 1957. Today, the Great Plains Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), showcasing a diverse collection of animals from around the globe (Great Plains Zoo History).

Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, including the African Savanna, Asian Cats, and North America exhibits, each offering a glimpse into the lives of different species and their habitats. The zoo also features the Delbridge Museum of Natural History, adding an educational dimension to the visitor experience. With its commitment to high standards of animal care, conservation efforts, and educational programs, the Great Plains Zoo continues to be a treasured institution in Sioux Falls (Great Plains Zoo).

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• History of the Great Plains Zoo
  • Early Beginnings
  • Transition to Public Management
  • Formation of the Zoological Society of Sioux Falls
  • Opening of the Great Plains Zoo
  • Expansion and Development
  • Accreditation and Modernization
  • Recent Developments
• Visitor Information
  • Great Plains Zoo Visiting Hours
  • Great Plains Zoo Tickets
  • Travel Tips
  • Nearby Attractions
• Educational Initiatives
• Special Events and Guided Tours
• Photographic Spots
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Conclusion

History of the Great Plains Zoo

Early Beginnings

The Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has a rich history that dates back to the 1880s. The zoo’s origins can be traced to a private collection owned by Senator Richard F. Pettigrew. Pettigrew housed a few animal specimens for public viewing in local parks around Sioux Falls. This modest beginning laid the foundation for what would eventually become a significant zoological institution (Great Plains Zoo History).

Transition to Public Management

In 1930, the Sioux Falls Parks system took over the responsibility for the zoo’s development. They added more animal specimens and established a permanent display in Sherman Park, located just south of the zoo’s current location. This transition marked the beginning of the zoo’s transformation from a private collection to a public institution (Great Plains Zoo History).

Formation of the Zoological Society of Sioux Falls

The next significant milestone in the zoo’s history came in 1957 with the establishment of the Zoological Society of Sioux Falls (ZSSF). This non-profit corporation was organized by Howard Chernoff, the associate publisher of the Sioux Falls newspaper, The Argus Leader. The ZSSF aimed to develop and implement plans for a modern 32-acre zoo, which would be operated by the Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Department, with the ZSSF serving in an advisory and supportive capacity (Great Plains Zoo History).

Opening of the Great Plains Zoo

After three years of collaboration between the ZSSF, the Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Department, and several zoological consultants, the Great Plains Zoo officially opened on June 30, 1963. The zoo was designed to provide education and recreation for the community, marking a new era in its development (Great Plains Zoo History).

Expansion and Development

The Great Plains Zoo continued to grow and evolve over the years. In 1984, the Delbridge Museum of Natural History opened, adding a new dimension to the zoo’s offerings. The following year, in 1985, the operation of the Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History was assumed by the ZSSF, while the City retained ownership of the buildings and grounds. This change was based on the belief that private sector funding would increase if the City was not solely responsible for funding the zoo and museum. Additionally, the ZSSF was deemed better qualified to provide the necessary expertise to operate and manage a modern zoological park and museum (Great Plains Zoo History).

Accreditation and Modernization

In 1991, the Great Plains Zoo received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a significant milestone that recognized the zoo’s commitment to high standards of animal care, conservation, and education. Over the years, the zoo’s collection has grown to include hundreds of live animals from around the world, exhibited in natural habitats that emphasize conservation and education (Great Plains Zoo History).

Recent Developments

The Great Plains Zoo has continued to renovate older exhibits and create new, larger habitats for its animals. Notable additions include the Asian Cats exhibit, the Rare Rhinos of Africa exhibit, the award-winning Snow Monkey exhibit, and the Fortress of the Bears. The zoo’s current capital campaign aims to bring lions back to Sioux Falls with an expansion of the African exhibit. This project, which began in 2018, is the culmination of an $8 million public/private fundraising campaign. The new lion and meerkat exhibit is set to open in the summer of 2024, marking the return of lions to the zoo after a 30-year absence (Zoo Breaks Ground on Lion & Meerkat Exhibit).

Visitor Information

Great Plains Zoo Visiting Hours

The Great Plains Zoo is open year-round, with seasonal hours varying. From April to September, the zoo operates from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and from October to March, it is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Be sure to check the official website for any updates or changes to these hours (Great Plains Zoo).

Great Plains Zoo Tickets

Admission prices are as follows: $14.75 for adults, $13.75 for seniors, $11.75 for children aged 2-12, and free for children under 2. Membership options are also available, offering unlimited visits and other perks. Tickets can be purchased online or at the zoo entrance (Great Plains Zoo).

Travel Tips

When planning your visit, consider arriving early to avoid crowds and ensure you have ample time to explore. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. The zoo offers stroller and wheelchair rentals for added convenience (Great Plains Zoo).

Nearby Attractions

While in Sioux Falls, don’t miss other historical sites such as the Sioux Falls SculptureWalk, Falls Park, and the Pettigrew Home & Museum. These attractions offer additional insight into the rich history and culture of the area (Momtastic).

Educational Initiatives

The Great Plains Zoo is a regional leader in education, reaching up to 40,000 adults and children each year through interactive ZooMobiles and hands-on programming at the zoo. These programs cater to a wide range of age groups, from infants to early high schoolers, and include STEM and nature-inspired classes. The zoo’s commitment to education is a core part of its mission, aligning with its objectives of education, conservation, recreation, and discovery (Great Plains Zoo History).

Special Events and Guided Tours

The zoo hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including Boo at the Zoo, ZooBoo, and the Jungle Jubilee. Guided tours are also available, providing an in-depth look at the animals and their habitats. These tours can be tailored to specific interests and age groups, making them perfect for school groups, families, and animal enthusiasts (Great Plains Zoo).

Photographic Spots

Capture the magic of your visit with some of the best photographic spots at the Great Plains Zoo. The African Savannah, the Snow Monkey exhibit, and the Fortress of the Bears offer stunning backdrops for memorable photos. Don’t forget to share your snapshots on social media and tag the zoo! (Great Plains Zoo)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the Great Plains Zoo’s opening hours? The zoo is open year-round, with seasonal hours. From April to September, it operates from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and from October to March, it is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Check the official website for any updates (Great Plains Zoo).

How much are tickets to the Great Plains Zoo? Admission prices are $14.75 for adults, $13.75 for seniors, $11.75 for children aged 2-12, and free for children under 2. Membership options are also available (Great Plains Zoo).

Are there any guided tours available? Yes, guided tours are available and can be tailored to specific interests and age groups. Check the zoo’s website for more details (Great Plains Zoo).

What nearby attractions should I visit? Don’t miss the Sioux Falls SculptureWalk, Falls Park, and the Pettigrew Home & Museum for a full experience of the area’s rich history and culture (Experience Sioux Falls).

Conclusion

The history of the Great Plains Zoo is a testament to its growth and evolution from a modest private collection to a modern zoological park and educational institution. With its ongoing commitment to conservation, education, and community engagement, the zoo continues to be a cherished destination for visitors of all ages. Plan your visit today and discover all that the Great Plains Zoo has to offer (Great Plains Zoo)!

References

• Great Plains Zoo History, n.d., Great Plains Zoo (Great Plains Zoo History)
• Plan Your Trip, n.d., Great Plains Zoo (Great Plains Zoo)
• Zoo Breaks Ground on Lion & Meerkat Exhibit, 2018, Great Plains Zoo (Zoo Breaks Ground on Lion & Meerkat Exhibit)
• WhichMuseum, n.d., WhichMuseum (WhichMuseum)
• Experience Sioux Falls, n.d., Experience Sioux Falls (Experience Sioux Falls)
• Dakota News Now, 2024, Dakota News Now (Dakota News Now)
• Momtastic, n.d., Momtastic (Momtastic)