DAINTREE BUTTERFLY FARM
North Queensland

In 1984 ECO HABITATS created Australia's first commercial Butterfly Farm, which included a live exhibit of many of the species of native butterflies flying within a canopy covering a specially landscaped tropical garden. Located in the Daintree region of Far North Queensland, this rapidly became a most popular tourist venue.
All of the butterflies on display were bred within the complex.

Up to 38 species of Australian butterflies, including the Ulysses joesa (brilliant blue), and the endangered Ornithoptera priamus (Cairns Birdwing - one of the World's largest butterflies) were readily bred in our laboratory. So much so, that we were able to provide live pupae to other establishments, that subsequently opened throughout Australia.

The company acted as consultants in this area when the Royal Melbourne Zoo developed its $4 million Butterfly House. This was one in collaboration with the then curator of butterflies, Ernst Weiher. A further involvement followed, with the development of the Butterfly House at San Diego Wild Animal Park (San Diego Zoo). According to Dr. Bill Toone, Senior Curator, this continues to be one of the most popular exhibits.