City leaders in Sioux Falls stand by their decision to shut down the taxidermy exhibit at the Great Plains Zoo due to concerns over dangerous chemicals used in processing decades-old specimens.
While some city council members disagree, citing community support, officials emphasize the safety risks posed by arsenic contamination in the majority of the specimens.
The city explored options for transferring the exhibit, but legal limitations and health concerns led to the decision to close it.
The decision comes as the city prepares to transition to new attractions like aquariums and butterflies, acknowledging the importance of moving forward.
The issue is scheduled for discussion at an upcoming city council meeting, potentially leading to the declaration of the exhibits as surplus property and their disposal through collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.