OREGON ZOO CREATES WORLD OF WINGED WONDERS
PORTLAND, Ore. A bevy of beautiful butterflies will flutter by and light on visitors in a new exhibit this summer at the Oregon Zoo. This temporary summer exhibit, which runs from May 18 through September, will feature more than 20 species of butterflies native to North America.
We asked visitors last fall what special exhibit theyd like to see, and butterflies came out on top, said Oregon Zoo Director, Tony Vecchio. Its our hope that once visitors have been surrounded by these captivating fliers, theyll want to create an environment in their own backyard to attract butterflies.
Visitors will follow a winding pathway through flower gardens to the exhibit entrance where they will receive a butterfly identification brochure. Once inside the exhibit butterflies such as Zebra Swallowtails, Buckeyes, and Viceroys will be the main attraction. Visitors will walk through more than 2,000 square-feet covered by pathways that meander through gardens with water features. Lingering areas with benches will allow visitors to sit back and be totally immersed in a world of winged wonders. Before leaving the main exhibit area visitors can view the life cycle of a butterfly through a pupae display.
An interpretive area will allow visitors to learn more about the butterflies with which theyve just interacted. Interesting, fun hands-on activities will explain how a butterfly uses its senses of sight, smell and taste. The zoos field conservation projects with the silverspot - the only Oregon insect listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act - and Fenders blue butterflies will also be featured.
The exit area will consist of a butterfly garden with locally available plants native to North America. Plants such as the butterfly bush, cornelian cherry, kinnikinick, spirea and dogwood, which attract butterflies, are some of the plants that are planned.
You have to think in terms of plants that will attract butterflies in all stages of their development, remarked Linda Coady Richardson, the zoos horticultural supervisor. The caterpillers plant needs are different from the pupaes, which are different from the butterflys.
Admission to the exhibit is $2, in addition to general zoo admission. General admission is $7.50 (12-64), seniors $6 (65+), children $4.50 (3-11), and under 3 are free.
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