Overview
Located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History is a 45-acre facility that offers a dual experience of a zoological park and a natural history museum. Founded in 1963, the zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from 137 species, including some of the world's rarest. The Delbridge Museum, part of the zoo, displays an impressive collection of 150 mounted animals and educates visitors about wildlife conservation.
Visitors to the Great Plains Zoo can encounter a wide range of animals worldwide and get up close with some at the Hy-Vee Face-to-Face Farm. The zoo offers numerous immersive exhibits, including the Asian Cat Habitat, Bear Canyon, and the award-winning Snow Monkey exhibit. At the Delbridge Museum, visitors can explore exhibits detailing the history of hunting, the endangerment of species, and conservation efforts. The zoo also offers interactive experiences such as animal feeding, zookeeper chats, and educational programs.
The Great Plains Zoo is actively engaged in conservation efforts, including participating in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plans (SSPs) for 23 endangered species. The zoo also carries conversation education programs and supports wildlife conservation projects worldwide. The Delbridge Museum provides a unique angle to conservation education, exhibiting many animals lost to extinction due to unregulated hunting.
Details
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Zoo Size:45 acres
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Number of Species on Display:130+
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Number of Animals:1,000+
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Key Exhibits:Asian Cats || Bear Canyon || Rare Rhinos of Africa || Snow Monkey || Flamingo Bay || Australia Walkabout || Fortress of the Bears || Hy-Vee Face-to-Face Farm
