Mary Ann Lee Butterfly Wing

Due to significant storm damage in May 2025, the Butterfly Wing is closed indefinitely while we work to ensure a safe environment for all. The rest of the Insectarium remains open where you can see many other fascinating insects and watch some of the Zoo's amazing invertebrate keepers at work. Updates on the Butterfly Wing will be posted here. We appreciate your understanding and support during this time.

Challenges After the Storm
Just after the May 16, 2025, storm, Saint Louis Zoo invertebrate keepers faced a challenge they won't soon forget: Safely capturing an entire dome full of butterflies—fast. A large tree crashed through a section of the Mary Ann Lee Butterfly Wing, breaking several plexiglass panels in the geodesic dome. Thankfully, the branches created a canopy that helped contain many of the butterflies. Keepers quickly knew what to do. They train regularly for emergency recoveries just like this. They quickly checked the area for safety and used nets to carefully catch and contain the dome’s colorful residents. Staff from across the Zoo jumped in to help, along with an entomologist from the nearby Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House. The butterflies—along with chrysalids and cocoons—were transported to the Butterfly House. All the animals did well in the transfer and thrived at the Butterfly House.