Tropical
Butterfly House
Pacific Science
Center's Tropical Butterfly House opened Dec. 26, 1998. Our
goal in creating this 4,000 square foot exhibit was to
build an immersive exhibit that would provide a glimpse
into a part of the world very unlike Seattle -- a warm,
sunny place where colorful butterflies are active 365 days
a year. Seattle skies do not provide the light necessary
for tropical species to thrive. Supplemental heat, light,
and humidity are provided to sustain a tropical ecosystem
among the cool, grey, drizzly days of the Pacific
Northwest.
We import about 500 tropical butterflies weekly, from South
and Central America, Africa, and Asia. Our butterflies are
responsibly raised in sustainable rainforest farms. We are
proud to participate in the positive economic, cultural,
and environmental impacts butterfly farming makes
throughout the world.
What To Expect - What
Are The Rules?
When you visit Pacific
Science Center's Tropical Butterfly House be prepared to
enter a tropical oasis. You will be encouraged to lighten
your load by leaving coats and bulky items behind at the
entrance. For the health of our butterflies and their
ecosystem we ask that you leave all food, beverages,
outside plant material, and strollers at the entrance as
well. When you arrive at the door, one of our staff will
greet you to facilitate your entrance into this special
habitat. Our facility features double doors to prevent
butterflies from escaping and to maintain the tropical
climate. Once inside we ask that you help us preserve the
health and beauty of our butterflies and the plants on
which they depend by refraining from touching or disturbing
them. On your way out, be prepared to take a few moments at
the exit helping us to prevent butterflies from escaping.
More On
Butterflies