Governor Polis to Sign HB24-1117 at Butterfly Pavilion

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What:     Governor Jared Polis will sign House Bill 24-1117 into law at Butterfly Pavilion, marking a significant breakthrough for Colorado’s invertebrate conservation and research efforts by adding invertebrates to the species that may be studied and conserved in Colorado.

When:    May 17, 2024, 10:15 a.m.                                                                                                            

Where:  Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W 104th Ave, Westminster, CO 80020

Who:     Governor Jared Polis, First Gentlemen Marlon Reis, Dr. Rich Reading, VP of Science and Conservation at Butterfly Pavilion, bill sponsors and stakeholders. 

Why:     The state of Colorado, previously, was one of the few states where invertebrates were not defined under wildlife state law. With invertebrates comprising a staggering 97% of all animal species on earth, House Bill 24-1117 finally empowers Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to protect and conserve these vital creatures of virtually every ecosystem on the planet. With testimonial support from Butterfly Pavilion, we welcome this legislation as it will significantly benefit invertebrate research, conservation, and education efforts throughout Colorado.

About:  Butterfly Pavilion has been part of the Colorado community since 1995 and is the first Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited, stand-alone, non-profit invertebrate zoo in the world, located in Westminster, Colorado. Butterfly Pavilion’s mission is to foster an appreciation of invertebrates by educating the public about the need to protect and care for threatened habitats globally, while conducting research for solutions in invertebrate conservation. Beyond Colorado and the United States, Butterfly Pavilion conservationists are doing important invertebrate research, conservation and education projects around the world from Mongolia and Tanzania to Turks and Caicos and Sumatra, Indonesia.