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Butterflies at Como Park Zoo

Posted by Matt Barker on Monday, June 2, 2008 at 9:50 AM By Matt Barker / June 2, 2008 Comment

Right here in our own Saint Paul, visitors can see hundreds of butterflies from around the world. People can view butterflies from Asia, North, Central and South America flying freely in a new indoor, temporary exhibit at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Como’s Blooming Butterflies opens June 6 and is open daily from 10am to 6pm through September 7.

Over 100 species from around the world will be exhibited throughout the summer. Each visit will offer a new experience! At any given time, up to 500 butterflies can be found within the habitat. These colorful creatures are curious and approachable. It is not uncommon for them to rest on visitors as they walk through the garden. You will leave with a greater understanding of these fragile insects and an appreciation for the importance of maintaining their habitat to ensure their survival. Visitors can chat with volunteers about butterflies, their life cycle, and importance to the ecosystem. Or, you can simply come in and enjoy the beautiful garden and butterflies. The best days to view the butterflies are warm, sunny days that translate to optimum butterfly activity.

While a few of the butterflies exhibited are found in Minnesota, the bulk of them are not native. Como holds a special permit to exhibit these non-native butterflies. Most butterflies are short-lived. The average life span of the butterfly species being exhibited is two to four weeks.

Since many natural habitats have been lost to urbanization and other development, a home butterfly garden is easy way to both see more butterflies in your yard and to contribute towards their conservation. If you want to attract butterflies to your yard at home, it is important to provide food, water and shelter for butterflies. Both nectar and host plants, like milkweed should be offered.

For over 100 years, Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and Como Zoo in Saint Paul, Minnesota has charmed, educated and entertained millions of children and adults while fostering an appreciation of the natural world. Como Park Zoo and Conservatory welcomes 1.7 million visitors from around the world - the second biggest tourist attraction in Minnesota. The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is open 365 days, though hours vary depending on the season. Admission to both the Como Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is always free and a voluntary donation is appreciated.