Keep a Nature Journal

Help us protect habitats in the tropics and around the world with the Adopt-A-Butterfly program. Choose from four adoption levels to meet your needs. In return, we provide you a certificate of adoption, an informational brochure, a butterfly photo, and even a special gift ranging from a cute plush butterfly to a hand-crafted kite. Half of the profits go directly to one of our supplying butterfly farms in the tropics and the other half supports other Butterfly Pavilion's conservation efforts. Give the gift that shows how much you care, both for your loved ones and our tropical butterflies.

Adopt-A-Butterfly FAQ

Why should I adopt a butterfly?

Adopting a butterfly is a unique and fun gift that shows you care about the environment. Habitat destruction is one of the greatest challenges facing our planet in the 21st century. By adopting a butterfly, your donation will help conservation efforts both locally and globally. Plus, it is a unique and fun gift that shows you care about the environment!

Where does the money go?

Half of the program’s profits support rainforest conservation by a selected butterfly farm partner (For 2011, our selected partner is Spirogyra in Costa Rica). The other half of the profits goes to a fund for one of the Butterfly Pavilion’s local conservation projects, such as local short grass prairie restoration, native butterfly preservation, or upgrades to more sustainable operations. A portion of each Adopt-A-Butterfly package is a tax-deductible donation.

How can I adopt a butterfly?

You can purchase adoption packages in our gift shop. You may also order an adoption package over the phone (we will ship packages to you if you live out of town/state). In the future, adoption packages will be available for purchase online.

What do I get if I adopt a butterfly? How much does it cost?

There are four adoption levels: Friend, Steward, Advocate, and Guardian. A portion of each package is a tax-deductible donation to habitat conservation efforts. A number of gift items are also included as part of each package (see chart below).

What kind of butterfly can I adopt?

At this time, we’re offering adoptions of our gorgeous Blue Morpho butterfly, one of the favorite species spotted by our visitors. We plan to add new species to the program over time. Please check back with us for more details!

Can I take my butterfly home?

Our tropical butterflies must stay here at the Butterfly Pavilion, but we encourage adoptive families to visit often! Each butterfly may also have more than one adoptive parent, but the profits from all adoptions go to support conservation in rainforest habitats.

How long will it take for my adoption package to reach me?

If you are ordering over the phone and we will be mailing the package to you, please allow at least 5 business days for shipping and delivery. Long distance orders should allow at least 2 weeks for shipping and delivery. If you purchase your adoption package in our gift shop, you can take it home right away!

Who should adopt a butterfly?

Adoption packages are suitable for all ages! Adoption packages make a wonderful gift for children of any age, but adults will enjoy many of the items in the package as well.

What if I’d like to make a donation to the program, but not receive the gift items that are part of the adoption package?

You may always choose to donate more than the cost of the package. Any additional donation is tax-deductible and goes directly toward supporting conservation efforts at the Butterfly Pavilion and at our partner butterfly farm. If you are interested in making a donation to the program, we suggest purchasing the Friend package (so you receive some information about the program, but no additional gift items) and donating more than the cost of that package.

How can I find out more about the program?

For up-to-date information call 720-974-1879 or email mgraul@butterflies.org for more details or speak with the staff members that teach the Butterfly Encounters during your visit to the Butterfly Pavilion. You can also stop by the gift shop to see a display of the different adoption package options as well as receive an informational rack card.