This information is from 2016. Check out the Family Fun Calgary Major Attractions Guide.

This summer, explore a tropical rainforest… right here in Calgary! At the Calgary Zoo’s ENMAX Conservatory, you can see exotic plants, enjoy the tropical heat and – best of all – get up close with the conservatory’s winged residents in the Garden Gallery. In fact, you could experience as many as 500 butterflies flying around at any given time!

But the Calgary Zoo’s butterflies are not from around here. This year the zoo will import between 80 and 100 species from butterfly farms in Southeast Asia and Central America – and not just for the visual spectacle they provide! Butterfly farms actually help save forest habitat that would otherwise be destroyed by logging and other forms of agriculture. Butterfly farmers grow native plants, preventing deforestation of the areas they work in, and the farmed butterflies are raised in isolation so that they don’t impact natural populations.

“By sourcing our chrysalis from butterfly farms we are helping to support local farmers in Costa Rica and Southeast Asia as well as supporting the preservation of precious rainforests,” says Corinne Hannah, Horticulturist, Calgary Zoo. “We hope that when visitors enjoy the immersion of our butterfly garden, they can learn and appreciate more about where these classic pollinators came from and why we source them from where we do.”

 

Beyond their importance to our natural world, butterflies are beautiful and fascinating creatures. For example…

Did you know? Butterflies taste with their feet! The moment they land on something, they start analyzing what it is- is it food? Is it salty or sweet?

Did you know? The staff at the Calgary Zoo make their own fermenting fruit for the butterflies. It may be gross to us humans, but the butterflies can’t get enough.

Did you know? A butterfly can emerge from its chrysalis, expand and dry its wings in less than five minutes! Check it out:

Plan your visit to the Calgary Zoo now… butterflies are emerging daily! Entrance to the ENMAX Conservatory is always included with your admission or annual pass.

Calgary Zoo Contact Details:

Time: open daily 9 am – 5 pm
Where: Calgary Zoo
Address: 1300 Zoo Rd NE, Calgary AB
Website: www.calgaryzoo.com