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Aquarium addition at Sioux Falls zoo inches closer to $50M fundraising goal

Giraffe feeding station on track, Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House & Aquarium officials say

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The Dakota Scout
Jun 10, 2026
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In addition to the aquarium project, the zoo plans to expand the outdoor giraffe area and add a feeding station. Work is tentatively set to begin next summer. (Submitted image)

Leaders of the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium say they are closing in on a major fundraising milestone that would unlock an additional $10 million donation and move plans for a long-awaited aquarium project closer to construction.

Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House & Aquarium President and CEO Becky Dewitz, during an afternoon briefing to the Sioux Falls City Council on Tuesday, announced that the organization’s “We Can’t Wait” capital campaign has raised more than $47 million toward a $50 million goal.

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