One of only three major butterfly facilities in Florida, the conservatory houses more than 60 species of live butterflies in a climate-controlled, 5,000-square-foot glass-enclosed tropical habitat.

Visitors can walk among the butterflies, sometimes called “flowers of the sky,” and observe their behavior in the rainforest-like environment that also is home to over 20 varieties of exotic birds, lush butterfly-attracting plants and two spectacular pink flamingos named Rhett and Scarlett.

Attractions during the Jan. 21 “birthday party” are to include crafts and activities for kids and families, a face-painting booth, a bounce house, picnic-style food to enjoy, games, giveaways, vendors offering appealing wares and some kid-friendly surprises.

In addition, Key West Mayor Teri Johnston is to make a special proclamation commemorating the facility’s two-decade milestone.

As well as viewing the conservatory’s winged inhabitants, event attendees can observe sea creatures in a Key West Aquarium touch tank and interact with animals from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm. Each family in attendance is to receive a butterfly host plant or nectar-source plant to take home.

The 13,000-square-foot Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory opened its doors in January 2003 after many years of research and development by co-founders George Fernandez and Sam Trophia, an acclaimed butterfly artist whose work graces the on-site gallery.

Today its offerings include daily explorations, guided twilight tours and small-group “flamingle” encounters with Rhett and Scarlett.