Zoo envisions two-story primate exhibit, restaurant and possible relocation of Delbridge Museum

Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House & Aquarium unveils 15-year expansion plan that could total $150 million

The modernization of the Great Plains Zoo is here, and it could total as much as $150 million in investment aimed at nearly doubling visitors to the Sioux Falls attraction by 2040.

Those ambitions were unveiled this week by the Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House & Aquarium (GPZ/BHA), which presented its 15-year master plan to City Councilors Tuesday.

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And according to officials both with the city of Sioux Falls and representatives of the nonprofit that runs its zoo, the campus-wide roadmap entails a state-of-the-art aquarium and upgrades to animal habitats and better traffic flow that will make the Great Plains Zoo a one-stop, year-round draw that blends elements of land, sky, and sea.

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
  

  

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