Butterfly Garden

There's something special about butterfly sightings, even if at first glance one might find herself alarmed, thinking she's about to be stung by an enormous wasp. Thankfully, butterflies, hummingbirds, and bunny rabbits serve as pleasant reminders for us city folk that not everything in nature is scary or dangerous. Though scientists have been gravely concerned about the meaning behind rapid declines in the butterfly population, the Butterfly Garden at the Minnesota Zoo will be loaded with over 40 varieties of butterflies and moths. Keep an eye out for julias (often bright orange), buckeyes (check out their purple "eyes" used to fool predators), swallowtails (bright yellow and black), and many others. The area also has a scenic pond and flowering plants, which should pique the interest of botanists as well.
June 26-Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 2009