Carleton’s butterfly show is once again aflutter after Carleton’s biology department stepped in to cover a donation shortfall.

“With the recession, we had some problems,” said greenhouse manager Ed Bruggink.

Carleton has put on a free butterfly show since Bruggink first opened it in 1999, but last year it did not get enough donations to recover its total cost, he said.

The show brings 1,300 butterflies from across the world to fill the Nesbitt building greenhouse, and runs from Oct. 2–11, Bruggink said.

This year, the show will receive new funding from the biology department in addition to the community’s continual support.

Bruggink said that the biggest change he’s seen over the years is the increase in the number of people who visit.

The show has grown to attract 10,000 visitors according to Bruggink.

“You’d like to think the amount of people and the donations increase in a linear way, but that is not always the case,” said Iain Lambert, the chair of the biology department.

Lambert said the show is not intended to make a profit, but it should at least break even, since the department is not in a position to lose money.

Although the biology department was approved for additional funding to cover some of the show’s costs, it will still rely on public donations.

Bruggink said the funding will go towards the $5,000 spent on butterflies that are shipped in from a conservatory in England.

He said the funding is very helpful, but the show could not happen without support from the community.

“Carleton has always been stepping in with [free] parking and security . . . providing services for students, handicapped people and senior citizens,” Bruggink said.

Lambert said that there is also an overwhelming amount of volunteer support both internally and externally.

“Funding is a minor point that allows us to put [the butterfly show] on,” Lambert said.

Let’s Talk Science, a group of science students from Carleton and the University of Ottawa, started giving tours six years ago.

Co-ordinator Jennifer Skanes said it started with one class but this year she has over 1,000 school children signed up for tours.

Skanes, who is currently completing her doctorate degree in plant biochemistry at Carleton, said the butterfly show is the ideal place for children to learn.

“It has to be fun. It has to be eye-catching. It has to be real,” Skanes said.

Despite losing money last year, Bruggink said that he will never charge for entry to the show.

“It’s Carleton’s gift to the community.”