Albuquerque BioPark Reopens Bug Exhibit After Decade-Long Funding Cycle

The Albuquerque BioPark completed a major renovation of its Bugarium exhibit on Wednesday.

The project, funded by voters ten years ago, reopened to the public on Election Day, November 4.

Early visitors included Karen Bentz and her six-year-old grandson, Max, who explored the new spaces immediately.

Bentz noted that the experience was meaningful for her grandson, who connected with another child during the visit.

"He made a friend here. They’re both love bugs. Yeah, it is really special," Bentz said.

Max and eight-year-old Julian observed the leaf-cutter ants working in the atrium.

When asked about the ants' activity, Max replied, "Making mushrooms."

The redesigned exhibit allows guests to watch these ants travel across the room to cultivate fungus.

Alex Miller, the curator of entomology at the ABQ BioPark, said the facility aims to give insects a central role in visitor education.

"It’s really exciting that we’re in this moment right now where they’re in the spotlight, and bugs are rarely ever in the spotlight," Miller said.

Miller added that observing insects encourages people to slow down and appreciate overlooked details.

"I think that bugs can teach us to slow down and appreciate the things that are usually overlooked," Miller said. "Like the reason I got so into spiders was because I slowed down and started observing them, and I really. That they’re actually really cool and they’re not trying to kill me, so don’t judge a book by the front cover," Miller said.