ABOUT
YOU'RE INVITED TO THE AMAZING WORLD OF INSECTS, ARACHNIDS, AND THEIR MANY-LEGGED RELATIVES
What is The Victoria Bug Zoo?
The Victoria Bug Zoo is a mini zoo in the heart of downtown Victoria, BC. Insects, arachnids, and other arthropods tend to be small, and so are we! Don't be fooled by our size, though. With over 50 different species of animals to see, you will spend anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours in the zoo. There will be an educator in the zoo at all times to help you learn as much as you can during your visit. They even take out some of the friendly animals for visitors to hold if they wish. Please keep in mind that not all animals in the zoo can be held. This is especially true for arachnids like spiders and scorpions. Whether these animals can be handled depends on how the animal is feeling at the time of your visit.
The Victoria Bug Zoo opened its doors in 1997 on Wharf Street. It soon moved to its current location, 631 Courtney Street. In 2014, it was purchased by Xing Chen and Chunli Wang. Since then, we have added new enclosures and fresh paint, and the Victoria Bug Zoo has transformed into what you see today.
The Victoria Bug Zoo is currently managed by Jaymie Chudiak. To learn a bit more about our team, scroll a little further down this page!
WHY A BUG ZOO?
We get that question a lot. The simple answer is because bugs are awesome!
The Victoria Bug Zoo is an educational facility with the following goals:
- Display a selection of the incredible diversity of invertebrates from around the world, many of which are unknown to the average person
- Combat misinformation and negative stereotypes about bugs with facts and enthusiasm
- Assist visitors in overcoming their phobias in a safe, controlled environment
- Provide a unique, hands-on experience for all ages with some of the most under-appreciated animals
- Promote the appreciation and conservation of all living things, no matter how different from us they are
- Create a safe space for younger folks to develop a lifelong passion for insects
Our team
Management
Jaymie Chudiak
General Manager
Pronouns: No preferred Pronouns
Jaymie, has been the General Manager for more than 7 years. She has a BCs in Biology and a love for bugs! With years of animal care under their belt, they are true Bug Royalty. In her spare time, Jaymie loves to play tabletop games as well as go for hike with the Bug Zoo Mascot, Todd the Dog. Jaymie strives to make the Victoria Bug Zoo a place of wonder and education in order to teach children and adults that Arthropods are just as important as other animals in our world.
Jaymie can be reached at jaymie@victoriabugzoo.ca
Common Questions
See some common questions and answers below, or call us at 250-384-2847