When Lloyd Hollett chased down a lead to find more samples for his insect collections, he had no idea that he would be offered a vision outlining the next stage of his life. Lloyd would fill this new niche naturally with his own insatiable desire to learn and grow, abundant interpersonal skills, and love of sharing the wonders of the insect world with others.
Development of the Newfoundland Insectarium
Beginning during his days as a student, and continuing during his work with the Provincial Department of Forestry, Lloyd Hollett has developed an ever-growing interest in collecting insects and arthropods. By traveling all over Newfoundland and other parts of Canada giving presentations to school children, he has always put these collections to good use in educating the public.
It was when Lloyd followed up a lead to obtain more insect samples that he met Georges Brossard, founder of the Montreal Insectarium. Georges suggested to him that he create his own insectarium in Newfoundland. The seed was planted. Several years and many hours of work later, Lloyd and co-worker Gary Holloway opened the Newfoundland Insectarium to the public in the fall of 1998.
Mounted and Live Displays at the Newfoundland Insectarium
The Newfoundland Insectarium is housed in a unique structure that was originally built and used as a dairy barn. There are three levels of mounted and live displays contained in Lloyd Hollett’s insectarium. The live exhibits include a leaf cutter ant colony, honeybees in a glass hive, scorpions, tarantulas, giant cockroaches, stick insects and butterflies. There are even opportunities for visitors to hold these fascinating creepy crawlies.
The mounted displays cover each of six geographical zones of the world, as well as a special section devoted to Newfoundland and Labrador. The abundance of colors, shapes and educational information holds the attention of visitors for long periods of time.
The Butterfly Pavilion at the Newfoundland Insectarium
Lloyd Hollett was inspired to add the Butterfly Pavilion to the insectarium in 2002, not knowing that he would also be inspired to compile a book of nonfiction accounts called Butterfly Messengers.
The Butterfly House is a popular attraction with visitors, ranging in age from the very young to the elderly. It contains hundreds of tropical butterflies flying freely around the attractive setting that includes a pond stocked with goldfish and koi. It is an inviting and peaceful place to sit and relax.
Another interesting feature of the Newfoundland Insectarium is a walking trail that leads to the Humber River and Rocky Brook. This is a perfect short hike for bird enthusiasts or those hoping to catch a glimpse of local wildlife. The Insectarium also contains a video room, an ice-cream parlor and a gift shop, along with well-kept grounds, including picnic tables for enjoying a rest or snack.
Through intuition and hard work, the Newfoundland Insectarium has developed into one of the province’s premiere attractions, being one of only two insectariums in Canada. Visitors from all over the world pass through its doors each year, entering into the absorbing and fascinating world of insects, while benefiting from the knowledge of their champion, Lloyd Hollett.
Stella Walsh - Stella Walsh is a Christian writer, student of theology, elementary school teacher, committed church volunteer and photography ...
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