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For Immediate Release
October 3, 2008
Butterfly Magic
Arizona's ONLY Live Tropical Butterfly Exhibit
November 1, 2008 - March 31, 2009
Tucson, Ariz. On November 1st, Tucson Botanical Gardens' greenhouse transforms into a magical place filled with hundreds of spectacular butterflies fluttering all around. Marvel at the brilliant colors, varied shapes, sizes and species of butterflies. Don't miss this year's gorgeous selection of butterflies from Asia, Australia, Africa and the Tropical Americas.
"Enjoy what may seem like a tropical vacation in the Gardens' intimate greenhouse without even leaving Arizona," said Nancy Laney, Executive Director of the Gardens. "Plus, help support global efforts for sustainable conservation. Butterfly farms offer a way for local people living in tropical forests to make a living without cutting them down."
How we get the butterflies
All of the butterflies in the Gardens' exhibit are hatched from eggs and live as caterpillars in butterfly farms in tropical parts of the world. When the caterpillars change into the pupa or resting stage, they are carefully counted, labeled, and packed. In the pupa stage of the butterfly life cycle, no food is required so they can survive the two or three day trip to Tucson.
Hours & Admission
Hours: Open Daily 10:00am - 3:00pm. Except Thanksgiving,Christmas Eve and Day and New Year's Day.
Admission to the exhibit includes Gardens' admission:
$11 for adults (ages 13+), $5.50 for children ages 4-12.
The exhibit is free for children 3 and younger.
All proceeds benefit the Tucson Botanical Gardens, a private, non-profit organization that promotes botanical, horticultural, and ecological education; encourages responsible environmental stewardship; and provides a beautiful setting for enjoyment and relaxation.
Butterfly Schedule - Each month features a different region:
November -Asia
December -Australia
January- Africa
February & March -Tropical Americas
*NEW THIS YEAR*
Behind the Scenes of Butterfly Magic Tour
Get up close as our curators teach you how to participate in the release of butterflies into the Butterfly Magic exhibit. Staff will explain and answer your questions as you witness the amazing life cycle and interesting habits of our butterflies. This half-hour is the most in-depth, hands-on experience you can have with the curators, the emergence room and the flight exhibit. Learn about sources of our butterflies, how they are fed and cared for, and the impact that our exhibit has on the tropical rainforests where our butterflies start their lives. Join us every Tuesday from 9:30 am - 10 am for this special opportunity.
Cost for Tour*: $20/Adults, $10/Children 4-12. $18/Adult Members, $8/Member Children 4-12. (*This includes admission to the Butterfly Magic exhibit and the Gardens). Children under 3 are FREE. Limit 8 per tour.
About the Gardens
Tucson Botanical Gardens, designated as America's Best Secret Garden by Reader's Digest, is an urban oasis in the heart of Tucson featuring a 5 1/2 acre collection of 16 specialty gardens. It is located at 2150 North Alvernon Way and is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 520.326.9686 x10, email info@tucsonbotanical.org or visit www.tucsonbotanical.org.
Media Contact:
Debbi Ng
Communications Development Associate
520.326.9686 x 35
520.324.0166 FAX
communications@tucsonbotanical.org
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