Yesterday I mentioned my stop at the Green Animals Topiary Garden in Rhode Island on my drive up to Boston, MA. While in that area I also decided to stop at The Butterfly Zoo. The Butterfly Zoo opened in 1992 and is the third oldest continuously operated live butterfly exhibit in the United States.
The Butterfly Zoo sits off the road in a nondescript 30 ft x 90 ft screen greenhouse. It is handicapped accessible. Upon my arrival I was greeted and had the rules of entry explained. The rules are simple. There are two. Don’t open the doors yourself and touch nothing. Many of the species of butterflies inside are rare and from other countries. Visitors are then guided through two doors and once inside free to walk about at leisure.
As soon as you enter the greenhouse all you see are butterflies. They are everywhere. Some will fly right up to you. (Wear bright clothes if you want t encourage this.) If the butterflies aren’t flying near you they might also be near one of the many flowering nectar plants, or near the screen. But trust me there is no shortage of butterflies to see, there must be thousands. Mark, the owner, actually did tell me roughly how many there were. He also told me something that surprised me and made me a little sad – butterflies only live a couple of weeks. He has lots of information to share, as do the two guides he had working that day. Questions are encouraged, they are more then happy to share their knowledge. For some folks they could be through the whole place in 30 minutes. I spent a good hour and could have definitely stayed longer but it was getting late and I had to get to Boston, plus it was getting ready to rain. Butterflies don’t fly in the rain. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and would definitely return.
Here’s a slideshow containing 18 of my favorite photos from The Butterfly Zoo. If you don’t have time to watch it now feel free to pin the butterfly photo above and come on back anytime it’s convenient for you.
The Butterfly Zoo is located at 409 Bulgamarsh Rd, Tiverton, Rhode Island.
The Butterfly Zoo is open on sunny days in late May June, July, August and at times September. It is not open when it rains, so be sure to check the weather there before going. There is an admission fee of $8 (payable in cash) for adults and there is no charge for parking.
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The Butterfly Zoo website
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How neat, though I didn’t know they had such a short lifespan.
Such pretty butterflies! Our local aquarium has a butterfly garden, and it’s one of my favorite areas.
What a unique experience. I know my daughter would be enthralled with being surrounded by butterflies. I tried planting some butterfly-friendly plants but didn’t really notice a big increase in them. I would love to take her there.
How fun and pretty! I haven’t been to a butterfly garden in forever, but I bet my kids would love it!
You did get some great pictures. I think it’s awesome to go to a place like that. I’ve been to one in Omaha, and we almost got to one at Mackinack Island (next time!). Thanks for sharing your pictures.
We love places like this. They are such a great way to observe and learn from animals in person.
I’d love to visit the Butterfly Zoo. How awesome!
They certainly are beautiful creatures for such little things, aren’t they? They pack a lot of punch into those two tiny wings.
These photos are gorgeous and what a fabulous place this must be! I would love to visit!
My kids would love this place
Gorgeous shots. Hard to believe that these beautiful creatures were first eggs then larvae then caterpillars.
Oh my gosh, they are gorgeous! My daughter would love to visit. I went to a butterfly garden once in Mexico, I don’t like things flying over my head so I was petrified.
My daughter would freak, she is a huge butterfly fan. We may have to check this out next time we are over that way.
My daughter loves butterflies. When we lived in South Dakota we visited one at least monthly. We’ll have to add this to our list to visit.
Great shot! Who knew all those facts about butterflies!? I certainly learned a few new things!
What a beautiful collection of butterflies! I remember growing up at our local zoo they had a butterfly exhibit and it was so amazing to just sit and let them land on you.
What an amazing experience! I love the colors of that butterfly in that top picture, really beautiful.
I think they would have to drag me out of there. I LOVE butterflies. I have one tattooed on my shoulder and one on my wrist. LOVE them.
have seen many beautiful butterflies on display in epcot during its flower and garden festival