Wings of the Tropics - Butterfly Pavilion

Wings of the Tropics

Our flagship tropical conservatory is home to more than 1,800 free-flying butterflies year-round, representing over 200 species from around the world.

A Tropical Paradise in Colorado

Wings of the Tropics is Butterfly Pavilion’s signature exhibit and one of the most beloved butterfly experiences in North America. Step through the double doors and enter a lush, 7,200-square-foot tropical rainforest habitat maintained at 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 80% humidity year-round.

More than 1,800 free-flying butterflies from over 200 species fill the air around you, with new butterflies hatching daily, year-round. Watch Blue Morphos glide overhead, spot the brilliant orange of a Julia Longwing, or hold perfectly still as a Painted Lady lands on your shoulder. Our butterflies are sourced from sustainable farms across Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Spider Takeover Camp

Spider Zone

October 1st – 31st

Taking over a portion of the Wings of the Tropics ’s butterfly conservatory, guests can walk amongst spiders with no glass, and no barriers, just you and hundreds of magnificent Orb weavers spinning their webs all around you. Discover their brilliance and significance during this special exhibition celebrating spiders and the incredible impact they make in our world.

Monarchs in Wings of the Tropics

Conservation in Action

Wings of the Tropics is more than a beautiful exhibit; Butterfly Pavilion partners with butterfly farms in tropical regions, providing sustainable livelihoods for local communities while protecting rainforest habitats from deforestation. Every butterfly in our conservatory supports this global network of conservation and economic sustainability.

What to Expect

As you walk the winding paths, you will encounter tropical plants, a flowing waterfall, and feeding stations where butterflies gather on sliced fruit. Interpretive specialists are stationed throughout the exhibit to answer questions and help you identify species.

Butterfly Pavilion’s Butterfly Quest is a unique opportunity to assist with Butterfly Pavilion’s Butterfly lifespan research, while exploring the world of animal behavior. Help observe tagged butterflies, record meaningful data, and share your discoveries — all on your phone. By participating in Butterfly Quest, you are helping our scientists shape animal welfare here and in zoos around the world! Learn More Here.

Be sure to visit the Chrysalis Corner when exploring Wings of the Tropics, where you can watch butterflies emerging from their chrysalises in real time. Our staff releases the newly emerged butterflies into the habitat throughout the day.

Watch as newly emerged butterflies are released by an interpreter, fly for the very first time and discover more about butterflies, rainforests, and Butterfly Pavilion!

BUTTERFLY CAM

This camera has extra functions! Control the camera with a click and immerse yourself in the wonders of Butterfly Pavilion’s Live Cameras! When you subscribe to zoolife using this link, 50% of the proceeds support Butterfly Pavilion’s invertebrate research, conservation, and education efforts.

Control the camera → HERE