Butterflies In Flight-Woodland Park Zoo

As visitors enter this section, the butterflies have fully emerged and are ready to fly. Two greenhouse-like structures enclose a landscape of approximately 3,900 square feet consisting primarily of colorful flowers in bloom and free-flying butterflies. Nearly 1,000 butterflies – representing at least 15 species native to North America – will be present.

Butterflies in Flight represents a variety of butterfly habitats including a woodland clearing, meadow’s edge and open meadow. Trees, shrubs and flower combinations have been selected to provide butterflies with a wide range of behavioral choices. Simultaneously the human senses are engaged through fragrance, color, lighting and classical music, such as Mozart.

Midway through the exhibit eclosion boxes house pupae. Visitors can also observe recently emerged adults perched on a nearby tree as they dry and expand their wings. The average life span of the exhibit’s butterflies is about two weeks.