The Butterfly Pavilion

Target demographics: The Butterfly Pavilion offers hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages, and has educational offerings for children and adults.

Geographic areas served: Westminster & the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area

Programs: Invertebrate Zoo and Research: We are proud to be the first stand-alone butterfly flight house in the world and only the second invertebrate zoo to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA is dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation, and we hold ourselves to the most rigorous professional standards. For nearly two decades we have worked determinedly to forward principles that shape our conservation efforts both locally and globally. At Butterfly Pavilion, we believe that an appreciation of the environment begins with an appreciation for all living things. Each day we teach the young and old alike about the need for conservation because with knowledge and empowerment we will protect the world's natural habitats for generations to come.

Guest Experience: Butterfly Pavilion plays a special role in the community for hundreds of thousands of children and adult lifelong learners throughout our region. Since Butterfly Pavilion opened its doors in 1995, we have provided nearly 5 million visitors with hands-on educational experiences. Serving over 315,000 guests annually, visitors get their first hands-on encounter with invertebrate life and begin to develop an understanding of the importance of these creatures. Invertebrates are the foundation of every ecological system in which we live, and insects make up over three-quarters of the world's animal species. They are pollinators, decomposers, consumers at many levels, and vital to our very existence. We expose children and adults alike to hands-on, immersive science exploration because we know that with knowledge and empowerment is a greater commitment to protecting our world's natural treasures. Our current exhibits showcase and bring attention to these treasures, creating a safe and memorable way to experience the natural world. Exploring a living rainforest filled with tropical butterflies, or holding a desert tarantula for the first time is perhaps the most unique, memorable, and impactful experience our guests will experience.

Education: Butterfly Pavilion reaches over 60,000 youth annually. Each year we serve tens of thousands of children through onsite classroom visits and outreach programs. Butterfly Pavilion has become a staple in helping children learn important concepts like ecosystems and food webs, making curricular connections for regional public schools, private schools, and homeschoolers alike. In depth, content-aligned classroom instruction, followed by hands on animal and habitat discoveries are an essential element of Colorado's youth education. Our educational programs are designed to develop the minds and increase the understanding of science and nature while engaging students in numerous ways with direct animal and plant interactions.