There are probably a thousand reasons to visit the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, but the Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion has to be one of the most magical.

The entire building, located between the aquarium and the giraffe complex, is an impressive 14,000 square feet. The Butterfly Conservatory portion occupies 2,450 square feet and features 10-foot-tall glass walls that allow in the maximum amount of natural sunlight.
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The building opened in May 2008 and has been delighting visitors with its huge numbers of free-flying butterflies. Step into the butterfly conservatory and you'll immediately be greeted by the sound of water, the sweet smell of fruit, and the enchanting sight of tiny fluttering wings.
flickr/Roberta Romero

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Little feeding stations are set up throughout the conservatory all along the promenade. Sweet water and ripe fruits draw the butterflies in and give them a reason to stop for a moment so visitors can observe them.
flickr/andavis86
Hundreds of butterflies flit around the space, navigating around the thick vegetation and resting for a moment on leaves or even on the bodies of human visitors. Sometimes a butterfly even seems to take an interest in a specific person and will follow them on their walk around the promenade.
flickr/andavis86

The space is kept very warm – around 85 degrees Fahrenheit – all year round to ensure the butterflies are active and flying around for visitors. It’s a completely enchanting experience. When you leave, you’ll have to stop in a small enclosed chamber to check yourself and others for any hitchhiking butterflies – they sometimes like to catch a ride out.

But this beautiful display isn’t just about watching the butterflies that fill the air. Since butterflies only live for a very short time, new chrysalises arrive weekly. You can see them in various stages of hatching.

Of course, there are other insects in the building. After you leave the butterfly conservatory, visit the insect pavilion to see some fascinating displays of insects from all over the world. Even if you’re not a fan of bugs, these displays – along with the accompanying information – are actually fascinating.

What an awesome experience! Have you ever visited the Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion? Read more about it here – and find out more about planning a visit to the zoo here.

Think you know everything there is to know about the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium? Check out these 15 facts to test your knowledge.

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