The Bug Love Campaign

Since 1997 the Iowa State University Insect Zoo has provided an important learning opportunity for over a half a million Iowa children. Through our hands-on educational programs with live bugs, children have experienced first-hand the amazement and curiosity of bugs in a safe and fun environment.

Our message is simple, yet important. Love Our Bugs! We focus on the importance of our bug friends and connect youth with the natural world around them, showing them that we are all intertwined in this wild web we call Earth. 

The Insect Zoo is called upon by county extension and conservation offices, churches and nursing homes, schools and daycares, two- and four-year colleges, Girl and Boy Scouts, fairs and clubs, all over Iowa for our unique and educational experiences. Time and time again we exceed the expectations of the coordinators of the event we are attending and the participants who are left in awe. 

The excitement for the Insect Zoo has never been stronger. 2020 brought us all uncertain times, including the Insect Zoo. Much like that dung beetle who rolls that ball of dung uphill for several meters, never giving up, we never gave up hope! We continued to spread the bug love virtually with Facebook lives each week throughout the spring and summer months of the pandemic. We offered virtual programs via Zoom and Google Classrooms and reached youth in 15 states! We planned ahead for a busy 2021 summer and were not disappointed. We completely booked our summer schedule by April! 

While we are 100% back at it for summer 2021, the Insect Zoo needs your help! With your support we can continue to offer unforgettable hands-on experiences for children and adults of all ages. Your donation will help us to care for our animals, improve our animal husbandry labs, employ Iowa State students and add more animals to our zoo.