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Butterflies n’ Blooms Exhibit

Closed for the Season!

Brought to you in partnership with Idlewild Butterfly Farm.

Back by popular demand! Experience hundreds of graceful native butterflies sipping nectar from colorful flowers, basking in the sunlight, and flying freely as you wander through our 1,000 sq. ft. outdoor flight house located in the Africa Zone across from the bongo exhibit.

Bring a camera to capture your encounters with these delicate, brilliantly colored creatures. You’ll emerge with a sense of awe and a better understanding of the environment and protections needed for the survival of these important pollinators —  plus, learn ways to help them thrive in your own backyard.

To help protect the butterflies and all guests, we ask that you abide by the following guidelines:

  • Do supervise children at all times.
  • Do make sure the entry/exit curtain closes behind you.
  • Butterflies may land on you – please don’t touch them! Butterflies are very fragile and their wings are easily damaged.
  • Please don’t pick up any caterpillars or butterflies from the plants.
  • Do stay on the path and watch your step — butterflies may be on the path with you!
  • Don’t pick any flowers from the exhibit. The flowers are food for the butterflies.
  • Do have a great time and enjoy learning about butterflies!

BUTTERFLY IDENTIFICATION

Discover your butterfly IQ. See if you can identify monarchs, swallowtails and painted ladies from amongst over our winged beauties representing a dozen native species.

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BLOOMS IDENTIFICATION

Explore our list of host and nectar plants that you may see in the butterfly exhibit and Monarch Waystation.

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BUTTERFLY LIFE CYCLE

Learn about the lifecycle of butterflies and download a fun coloring sheet.

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HELP THE POLLINATORS

See all the things you can do to help the butterflies and other important pollinators that live right in your own back yard!

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BECOME A COMMUNITY PARTNER

Help us save monarch butterflies by expanding our opportunities for valuable habitat space! Partner with the Zoo and join our Monarchs and Milkweed Pollinator Habitat Project to create monarch butterfly habitat at your location!

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MONARCH WAYSTATION

The Louisville Zoo is a certified Monarch Waystation. Learn how you can create your own!

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BUTTERFLY FAQ

Still have questions? Get your answers here.

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FLUTTER FEST SPONSORED BY PNC GROW UP GREAT

Join us Sept. 11 – 16 for Flutter Fest: a celebration of the autumn Monarch butterfly migration! Meet experts from Idlewild Butterfly Farm and Insectarium. Grab a take home craft. Enjoy a $3 admission discount at ticket windows!

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BENEFICIAL BUGS

Butterflies are not the only beneficial insect. Learn more about beneficial bugs in your own backyard.

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