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Butterfly Center Program The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center opened in 1988. Since its opening, millions of visitors have strolled through this tropical world where butterflies fill the air with brilliant color. Highlights of the Butterfly Center - The Center encompasses 4 ½ acres.
- The Conservatory contains approximately 1,000 tropical butterflies representing 50 species.
- The octagonal conservatory is enclosed by 854 panes of glass.
- The conservatory varies in height from 16 to 42 feet.
- A one-of-a-kind climate control system adapts to seasonal weather changes, maintaining a constant temperature of 84 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity level of 60 to 80%, conditions ideal for both tropical plants and butterflies.
- A waterfall sends water cascading 12 feet into a 275 square foot pool which averages two feet in depth.
- The Center is crowned by the Hand Cupola, salvaged from the 1895 childhood home of Callaway Gardens co-founder Virginia Hand Callaway. It first was placed in the Meadowlark Gardens as a memorial to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Judson Hand of Pelham, Georgia, in the early 1970s, before becoming part of the Day Butterfly Center.
Design Principles The Day Butterfly Center was designed to recreate a rain forest environment. Every element of the conservatory allows the approximately 50 species of butterflies, numerous tropical plants, tropical birds and our guests to interact with their surroundings. The butterflies are not encased --- they fly freely throughout the conservatory. Guests stroll along paved paths as the butterflies flutter around them. Outdoor Butterfly Gardens Outside the Center, native butterflies are attracted to butterfly gardens. These gardens are planted with flowers and shrubs that provide nectar for the butterflies.
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