Get Involved with Monarch Butterfly Conservation at the Toledo Zoo

Keeping Up With Kids  |  08/30/2017 9:30 am

It has been said that butterflies are self-propelled flowers. While that may be true, the Toledo Zoo is hoping the public will help give these imperiled silent flyers a gentle nudge out into the world.

Each year, tens of thousands of monarch butterflies make an annual voyage from their northern breeding grounds to over-wintering sites high in the forests of Mexico.
 
As part of your Zoo’s ongoing butterfly conservation work, we have reared more than 500 monarch butterflies for release throughout the fall on this yearly migration. Before being released to begin their long journey, each of the Zoo's monarchs receives a unique (painless) tag to identify each animal, allowing the Zoo to receive data if the migratory animals are spotted on their 3,000+ mile journey toward Michoacán, Mexico.
 
The public can sponsor one of these iconic orange and black winged ambassadors, starting at just $10. Click here to sponsor a monarch! Since the Zoo began releasing monarchs in 2014, more than 20 tags were recovered at the breeding grounds in Mexico! Who knows...this year it could be yours! This incredible sponsorship opportunity will last for a very short time!
 
On Saturday, September 16, the Zoo will host its version of a going-away party, complete with public monarch release, sponsored by Medical Mutual. Zoo visitors of all ages are invited to enjoy butterfly-related activities, including an informational program, take-home butterfly garden seed packets and a release of a portion of the Zoo reared beautiful butterflies. Activities and program will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Zoo’s Main Plaza. This event is weather dependent and included free with Zoo admission.