Animal Code of Ethics

As stewards of living creatures, we are committed to the ethical care, handling, and distribution of butterfly larvae and honey bees. Our decisions are rooted in the principles of respect for life, environmental responsibility, and the long-term health and sustainability of these vital pollinators.

1. Animal Welfare Comes First

We prioritize the physical health, natural behaviours, and overall wellbeing of butterfly larvae and honey bees above all else. This means we do not accommodate customer holiday schedules, personal calendars, or special requests for alternate delivery dates or times. Live animal logistics require careful coordination with environmental conditions, life stages, people and transport timing. These systems are not flexible in the way typical retail or gift deliveries are. Our policies exist to protect the animals—not to meet convenience expectations.

2. Responsible Timing and Pick-Up

We only ship or deliver larvae and bees when environmental conditions such as departure and arrival temperatures are optimal for their survival and development. Orders may be delayed, rescheduled, or declined if conditions pose a risk.

Customers are expected to pick up their animals within the designated window provided at time of purchase or notification. If animals are not picked up during that window, they will be rehomed or donated to a suitable recipient to ensure their welfare. No refunds will be issued under these circumstances, as clearly stated in our purchase terms.

 

3. Ethical Sourcing and Breeding

All butterfly larvae and bees are sourced or bred using humane, sustainable, and ecologically sound practices. We do not support practices that contribute to the decline of native populations or disrupt local ecosystems.

 

4. Education is Your Responsibility

We provide educational resources and references to support responsible care of these animals. However, it is the customer’s responsibility to educate themselves before receiving butterfly larvae or honey bees. 

 

5. Habitat Respect and Integration

We encourage integration with local ecosystems and discourage releases in inappropriate habitats where the insects may struggle to survive or harm native species. Where applicable, we consult with local guidelines and authorities.

 

6. Transparency and Timing

We clearly communicate the reasons behind any delays, refusals, or cancellations due to animal welfare concerns. However, it’s important to understand that the timing of live animal shipments is inherently unpredictable. The emergence, development, and readiness of living organisms are influenced by temperature, weather, and other natural factors. Our standards for animal welfare also require flexibility. As such, shipment details are subject to change even up to the day of shipping to ensure the safe and ethical transport of these animals.

 

7. Continuous Learning and Improvement

We do our best to stay informed about best practices in entomology, beekeeping, and environmental science. Our policies evolve as we learn more, and we welcome feedback from researchers, educators, and conservationists.