Through the tireless efforts of our Board of Directors, leadership team and employees, Butterfly Pavilion received approval from the State of Colorado to reopen to members on June 12 and the public on June 13. We are excited to welcome you back!

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Butterfly Pavilion closed our doors to the public on March 13th for the first time in our 25 year history. With your support during the closure, our dedicated employees remained committed to caring for our 7000+ animals and endangered species that call Butterfly Pavilion home.

In making the decision to reopen, the health and safety of our guests, employees and volunteers has been our highest guiding priority. Therefore, after extensive consultation with state and local officials, Butterfly Pavilion has enacted a comprehensive Reopen Plan across the entire organization complete with detailed policies related to cleaning protocols, hygiene and health, social distancing and timed ticketing which can be found here.

While we are thrilled to be open again, the reality is that being closed for such an extended period of time has placed a significant economic strain on the organization. As a nonprofit, and the world’s only AZA accredited stand-alone invertebrate zoo, Butterfly Pavilion relies on ticket sales, donations, memberships, events and our loyal patrons to ensure that we can continue to care for our animals and deliver the meaningful programs that have inspired our community for the past 25 years.

During the closure, Butterfly Pavilion sustained approximately $1 million dollars in lost revenue, and overall we are projecting a 39% decrease revenue through the end of the year. These are critical funds we rely on directly to advance our mission. Thanks to your generous support during the closure, we were able to raise $194,000, of which $152,000 went directly to our Emergency Fund for Animal Care and Employee Assistance. With this support and a forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loan from the Small Business Administration, Butterfly Pavilion has been able to keep our animals well cared for and the majority of our staff employed. Even with partial furloughs across the organization and extensive cost-savings measures in place through the end of 2020, a significant projected financial gap of $2.3 million dollars remains, and we will still need your support in the days and months ahead.

In the face of tremendous adversity, invertebrates are among the most resilient and amazing creatures on our planet. To help sustain Butterfly Pavilion, I’m proud to share with you that our longtime friend and partner in global conservation, Wildlife Protection Solutions, has stepped forward with a generous $75,000 commitment to establish the Butterfly Pavilion Resiliency Fund. For the remainder of 2020, this fund will directly support our most pressing needs and be utilized to match the first $75,000 in unrestricted donations given to Butterfly Pavilion. Every gift makes a difference, so if you are able to give to the Butterfly Pavilion Resiliency Fund during this time your gift will have double the impact!

As a community we have faced uncertainties before, but with your help Butterfly Pavilion is emerging from this global challenge even stronger. Thank you in advance for your consideration and generosity, we look forward to seeing you again very soon.

Warmest regards,

Patrick Tennyson
President & CEO