Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium smashes fundraising goal for new aquarium, butterfly rain forest

The Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium has taken a big step forward in its plan to build an aquarium and butterfly rain forest.

The We Can’t Wait campaign, a five-month Community Appeals effort endorsed by the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, raised more than $2.35 million, far exceeding its goal of $1.3 million and even the stretch goal of $2 million.

“We are blown away by the positive response – and we couldn’t be more grateful for the generosity of our local business community,” said Audrey Otto-Pepper, chief operating officer of the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium.

“We got so much positive feedback, it feels really good, and we can just feel that momentum growing. We heard it over and over again that businesses were excited to give.”

We Can’t Wait is a $50 million, multipronged fundraising effort to support SFZA’s master plan, including renovating the zoo’s main building to include an education center, aquarium, butterfly garden and a new habitat for the zoo’s Humboldt penguin colony.

The zoo will continue fundraising this year with the goal of matching a $25 million gift from philanthropist Denny Sanford.

“We know this is such a great benefit for businesses — for their employees. We heard it many times that this is a family destination, this is good for my business because it’s something for staff and clients to enjoy,” Otto-Pepper said. “Even the story of generations that have experienced this together, and this gives the chance for us to share something new with the next generation.”

The detailed design phase is underway and expected to be done later this year. Construction manager at risk Hausmann Construction has been hired for the project. Hausmann has built a number of exhibits for the children’s zoo in Lincoln, Nebraska, and has a Sioux Falls office. The project is on track for a late 2028 opening.

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