VICTORIA, BC – August 2026 – Victoria Butterfly Gardens is rallying behind a longtime butterfly farming partner in Colombia following the devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on August 10.
From now through September 30, Victoria Butterfly Gardens will donate 10% of admission revenue to Vanessa and her family, whose homes were lost in the earthquake. Guests will also have the opportunity to make an additional donation at the Gardens.
Vanessa is the owner of Alas de Colombia, a sustainable butterfly farming operation in Colombia that raises butterflies for Victoria Butterfly Gardens and other butterfly exhibits around the world. The organization works with local rural communities to raise butterflies sustainably, providing both employment and an economic incentive to conserve the natural habitats on which the butterflies depend.
Victoria Butterfly Gardens began its relationship with Vanessa and Alas de Colombia in 2019, after a member of the Gardens’ team met her at the International Association of Butterfly Exhibitors and Suppliers annual industry conference in Florida. What began as a supplier relationship has grown into a close connection between people who share a passion for butterflies, conservation and education.
Alas de Colombia raises butterflies specifically for orders from Victoria Butterfly Gardens including Blue Morphos, Giant Owls, Red Crackers, Malachite, Zebra Mosaic and Helicon varieties. They carefully nurturing them through their early life stages before shipping them as pupae, or chrysalides, to Vancouver Island. Once they arrive at the Gardens, the pupae are placed in the emergence window, where visitors can watch as the adult butterflies emerge before being released into the tropical jungle.
Vanessa and her mother both lost their homes in the earthquake. They are safe and are currently staying at their butterfly farm while they begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
“Victoria Butterfly Gardens is deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake in Colombia and the impact it has had on our friends and colleagues there,” said Ronalea Durrance, General Manager, Victoria Butterfly Gardens. Our relationship has grown far beyond a business partnership, and Vanessa and her family have become valued members of our extended butterfly community. We want them to know that their friends, here in Victoria, stand with them as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding.”
Alas de Colombia has been raising butterflies in Colombia for more than two decades. Its sustainable farming model works with rural communities and demonstrates how butterfly farming can provide an income while encouraging the protection of forests and biodiversity.
For visitors to Victoria Butterfly Gardens, the connection is a reminder that the butterflies they encounter on Vancouver Island are part of a much larger story.
“Every butterfly that arrives at our Gardens has been carefully raised and cared for by people thousands of kilometres away,” said Durance. “Our visitors see the final, beautiful stage of that journey. We hope that by sharing Vanessa’s story, we can also introduce people to the individuals and communities whose work makes that experience possible.”
Through September 30, 10% of admission revenue at Victoria Butterfly Gardens will be directed to Vanessa and her family to assist with their recovery and rebuilding. Guests who would like to contribute further can make an additional donation at the Gardens.
No additional purchase is required to participate in the fundraising effort. Every paid admission during the campaign period will automatically contribute to the initiative.
About Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Victoria Butterfly Gardens offers visitors the opportunity to experience a vibrant tropical environment filled with thousands of butterflies, tropical birds, reptiles, amphibians and other fascinating species. Located on the Saanich Peninsula near Victoria, B.C., the Gardens connect visitors with the natural world through immersive experiences, education and conservation.
About Alas de Colombia
Alas de Colombia is a sustainable butterfly farming operation based in Palmira, Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Established in 2001, the organization raises native Colombian butterflies and works with rural communities to create sustainable sources of income while supporting biodiversity conservation. Its butterflies are supplied as pupae to butterfly exhibits around the world.
