About Us

At Butterfly Pavilion, we transform the way people think about invertebrates. These small but mighty animals that surround us are so much more than people think. They are everywhere, because everything depends on them. They are the hidden heroes of the animal kingdom, and we--you and us--stand on the backs of these tiny giants.

Butterfly Pavilion is the first stand-alone, Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited non-profit invertebrate zoo in the world and a leader in invertebrate knowledge, inspiration and connection. Whether it is providing unique, hands-on learning experiences in our exhibits and educational programs, conducting new research that sets the standard for zoos across the country or building innovative solutions for species and habitat conservation in countries around the world, Butterfly Pavilion is leading the way in ensuring invertebrates are protected for the future.

Mission

Butterfly Pavilion exists to foster an appreciation of invertebrates by educating the public about the need to protect and care for threatened habitats globally, while conducting research for solutions in invertebrate conservation.

Vision

Butterfly Pavilion is the premier invertebrate education, research and conservation institution in the world.

Funding

Butterfly Pavilion was created by the Rocky Mountain Butterfly Consortium, a Colorado nonprofit founded in 1990. As a publicly supported facility, Butterfly Pavilion is primarily supported by admission fees, community support and by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). The eleven-acre site was provided by the City of Westminster.

Operations

Butterfly Pavilion is a Colorado 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and operates with a Board of Directors in collaboration with scientific advisors from zoos, universities, and museums, both locally and nationally.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

On October 21st 2002, The Board of Directors revised, adopted and incorporated the following equal opportunity resolution as part of the by-laws a general public policy of this facility:

“The selection of those employees, consultants, contractors, accountants, attorneys and other professional agents of the facility by the management, Board or any committee or Officer designated to do so, shall be based upon their respective qualification and/or capabilities and shall not be based on age, race, sex, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, gender, military status, veteran status, political service, affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity or gender expression. (as amended by the Board of Directors June 27th 2011.)”

In-Kind Donation Requests

Butterfly Pavilion is proud to support our community by considering in-kind donation requests of 4-pack of admission tickets to 501(c)3 nonprofits in support of fundraising events. Please be sure to submit your request at least 3 months prior to your event. Only one request will be fulfilled per organization per year. Please submit your request through the form below. Due to the high volume of requests we receive, we are not able to honor every request.

Bumblebee in meadow

Sustainability at Butterfly Pavilion

At Butterfly Pavilion, we are continuously growing our commitment to the planet through sustainable practices. We aim to showcase a deliberate and thoughtful approach to utilizing energy and other natural resources and to share our methodologies and practices with the community.

Sustainability
A Macro Shot of a Honey Bee Flying towards yellow flowers

Meet our Board of Directors

Diverse in their backgrounds and committed in their focus the Board of Directors guide Butterfly Pavilion toward our next chapter.

Meet Our Board

Executive Leadership Team

Meet our on-the-ground leadership who are responsible for the daily operations and management of our Zoo, our programs, as well as our Science and Conservation work around the globe.

Executive Staff
Working bees on honeycomb

Annual Reports

View our Annual Reports dating back to 2008.

View Our Annual Reports

Exhibits

Live Chrysalis Camera

See butterflies as they emerge in Butterfly Pavilion’s Wings of the Tropics with our high-definition zoo cams and live feeds.

Wings of the Tropics

Walk among free-flying butterflies in a tropical paradise.

Colorado Backyard

This immersive exhibit connects guests to the rich and diverse life that surrounds us, and inspires a greater commitment to conserve all of our natural treasures in Colorado and beyond.

Survival

Transport yourself to the Survival exhibit, home of Rosie the tarantula and other small wonders! Explore and learn about dozens of species of arthropods. Sharpen your observation skills as you discover animals hidden in their native habitats.

Water’s Edge

Explore the incredible diversity of underwater invertebrates.

Outdoor Gardens

Experience the wonder of Colorado’s wild invertebrates! The outdoor gardens at Butterfly Pavilion are designed to provide habitat for native invertebrates with a focus on native pollinators, while also providing four-season beauty and a place to wander, relax, and learn.

Daily Programs & Showtimes

There’s always something new to discover at Butterfly Pavilion! Join Butterfly Pavilion’s interpretive specialists to learn more about the amazing plants and animals at the zoo. Daily programs can include feeding demonstrations, animal encounters, guided tours, and interactive presentations. During your visit, check in at the front desk to see our active programs as times are subject to change.

Upcoming Events

Bug-A-Boo