Active from 1994 to 2016, the Monarchs Without Borders breeding program has been one of the Montréal Insectarium’s most exciting learning adventures. It has educated close to 700,000 people, raising their awareness about safeguarding the species.
Unfortunately, scientists are noting more and more alarming clues indicating that freeing bred butterflies for educational purposes or in the context of events could represent a risk for the survival of the monarch population. Based on a rigorous analysis of this information, the Insectarium team has decided to halt the Monarchs Without Borders program.
The team wishes to thank all participants who have bred monarchs and provided data that has helped scientists develop species conservation programs for over 22 years.
The Insectarium suggests two other ways to be part of saving the monarch: creating a monarch oasis, and collaborating on the community science program Mission Monarch.
