TRANSCRIPT:

Spring is in the air—and at San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park, so are the butterflies.

A tradition started in 1992, this annual exhibit allows guests an up-close-and-personal look at hundreds of butterflies.

Known as the “Butterfly Jungle,” the converted aviary houses over 15 species of butterflies from Central and South America. The Zoo Wildlife Alliance sources these colorful creatures from farmers, who raise butterfly pupae for zoological exhibits worldwide.

This exchange is what San Diego Zoo animal care staff call “win-win conservationism” which provides economic incentive for forest preservation in areas that might otherwise be clear cut.

The exhibit runs from March 21st through April 12th. Those looking to catch a glimpse of these iridescent insects should expect to pay an additional $18 online before heading to the park.

Reporting from San Diego, I’m Lindsay Sopko.