Butterfly Pavilion

The Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, Colorado, is an invertebrate zoo showcasing the beauty, diversity, and importance of invertebrate species. Opened in 1995, this 11-acre facility is home to over 5,000 animals, and its lush rainforest is filled with 1,600 free-flying tropical butterflies. As the world's first stand-alone, Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited invertebrate zoo, the Butterfly Pavilion is dedicated to fostering an appreciation of these small but essential creatures.

Visitors to the Butterfly Pavilion can enjoy a variety of immersive exhibits. The Wings of the Tropics exhibit allows visitors to walk through a tropical rainforest filled with colorful butterflies. In the Crawl-A-See-Em exhibit, they can meet Rosie, the tarantula and other fascinating invertebrates. Water's Edge offers a hands-on tidepool experience, while the Colorado Backyard exhibit explores the state's native invertebrates. Educational programs, special events, and hands-on activities enhance the visitor experience.

The Butterfly Pavilion is committed to the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats. The organization participates in research initiatives, field projects, and citizen science programs. It contributes to global conservation efforts through partnerships with organizations like the Mesoamerican Reef Fund and locally through the Colorado Butterfly Monitoring Network. Education about the importance of invertebrates and their conservation is central to the Pavilion's mission.