March 17, 2026
The Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium (SFZA) team is thrilled to announce that Sanford Health has committed $2 million to the We Can’t Wait! campaign, which seeks to fund a world-class aquarium, an expanded education center, and a reimagined butterfly garden at the zoo campus. In recognition of Sanford Health’s generous contribution, the aquarium’s shark habitat will be called the Sanford Health Shark Reef Habitat, featuring sharks and rays found in the Indo-Pacific region.
This $2 million gift represents a big step toward the campaign goal of $25 million, which would match Denny Sanford’s $25 million lead gift.
“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 and Aquarium is a cornerstone of our city where families can enjoy an active day of exploring and learning together,” said Sanford Health President & CEO Bill Gassen. “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 longstanding partner,” said SFZA CEO Becky Dewitz. “For over 15 years, zoo educators have regularly visited patients in the Sanford Children’s Hospital. Together, we provide children with unique educational opportunities, promoting wildlife understanding and appreciation for our natural world. 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.”
The We Can’t Wait! campaign has surpassed $46 million in total funds raised. SFZA continues fundraising to secure the remaining dollars needed to begin aquarium construction and hopes to reach that goal later this year.