Do you love animals? Don’t miss these upcoming events

This is a paid post from the Great Plains Zoo.

Simplified: The Great Plains Zoo and its sister campus, the Butterfly House and Aquarium, have a busy few weeks ahead for anyone looking to enjoy some last-minute summer fun before school starts. Here’s a look at what’s happening.

Why it is important

• These events offer people the opportunity see the animals and learn more about them in the zoo and butterfly house.
• Both locations have been under the same management for about a year and a half, and this merger – the creation of the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium – means Experts can work between both locations to pass on their expertise in the field of care and species protection.
• This year, some of the annual events at the Butterfly House have been revised to place more emphasis on Combine activities with animals.

“We really want people to leave with a deeper appreciation for the animals they see and to have the opportunity to ask questions about those animals,” said PR and Marketing Director Denise DePaolo.

Inform me about upcoming events

Here is a summary:

Shovels and seahorses

• When: Wednesday, July 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Where: Butterfly House & Aquarium
• What to expect: Visitors will receive a coupon for a scoop of ice cream while supplies last. There will also be a Seahorse Chat with aquarium staff at 10:30 a.m., seahorse-themed arts and crafts, and seahorse-themed coloring pages. Event activities are included in regular admission.

Bugapalooza

• When: Saturday, August 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Where: Outside the butterfly house and aquarium
• What to expect: This free outdoor event features numerous partner organizations including Pheasants Forever, Big Sioux Bee Lovers and Friends of the Big Sioux River.
  • There are animal encounters, games, arts and crafts and many opportunities to learn why insects are an important part of our world.

“We want people to understand and be excited about bugs, insects and things with wings and lots of legs because they play an incredibly important role in our ecosystem and our food chain,” DePaolo said.

Books and butterflies

• When: Saturday, August 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Where: Butterfly House & Aquarium
• What to expect: Visitors can make their own butterfly-themed bookmark and learn about butterflies during a conversation with a zookeeper in the conservatory.
  • New this year is a partnership with REACH Literacy, where children can also browse books and even take one home.

Wild Wednesday

• When: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evenings until August 7. Last admission is at 6:00 p.m.
• Where: Great Plains Zoo
• What to expect: The zoo has extended hours and offers special events to celebrate summer and give people the opportunity to experience animals in the evening. Each Wild Wednesday event has its own theme, including:
  • “Let’s Roar!” on July 24
  • “Meet the Roos” on July 31st, including a magical performance by Spellbound Entertainment at 5:30 p.m.
  • “Giraffe Tall Tales” on August 7, including a performance by South Dakota Aerial & Arts at 5:45 p.m.