BUGarium to Close for Renovations Beginning Dec. 1

The BUGarium will temporarily close to the public starting Monday, Dec. 1, as the facility undergoes a six-month renovation project. 

 

The BUGarium’s rearing lab opened in 2006, and the public facility followed in 2016. Over the years, the space has welcomed countless guests and supported important arthropod care and research. 

 

The upcoming renovation aims to elevate the guest experience, boost efficiency for animal care teams, and improve the flexibility of some of the arthropod habitats.

 

Upgrades will include more resilient flooring, fresh paint throughout the interior, and enhancements to several habitats. The education desk will also be made more prominent to better engage guests as soon as they enter. Additionally, the BUGarium’s naked mole rat colony will be relocated to a low-light area that is suitable for their natural behaviors, as they prefer darker environments.

 

New advances in Goliath beetle care will also be implemented, particularly through the expansion of space dedicated to these charismatic giants. The desert habitat, which highlights species native to the Southwest, will also be remodeled for better visibility and improved staff access. Guests can also look forward to expansions and upgrades to the stick insect habitats. 

 

This roughly $80,000 renovation is funded through the BioPark’s Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) fund, and is expected to be completed and reopened in about six months. We thank you for your patience during this time, and we look forward to welcoming you back to a refreshed and upgraded facility in 2026!