Zoo dreams would double attendance, generate hundreds of millions for economy, officials say

Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House & Aquarium promises return on investment

The Great Plains Zoo's $150 million dream could mean billions for South Dakota's economy.

That's how the not-for-profit organization that runs the city-owned zoo and future aquarium site in central Sioux Falls is championing a 15-year master plan unveiled this week. The grand vision, put together with the help of a pair of zoo-focused consultants, calls for a complete overhaul of the 45-acre campus, including an education center, a rainforest, nature preserves, and a two-story primate habitat.

Restaurants and eateries, wider walkways, possible camping areas, and a new Delbridge Museum are potential options in the long-term plan estimated to cost between $100 and $150 million when all is said and done. It’s also expected to nearly double the number of visitors to the zoo each year.

Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House & Aquarium (GPZ/BHA) CEO Becky Dewitz, in an interview with The Dakota Scout this week, said the vision for the zoo would be transformational for the facility and the overall visitor appeal for the Sioux Falls area. And though it's going to take years of fundraising and strategic investments to bring the zoo's ambitions to fruition, it'll have generational impacts on the economy.

Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum coverage

• 'Shock waves' sent through world of museums by Sioux Falls decision to dump Delbridge collection

• Zoo details what led to closure of museum where 170-specimen collection has been on display for decades

• Animal mounts that had been slated for disposal by Sioux Falls City Hall have new life

• Air quality reports cast doubt on Sioux Falls closure of Delbridge Museum

• Zoo: Air quality never cited as reason for closing Delbridge Museum