Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, Tropical butterfly conservatory in Pine Mountain, Georgia, US
The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center is a tropical conservatory with a glass dome housing over 1,000 butterflies from roughly 50 species in a warm, humid indoor environment. The space recreates the natural conditions these insects need to thrive and move freely through planted areas.
The center opened in 1988 and was among the first three butterfly conservatories established in the United States, named after Days Inn founder Cecil B. Day. Its creation helped establish this type of facility as a popular attraction for visitors interested in tropical wildlife.
The center sources butterflies from farming families across tropical regions, supporting local communities while helping protect rainforest ecosystems that depend on butterfly populations.
Air blasts at doorways prevent butterflies from escaping, so expect this sensory experience when entering and leaving the dome. Plan to spend between 30 to 45 minutes inside, depending on how long you want to watch and photograph the butterflies.
The conservatory maintains a warm temperature and high humidity to replicate tropical conditions, allowing butterflies to complete their entire lifespan inside the dome. This controlled environment makes it possible for visitors to see insects at different life stages, from newly emerged to fully mature butterflies.
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