Stroll Amid Colorful Butterflies In New Exhibit At Reston Zoo

RESTON, VA — Imagine strolling through a tropical rain forrest surrounded by the flutter of colorful butterfly wings. That imagined experience can become a reality thanks to the new Wings of Wonder exhibit at Roer's Zoofari in Reston.

"These guys are all exotic species," said Mike Kerr, the zoo's chief of operations, as he gave a tour of the exhibit Monday afternoon.

About 700 butterflies representing 32 species were flying about the exhibit, which is housed inside a long tent made of white cloth.

"They range from several different countries," Kerr said. "It's a highly controlled environment, because we don't want them getting out."

The butterflies swooped about, sometimes landing on visitors' hair or clothing, the tent wall, or one of the many flowering plants that dominated the space.

"All of the plants are high-nectar-producing, which extends the life of the butterfly," Kerr said. "Some of these guys are fruit eaters, so you'll see some fruit out and about."

At different intervals, butterflies stopped to dine from plates filled with watermelon and Blue Gatorade, which Kerr said they liked to drink.

The largest butterfly species on display was the Blue Morpho, which is a native of the Central and South American rainforests. Its vibrant blue wings make it an easy one to identify.

The butterflies arrive weekly at the in chrysalis form, which are put on display in the pupa room near the entrance of the Wings of Wonder exhibit. Once the butterflies emerge and their wings dry out, they're released inside the white tent to fly about and mingle with visitors.

Once the zoo switched its Zoofari to a self-driving exhibit last year, it was able to remain open throughout the pandemic, said Kerr. He added that more people have been coming to the zoo now that COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. One of the chief draws has been the butterfly exhibit, which opened about a month ago.

"It's been very popular," Kerr said. "People are really intrigued by it."

Entrance to the Wings of Wonder exhibit is $7 on top of admission to the zoo.

"Part of that is because we actually have to import the butterflies every week. Butterflies, usually, their lifespan is about two weeks," Kerr said.

Located at 1228 Hunter Mill Road, Roer's Zoofari is open weekdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and weekends, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. More information is available online.