New at the zoo: Plans for more animals, other improvements

If all goes according to plan, new animals will be moving into the Great Plains Zoo and others will get new and improved homes in the coming years.

“We have a big year in front of us,” said Becky Dewitz, who became CEO of the zoo last fall.

She’s an SDSU grad who most recently led Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot, N.D.

She also has two kids, age 10 and 12, who help serve as inspiration for her work.

“You have to look at the eyes of the zoo through their eyes,” she said.

Dewitz gave an update to the City Council this week and said plans are underway to design the zoo’s African expansion this year, starting with a visitor favorite: lions.

The zoo hasn’t had a lion exhibit for decades. The plan is to bring back a pride of up to 10 lion adults and cubs, and provide a breeding ground for the species.

While it’s still being designed, large glass windows are part of the plan to allow visitors to be face to face with the massive cats.

It will be a “dynamic visitor experience,” Dewitz predicted.

“Lions are just majestic animals. They are beautiful.”

The plan is to design the exhibit this year and bid it for construction in the spring or fall of 2022. After that, it’s a 12- to 18-month build. The project is possible because there has been significant donor support – enough to fund $6.6 million of the estimated $8 million exhibit, with the remainder coming from the city if councilors approve.

Other planned improvements to the zoo include updates to the black bear exhibit and a more year-round environment for the popular giraffes.

“Whether it’s inclement weather or winter, people can have that ability to go see the giraffes,” Dewitz said.

“Personally, if I have a bad day, you’re going to find me in the giraffe barn.”

See it sooner: You don’t have to wait for any of these improvements to pay a visit to the animals. The zoo is open year-round.

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