Volunteer
Volunteering at the Butterfly House & Aquarium is an experience like none other in the area!
Apply Now
Join the Adventure
Volunteering at the Butterfly House & Aquarium (BHA) is an experience like none other in the area! Volunteers come from all walks of life and commit to a schedule according to what best fits their availability. With over one million guests served since 2002, the BHA Volunteers play a vital role in daily operations. A completed application is your first step in joining our team of dedicated Volunteers.
The vision of this Volunteer Program is to raise up active community members who desire to practice good stewardship by serving holistically with people and in nature. Individuals in this program function as dedicated docents, diet prep assistants, and husbandry aides of the BHA and Great Plains Zoo (GPZ) by guiding individuals through their experiences in the facilities and demonstrating skilled care for people, nature, and animal species.
The Volunteer Program has a direct impact on how the organization pursues its mission and carries out the vision for the organization including education and conservation efforts. Volunteering provides a meaningful opportunity for individuals, and it also gives support to the organization’s volunteer needs for growing the program and increasing the impact on our guests’ experience.
Active Volunteer Benefits
- Learn and interact with beautiful tropical butterflies and fascinating ocean creatures
- Socialize with guests from around the world
- Uniform shirt and name badge
- Ongoing, educational opportunities
- 30% discount in the GPZ Gift Shop
- 40% discount in the BHA Gift Shop
- Admission and Membership benefits may apply
- Receive a gift when you refer a friend to volunteer!
Volunteer Position Availabilities
At this time, the Butterfly House & Aquarium is especially looking for community members to commit to volunteering on Weekday afternoons and Weekends. If you have any questions about other week days, volunteering needs, or your availability, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@sdaquarium.org.
What the Volunteers Have to Say...
"(Volunteering) at the Butterfly House & Aquarium has taught me to take responsibility in leadership and has opened me up to opportunities in this field. I have learned a lot here, about myself, and how to push myself forward."
Aaliyah
"One of my interests is wildlife conservation and awareness by being a voice and steward for the earth. Volunteering here provides a unique opportunity to combine these passions."
Justin
"It is a fun and exciting place to be! You meet so many people, and the staff and volunteers are great people who truly care about this crazy world we live in."
Jackie

Let's Get in Touch
Have a question? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator:
Call 605-334-9466 ext. 14 or email volunteer@sdaquarium.org