Butterfly Kingdom

The Emergence Window

One of the most intriguing facets of the conservatory is the Emergence Window, showcasing hundreds of butterfly chrysalides from around the world suspended like living jewels, out of which burst forth brand-new creations. You can be an eyewitness to this thrilling metamorphosis, as the butterfly emerges from the chrysalis, spreading its wings for its maiden flight. Watch as these new arrivals are freed to mingle with the over 4,000 spectacular, free-flying butterflies that great guests each day. Electric-blue Morphos from Central and South America, exotic Paper Kites from Southeast Asia, Zebra Swallowtails from North America and Forest Queens from Africa will soar through the four distinct conservatory habitats.

As the average adult lifespan for most butterflies is only a few weeks, thousands of chrysalides will arrive at our facility each month from butterfly farms around the world. Active support of these farms not only ensures a regular supply of butterflies for our conservatory, but more importantly provides alternatives to rainforest and other tropical habitat destruction. Instead of cutting down the rainforest for a quick profit, butterfly farms allow local residents to enjoy a sustainable income by harvesting (or growing) rainforest products including live butterflies. In turn, the steady stream of income is a strong incentive to maintain and conserve the surrounding habitat for all to enjoy. Additionally, much of what we currently know about the habits, host plants, and life history characteristics of many tropical butterfly species have come from work conducted at various butterfly farms.




The Emergence Window One of the most intriguing facets of the conservatory is the Emergence Window, showcasing hundreds of butterfly chrysalides from around the world suspended like living jewels, out of which burst forth brand-new creations. You can be an eyewitness to this thrilling metamorphosis, as the butterfly emerges from the chrysalis, spreading its wings for its maiden flight. Watch as these new arrivals are freed to mingle with the over 4,000 spectacular, free-flying butterflies that great guests each day. Electric-blue Morphos from Central and South America, exotic Paper Kites from Southeast Asia, Zebra Swallowtails from North America and Forest Queens from Africa will soar through the four distinct conservatory habitats. As the average adult lifespan for most butterflies is only a few weeks, thousands of chrysalides will arrive at our facility each month from butterfly farms around the world. Active support of these farms not only ensures a regular supply of butterflies for our conservatory, but more importantly provides alternatives to rainforest and other tropical habitat destruction. Instead of cutting down the rainforest for a quick profit, butterfly farms allow local residents to enjoy a sustainable income by harvesting (or growing) rainforest products including live butterflies. In turn, the steady stream of income is a strong incentive to maintain and conserve the surrounding habitat for all to enjoy. Additionally, much of what we currently know about the habits, host plants, and life history characteristics of many tropical butterfly species have come from work conducted at various butterfly farms.