Papiliorama

Description

In the canton of Fribourg, in Kerzers in Seeland, lies the Papiliorama, a specialist zoo focusing on the keeping of butterflies and moths. In addition, the institution presents numerous animals from the South American rainforest and the Amazon region; a dedicated stop on the Kerzers–Lyss railway line has been established for visitors.

The facility opened on 5 May 1988 in Marin NE, on the south side next to a large shopping centre between the station and the motorway exit. A major fire destroyed the building on 1 January 1995; it was rebuilt later the same year thanks to extensive donations. Due to limited space, the Papiliorama was moved to its current location in Kerzers in 2003. Until 2010 it bore the additional name Papiliorama – Swiss Tropical Gardens.

Directly next door is the Nocturama, which displays nocturnal species from the tropical regions of Central and South America. By using artificial lighting shifted by twelve hours, their active period is made observable to visitors. Among the species shown are spectacled owls, sloths, bats, prehensile-tailed porcupines, armadillos, night monkeys, pacas, coatis and anteaters.

The Swiss Butterfly Garden, opened in 2004, features an approximately 500 m² aviary that provides habitats such as species-poor meadows and dry grassland for native butterfly species. In summer more than ten native species fly there and breed within the enclosure.

The Jungle-Trek, open to visitors since March 2007, presents the biodiversity of tropical rainforests with their plants and animals. Other on-site offerings include a petting zoo with domestic and farm animals, the children's playground Pongo plaza, a large water play area, a floodplain area with an observation hide, and a wooden viewing tower.