Bamboo page butterfly (<em>Philaethria dido</em>) Wide-angle view of the north side of the Conservatory. Two-toed sloth eating a sweet potato chunk. Young visitor pointing at a butterfly. Porterweed (<em>Stachytarpheta</em> sp.) Visitor with child, pointing at turtles.

Current Hours

  • Tuesday–Sunday, 10:30am–4:30pm
  • Closed Mondays
  • The Conservatory will close September 1, 2024, and re-open Memorial Day, 2025.

What is the Living Conservatory?

Immerse yourself in a Central American tropical dry forest filled with living plants and animals. Encounter butterflies, turtles, tarantulas, snakes and even a two-toed sloth. Discover a vanilla orchid, pineapple plant, cashew tree and more. Explore North Carolina's connection to the tropics through migration, shared species and products.

Where is the Living Conservatory?

Nature Exploration Center, 4th Floor

Watch more Conservatory videos on YouTube

Jobs, Volunteering and Internships

Work with us! Find available jobs and apply here.

Volunteer in the Living Conservatory! We are looking for people who are interested in the natural sciences and public interaction. Find volunteer opportunities here

We are also seeking motivated and ambitious interns year-round for more in-depth work experiences. About Internships

Support Us

Donations help in many ways, from enhancing the exhibit with additional live butterflies and nectar plants to expanding our educational reach through the purchase of educational components and instructional tools. Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated!

Donate here

Staff