Sanford Health donates $2M to zoo’s capital campaign
March 17, 2026
Sanford Health has made a $2 million contribution to the campaign underway to add multiple improvements at the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium.
The “We Can’t Wait!” campaign aims to fund a new aquarium at the Great Plains Zoo campus as well as a reimagined butterfly garden and expanded education center.
In recognition of the health system’s donation, the aquarium’s shark habitat will be called the Sanford Health Shark Reef Habitat, featuring sharks and rays found in the Indo-Pacific region.
The overall campaign has a $50 million goal. Half of that came from lead donor Denny Sanford. The total now has surpassed $46 million.
“We celebrate Denny Sanford’s incredible generosity that helped bring this vital project to life and inspired so many others to give their support. The Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium is a cornerstone of our city where families can enjoy an active day of exploring and learning together,” Sanford Health president and CEO Bill Gassen said in a statement.
“We believe it is part of our mission to help enhance the quality of life for the Sioux Falls community, and investments like this not only achieve that but also add to the economic vitality of our city and region. These exciting transformations will attract more people to Sioux Falls, showcasing all our incredible city has to offer.”
Sanford Health has been a long-standing partner of the zoo, and for more than 15 years, zoo educators have regularly visited pediatric patients at Sanford Children’s Hospital.
“Together, we provide children with unique educational opportunities, promoting wildlife understanding and appreciation for our natural world,” SFZA CEO Becky Dewitz said. “With the incredible support of Sanford Health, we will build a state-of-the-art aquarium and education center, immersing our visitors with a dynamic, educational experience with species from land, sea and sky.”
Construction of the butterfly garden is underway. The aquarium will start once the remaining funding is secured. The hope is to move forward yet this year.
