Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum
The Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History is dedicated to Fostering a Greater Understanding of our Natural World through Education, Conservation, Recreation, and Discovery.
Description:
The Great Plains Zoo is an accredited member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA). The goal of the Great Plains Zoo as a member of the AZA is to fulfill 4 major objectives: Education, Recreation, Conservation, and Discovery. The Great Plains Zoo, located on 45 acres, has over 850 animals for the whole family to experience. The Delbridge Museum of Natural History exhibits the most impressive collections of mounted animals in the region.
History:
The original zoo in Sioux Falls was developed in the 1880's by Senator Richard F. Pettigrew. Pettigrew housed a few specimens for viewing in local parks until 1930 when the Sioux Falls Parks System assumed the responsibilities for the zoo development. Additional specimens were added and placed on permanent display in Sherman Park.
In 1957, a group of zoo supporters established the Zoological Society of Sioux Falls as a non-profit organization to assist in the development of the Great Plains Zoo. The primary goal of the Society was to develop and implement plans for a modern 32-acre zoo in Sioux Falls. The Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Department, along with the Society serving in an advisory and supportive capacity, continued operating the zoo. Several zoological consultants as well as the Society and the Parks and Recreation Department worked together for 3 years to design a new zoo and raise funds for construction. The Great Plains Zoo opened to the public on June 30, 1963 to provide education education and recreational opportunities to the community.
The zoo continued to grow through the 1970's and 1980's. During that time several new exhibits were added including the expanded Children's Zoo, the Black-footed Penguin Rookery, the 10-acre North American Plains exhibit, Bird of Prey Aviaries and a Primate Complex.
The Delbridge Museum of Natural History was added in 1984 through the donation of a mounted animal collection from the CJ Delbridge family. In 1985 the operation of the newly expanded zoo and museum was assumed by the Society with the City of Sioux Falls retaining ownership of the buildings and grounds. The change in management was based on the belief that private sector funding would increase if the City were not soley funding the zoo and museum. It was decided that the Society was better qualified to provide the necessary expertise to operate and manage a modern Zoological Park and Museum of Natural History.
Since 1990, the zoo has renovated and upgraded several of the older exhibits and created new larger "habitats' for the animals including the Asian Cat Habitat, the Wild Dogs of America exhibit, Galapagos Tortoise, Australian Outback, and Bear Canyon exhibits. New species were also added to the collection such as an African Black Rhino, Chinese Red Panda, American Alligators, Guanacos, Rock Wallabies, and Bald Eagles.
The Great Plains Zoo became an accredited member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) in 1991. The goal of the Great Plains Zoo as a member of the AZA is to fulfill 4 major objectives: Education, Recreation, Conservation, and Discovery. The Zoological Society of Sioux Falls Board of Directors approved a new master plan concept to outline the future development of the expansion property on the south side of the zoo in 1996. The area is now known as the African Savannah and will contain habitats for Giraffe, Cheetahs, and various African antelope and gazelle.
Contact person: Heather West, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (605) 367-8340
Address:
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805 South Kiwanis AvenueSioux Falls, SD 57104(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.gpzoo.org
Directions:
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From I-29 take Exit 79. Go East 1 mile on 12th Street. Then .2 mile South on Kiwanis Avenue next to Sherman Park.
Nearest Bus Stop: 12th and Kiwanis, .2 Miles/5 minutes minute walk |
| Last updated on February 3, 2010 |
