The Butterfly Pavilion was created in 1990, and is the first stand-alone, AZA acredited non-profit invertebrate zoo in the world…. and it’s right in our backyard! What are invertebrates? Well, the technical definition of invertebrates is: an animal lacking a backbone, such as an arthropod, mollusk, annelid, coelenterate, etc. In English, and to those of us without a degree in biology, that includes animals as diverse as sea stars, sea urchins, earthworms, sponges, jellyfish, lobsters, crabs, insects, spiders, snails, clams, and squid. With over 1,600 free flying butterflies, snakes, beetles, bees, sea stars and more, this non-traditional zoo is an amazing learning experience for adults and children alike. Between hands-on learning in its exhibits and educational programs, research, or working towards habitat conservation around the world, the Butterfly pavilion is paving the road to ensuring the protection of invertebrates in the future.
The Butterfly Pavilion is a nonprofit organization and is primarily supported by admission fees, community support, and by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. Due to COVID-19, the Butterfly Pavilion closed its doors to the public in March and has not yet been able to re-open. During this time, their dedicated staff has continued to care for all of the animals in the zoo, and with the loss in revenue from admissions, they could use some help. They are offering distance learning programs for a nominal cost through May and June (click here for more information on distance learning programs). Also, as of March 26th, the gift shop at the Butterfly Pavilion will be open to visitors between the hours of 10 am – 4 pm. All guests may enter through the green awning at the front of the building and must wear a face covering inside the building. A maximum of 20 guests will be allowed in the gift shop at one time. Consider visiting the gift shop and making a purchase to help support this wonderful local organization. Or, if you’d rather donate from the comfort and safety of your own home, you can visit https://butterflies.org/emergencyfund to make a donation.
The Butterfly Pavilion is located at 652 W 104th Avenue in Westminster, CO.
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