Butterfly Pavilion Unveils New Exhibit Celebrating the Vital Role of Invertebrates in Mexican Culture and Biodiversity and Government of Mexico Join Forces to Safeguard Monarch Migration Landmark Conservation Project Launches in Mexico’s Butterfly Biosphere Reserve

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WESTMINSTER, Colo. – February 20, 2025 – Butterfly Pavilion is proud to announce the grand opening of its latest immersive exhibit, Legacies: Invertebrates of Mexico, launching March 15, 2025. Designed to captivate visitors during spring break and beyond, this dynamic experience supports global invertebrate conservation with a blend of education, animals, entertainment, and cultural heritage.

“From ancient civilizations to modern conservation, invertebrates have shaped Mexico’s landscapes, traditions and biodiversity,” said Nathalie Brochu, Interim CEO of Butterfly Pavilion. “This exhibit brings their stories to life in a magical way, inspiring visitors to understand how essential these small creatures are to our world.”

Discover the Rich Heritage of Invertebrates
Legacies: Invertebrates of Mexico showcases the vital role invertebrates play in both nature and human history. From their use in food and dyes to their relationship with essential crops, these incredible creatures have shaped Mesoamerican traditions for centuries. Through vibrant, interactive displays, visitors will uncover the ecological importance of invertebrates and their often-overlooked influence on our world. Featuring fascinating species like tarantulas, millipedes, and leafcutter ants, this exhibit brings history and science to life in an unforgettable way.

Global Conservation in Action
Highlighting Butterfly Pavilion’s commitment to environmental stewardship, the exhibit also showcases the organization’s collaboration with the government of Mexico on an ambitious project to restore the vital monarch butterfly habitat in Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. Visitors can learn more about this inspiring conservation effort at the exhibit, gaining insights into how local and international initiatives are making a tangible difference for these iconic pollinators.

Exhibit Highlights:

- Live Animals – Millipedes, scorpions, tarantulas, slipper lobsters, and other invertebrates highlight their vital role in Mexico’s ecosystems, agriculture, and culture.

Monarch Tree– A dynamic installation featuring educational materials.

Sensory Elements – Lush soundscapes and natural scents transport visitors into Mexico’s diverse ecosystems.
Live Feeding Displays – Witness leafcutter ant colonies farming their own food.
Interactive Educational Activities –Hands-on conservation learning opportunities to engage visitors of all ages.

Strengthening Local Cultural Ties

To bring this exhibit to life, Butterfly Pavilion collaborated with esteemed cultural partners including the Consulate General of Mexico in Denver, the National Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico, Calaveras en mi Ciudad and Harvest Of All First Nations. These partnerships have enriched the exhibit by providing authentic cultural insights and artifacts, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive presentation of Mexico’s diverse cultural narratives.

WHEN: Exhibit Opens: Saturday, March 15, 2025
Daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Included with general admission

WHERE: Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W. 104th Avenue, Westminster, CO

LEARN MORE AND GET TICKETS: https://butterflies.org/legacies-invertebrates-of-mexico/

About Butterfly Pavilion

Butterfly Pavilion and the Government of Mexico announced a newly funded project to lead a critical effort to safeguard monarchs and their migration by restoring their wintering grounds in Mexico’s Butterfly Biosphere Reserve at a press conference at the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores in Mexico City.

The majestic Monarch butterfly, known for its extraordinary migration of over 3,000 miles from Canada and the northern United States to winter in Mexico, is facing an unprecedented threat from climate change, deforestation, and habitat loss. As a result, the population of overwintering Monarchs has declined by nearly 80% in just 30 years. Mexico’s Oyamel fir forest, which shelters Monarchs in the winter, is one of North America’s most endangered ecosystems, with less than 5% of its original range remaining.

“This project represents hope—for the Monarch butterfly and the ecosystems it helps sustain,” said Nathalie Brochu, Interim CEO of Butterfly Pavilion. “Restoring these vital habitats isn’t just about saving a species. It’s about ensuring that future generations can witness the wonder of the Monarch migration and the cultural and ecological richness it embodies.”

Supported by a grant from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Conservation Grant Fund (CGF), Butterfly Pavilion’s new project aims to restore Monarch habitats in Mexico by replanting 100,000 native Oyamel fir trees in high-elevation areas to create safe winter havens and help secure their migration for future generations. AZA SAFE Monarch has identified this urgent need for increased protection and resources for monarch butterfly overwintering sites.

Following the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s recent proposal to list the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the urgency for action has never been clearer.

“Immediate conservation action is required to prevent this extraordinary migration from collapsing. This grant is more than just an opportunity—it’s a lifeline for the Monarch migration,” said Shiran Hershcovich, Lepidopterist Manager at Butterfly Pavilion.

This initiative is a combined effort amongst:

Monarch butterflies are vital pollinators, supporting ecosystems across North America and serving as sensitive indicators of environmental health. Their migration, a breathtaking natural phenomenon, reflects broader ecological challenges, making immediate conservation action crucial. Butterfly Pavilion’s project goes beyond habitat restoration, engaging communities in the U.S. and Mexico through educational programs, such as creating pollinator gardens near Mexico’s Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. The migration also holds deep cultural significance, especially in Mexico, where monarchs’ arrival during Día de los Muertos symbolizes the souls of loved ones and supports local ecotourism, intertwining ecological preservation with cultural heritage.

The project’s success hinges on reaching the ambitious goal of planting 100,000 trees, which will require additional funding. Last winter, Monarch colonies occupied only 0.9 hectares of forest—the second-lowest figure on record. Experts believe at least 6 hectares of suitable habitat are needed to sustain the species.

“Support is critical to ensure the future of monarchs,” said Hershcovich. “Every contribution gets us closer to restoring the habitats these butterflies need to survive.”

To learn more about how you can help protect monarch butterflies and contribute to this crucial conservation effort, visit https://butterflies.org/monarch-butterfly-biosphere-reserve/