View from Above Cafe Windows School Groups

What is the Living Conservatory?

Nature Exploration Center, 4th Floor

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.

Watch Conservatory videos on YouTube

  • Public Hours
  • Closed on Mondays
  • Tuesday–Friday, 10am–3pm
  • Saturday, 11am–4pm
  • Sunday, 1pm–4pm

Living Conservatory Photos

Volunteering and Internships

We are looking for people who are interested in the natural sciences and public interaction.

Time commitment: three-hour shifts 3–4 times per month (Tuesday–Friday, 10am–3pm; Saturday 11am–4pm; Sunday 1pm–4pm)

Training: On-the-job training, specialized training on natural history of the new world tropics and animal handling training.
About volunteering

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

Donations of items can be made by visiting our Amazon Wish List website. Look for “Living Conservatory” in the item description.

Staff