© 2026 SDPB
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Africans lions to return to Sioux Falls

Great Plains Zoo lion habitat rendering
Great Plains Zoo
Great Plains Zoo lion habitat rendering.

This interview originally aired on In the Moment on SDPB Radio.

Decades ago, lions lounged around the Great Plains Zoo and wintered at Terrace Park. The South Dakotan prairie hasn't heard their roars for the last 30 years.

That's all going to change.

The Great Plains Zoo is breaking ground on a new African lion and meerkat exhibit. The exhibit is expected to open in the summer of 2024.

Denise DePaolo is the director of public relations and marketing at the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls. She joined In the Moment to preview the zoo's big plans for the big cats.

Lori Walsh is a special correspondent with SDPB and host of the "In the Moment" podcast.
Ari Jungemann served as a producer of In the Moment, SDPB's daily news and culture broadcast.
Ellen Koester served as a producer of "In the Moment," SDPB's daily news and culture broadcast.

Can't find what you're looking for?


We're here to help.



If you are are having trouble locating or accessing SDPB content and services for any reason, including a need for accommodations such as alternate formats for accessibility purposes, we will do our best to provide the assistance you need.



Visit our Contact Page to explore our support options, or call us at (605) 677-5861 and we will help you find where you need to be.