by Rick LoBello, Education Program Manager

Bug Fest has become one of the most unique, entertaining, and meaningful educational events at the El Paso Zoo. What many visitors may not realize is that behind the fun, excitement, and fascinating animals is a much deeper purpose: helping people reconnect with the natural world and understand why even the smallest creatures matter.

The history of Bug Fest goes back to 2002, when I was hired as the El Paso Zoo’s first Education Curator. At that time, Zoo Director Bill Torgerson had already made plans to host a bug-themed summer event by bringing in an organization from Las Cruces to organize and present it. The event turned out to be very interesting and highly successful, and it quickly became clear that the community was excited about learning more about insects and other invertebrates.

After seeing the response from the public, I suggested that the zoo begin creating and operating its own annual bug event using our own staff, educational programming, and growing collection of invertebrates. Beginning in the summer of 2003, the El Paso Zoo started producing its own Bug Fest event, and with only a few exceptions over the years, it has continued almost every year since then.

Over time, Bug Fest has grown into far more than just a fun family event. It has become an important part of the zoo’s conservation education mission.

As a conservation educator for more than 50 years, one thing has become very clear to me: we will only protect what we love, and we will only love what we know and understand. That is exactly why Bug Fest matters. It gives people the opportunity to slow down, look closely, ask questions, and begin to appreciate creatures that are often overlooked, feared, or misunderstood.

During this year’s Bug Fest, every bug species housed at the zoo will be featured in the event tent. Visitors will also have the chance to interact with more than 100 dedicated teenage volunteers from local high schools who help bring the event to life through hands-on learning experiences and educational activities.

I especially hope visitors will take a moment during the event to look for Education Specialist Heather Rivera, say hello to her, and thank her for the incredible work she does leading the Bug Fest team. I have had the privilege of working with Heather for more than 15 years, and she has become one of the driving forces behind the event’s success. Organizing an event of this size takes an enormous amount of dedication, coordination, and passion, and Heather works tirelessly to make sure Bug Fest continues to grow bigger and better every year. Her leadership, creativity, and commitment to conservation education have helped make this event one of the zoo’s most valuable educational experiences.

Bug Fest also reminds us of something very important: our world is becoming increasingly unsafe not only for large animals, but also for the “little guys” like beetles, butterflies, tarantulas, bees, and countless microscopic organisms that quietly support life on Earth every day. Habitat destruction, pollution, pesticides, climate change, and human expansion are affecting ecosystems everywhere, and too often we forget just how connected we are to nature. In case you missed it learn how you can help bugs by reading John Scordato’s recent blog post here.

My hope is that Bug Fest inspires visitors not only to learn more, but also to care more deeply about the living world around them. The future of wildlife conservation depends on people making that emotional connection to nature—and sometimes that connection begins with something as small as a bug.

I hope you will join us for Bug Fest, bring your family and friends, and become part of a growing community of people who understand that every species, no matter how small, has value and deserves our respect and protection.

Photos

Cover – Agave beetle by Rick LoBello
Feature – Lady bug by miheco, Wikimedia Creative Commons
Top – Praying mantis by Linda in Fortuna, Wikimedia Creative Commons
Stink beetle by Katja Schulz, Wikimedia Creative Commons
Giant cave roach by Weimar Meneses, Wikimedia Creative Commons