Why you can't say goodbye to the taxidermy before it goes to college
Simplified: A collection of about 150 taxidermy specimen that's been well-loved by Sioux Fallsians for decades has been saved from disposal. Now, it's a City Council vote away from heading off to the University of Notre Dame – all with full support from the family whose patriarch donated the collection to the city 40 years ago.
Why it matters
- The Great Plains Zoo closed the museum to the public back in August 2023 after testing revealed arsenic in about 80% of the mounts. At the time, the city announced it would dispose of the specimen.
- After immediate backlash from the community, the city instead decided to form a task force to determine the collection's future. That task force ultimately opened a formal process for anyone across the country to express interest in taking on the necessary repairs and costs to display the specimen.
- Zoo CEO Becky Dewitz said she "actively reached out to several – at least five – institutions" to see if there was any interest among South Dakota or regional organizations. None ultimately submitted a letter of interest, and the task force last month recommended the bulk of the collection be given to the University of Notre Dame for display in the campus's Museum of Biodiversity.
- City Councilors on Tuesday asked if it'd be possible to open the collection to the public one last time before it goes away, but City Attorney Dave Pfeifle said it's a no go.
"The zoo doesn't have the qualified personnel and the proper PPE (personal protective equipment), etc. to make that happen," Pfeifle said.
Wait, so the Delbridge family is on board?
Yes. Daughters of CJ Delbridge, who initially purchased the Brockhouse taxidermy collection and donated it to the city, sent letters to the council voicing their support of the relocation plans.
"They’re honored to see it go to such a highlyr reputable institution, and frankly they're delighted that for over 40 years the city has enjoyed the (Delbridge) Museum of Natural History," Dewitz said. "They see it as a carrying on of their father’s legacy.
What happens next?
The City Council is expected to vote to surplus the taxidermy collection in the coming weeks, and then it'll be up to the city and the zoo to finalize the gifting agreement with Notre Dame – as well as two other museums which will be getting a few specimen the university didn't want.
After the specimen have found their new homes, the zoo is looking to remodel the building for an aquarium, butterfly house and expanded education center. More details on those plans here: