Celebrating 20 Years in 2021
For 20 years Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory has fulfilled its mission to educate visitors about butterflies and to foster a better appreciation for the important role that butterflies and other insects play in nature. Thanks to our dedicated team of professionals, immersive exhibits, special events, curriculum-based educational programming, and endangered species conservation work, we continue to align with this mission and adapt with these core values in mind.
History of Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory first opened the doors on January 26, 2001 as Wings of Paradise Butterfly Conservatory. In honour of the 10 year anniversary the name was changed to more accurately reflect the Conservatory’s location and purpose in the community.
Situated on a 117 acre site which includes the environmentally sensitive Kossuth Bog, the 25,000 square foot facility includes a 10,800 square foot indoor tropical garden featuring thousands of free flying butterflies from all over the world. We also house an ever-expanding live plant and live animal collection containing over 120 species of tropical and native plants, various live arthropods, and a variety of species of exotic birds.
A real community effort
We are so thankful for the support we’ve experienced from the community over the past two decades. Some of the large rocks you’ll see in the Conservatory were donated by a local quarry and brought in during construction of the facility. Using wheelbarrows and shovels, a team of high school students helped to transport tonnes of soil into the Conservatory.
A proud part of the community
Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory continues to grow and welcome new visitors. We are proud to welcome over 100,000 visitors annually, and over 10,000 children participate annually in our curriculum-based educational programs. Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory also facilitates virtual programming to thousands of elementary students across Canada every year.
Supporting sustainable agriculture
With approximately 3,200 pupa imported from sustainable farmers each month, we have exhibited over 750,000 butterflies & moths in our 20 year history! Butterfly farming is considered a sustainable form of agriculture. This regulated practice ensures that wild butterfly populations are not only unharmed, but that their habitat remains protected and preserved, while also providing valuable income for rural communities.
A Look Through the Archives: Then & Now
Click and drag the sliders to go from the past to the present!
Front Foyer
The Gift Store
Weddings
We want to thank you, celebrate with you!
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