The University of Georgia’s entomology department is set to open an insect zoo in January. The zoo will be housed in Cedar Street Building B on campus and house about 30 types of insects, according to Dr. Kelly Carruthers, a professor and the primary caretaker of the zoo.
Once complete, the zoo will be open to the public. “Anyone really can come and visit, we would just ask that people schedule something with us,” Carruthers said. “Fortunately, my office is right next door, so I can come over and take people through.”
While initially thought to open in September 2025, construction delays have pushed back the opening.
One of the zoo’s oldest residents is Ms. Bonnie, a 13-year-old rose hair tarantula. Other critters include Madagascar hissing cockroaches, blue death-feigning beetles, and Peruvian walking sticks. “I know we're not super creative at naming,” Carruthers said. “Like a lot of them get named based on how they look.”
Carruthers hopes that introducing people to the bugs will help ease their fears.
“I used to be really afraid, and part of being less afraid was learning so much about them,” Carruthers said. “And so all I want to do is share with people what little bits that I know, so they'll be a little bit less afraid.”
Listen to a 4-minute feature on the Insect Zoo using the 'listen' button above.
