Conservation

Working to Save Wildlife

Conservation is a cornerstone of the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium’s (SFZA) mission. Alongside the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), we work to save animals from extinction every day.

SFZA takes a "many hands" approach to conservation field work, prioritizing projects where the efforts of our staff can make a measurable difference to the outcome of the project. This ensures that our work is meaningful to those that participate and the partners we support.

We support conservation work in South Dakota, and international projects that support the local people working to conserve their local wildlife and habitat. SFZA's conservation efforts are funded through donor gifts, visitor round-up donations, donation boxes, unique gift shop items, and a dedicated percentage of admissions.

Learn a little bit about SFZA's conservation efforts below!

Donate to Conservation

Black-footed
Ferret

Dakota
Skipper

Monarchs
& Native Pollinators

South Dakota
Habitats

Snow
Leopard

Black
Rhino

Seeds of Change
Butterflies

Butterfly
Farms

Coral
Propagation

2025 Conservation Events

AZA SAFE

The Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium (SFZA) is proud to be a member of multiple AZA SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) programs.

Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) utilizes the collective expertise within AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums to focus on conservation efforts for species in need. The SAFE framework builds on established recovery plans, prioritizes collaboration among AZA member institutions, and implements strategic conservation engagement activities. The goal of the program is to continually move the dial to save species in need.

SAFE aims to:

  • Protect threatened animals
  • Build on established recovery plans and history of commitment
  • Prioritize collaboration among AZA institutions
  • Implement strategic conservation and stakeholder engagement activities
  • Measure and report on conservation progress