Butterfly Pavilion, Invertebrate zoo in Westminster, Colorado.
The Butterfly Pavilion is an invertebrate zoo in Westminster, Colorado, dedicated to butterflies, insects, and other arthropods. The main building includes a walk-through tropical house and several themed areas where animals live in settings that resemble their natural habitats.
The Butterfly Pavilion opened in 1995 as the first facility in North America dedicated entirely to invertebrates. Its success encouraged other institutions to develop similar programs centered on small creatures and their place in the natural world.
Inside the tropical house, butterflies fly freely around visitors, landing on shoulders, hands, and hair without warning. Many people slow down instinctively, moving gently so as not to disturb them.
Most areas are indoors with controlled temperatures, so a visit works well at any time of year. The tropical house is warm and humid, so light clothing is a good idea before going in.
One of the most recognized residents is Rosie, a rose hair tarantula that visitors can hold in their hand. Each time the spider is replaced, the new one keeps the same name, so Rosie has been a fixture there for many years.
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