Live Butterfly Release for weddings, funerals, and memorials.

Questions about Shipping Butterflies

FedEx and UPS; these shipping companies will not reimburse shipping expenses due to weather delays. If your package is delayed after it leaves Shady Oak we will not refund shipping costs. Shady Oak still guarantees arrive alive!
Important! we can not ship butterflies to arrive on Sunday, Monday, or the day after a UPS/FEDEX holiday. Please call us to see what can be done in that situation.
Once a package is delivered by UPS or FedEx and a signature was NOT obtained at delivery, we are no longer responsible for the package. We do not offer refunds for packages that UPS shows as being delivered without signature under any circumstance. If you would like to require a signature on the package, we can do so via special request but we will not guarantee them if you are not there the day of arrival for them to be delivered on time.

1. Why do you ship butterflies in cold dark boxes? Isn't that cruel?

Butterflies are naturally active in warmth and light.

Butterflies are shipped in foam coolers with ice packs to place them in a stress-less ‘dormant’ state, thus imitating a cool spring or fall night.

We are imitating nature’s way of protecting butterflies; creating a cool spring or winter night. Nature often consists of several days (up to several weeks) of cold temperatures; too cold for butterflies to fly. During these nights, days, and/or weeks, they simply ‘roost’, snoozing away while waiting for light and warmer temperatures.

Your butterflies should be kept cool until shortly before their release. Instructions are included with your shipment and are always located on our website. These instructions include refreezing ice packs if your release is not scheduled for the day of their arrival at your chosen destination.

Again, we are simply imiatating nature to provide a safe shipping and holding environment for the butterflies.


2. Why are they shipped in envelopes instead of inside the release box? Wouldn't it be better to ship them in the box with air holes?

In glassine envelopes, butterflies are shipped tucked snugly in their ‘beds’ for the night. A sharp jar or jostle of the shipping box in transit cannot harm the butterfly if it is snugly tucked into 'bed'.

If butterflies were shipped loose in a large box, their dormant state could cause them to slam against the sides of the release box, possibly injuring their wings or bodies.

Although glassine envelopes resemble wax paper, the envelopes ‘breathe’ naturally, allowing airflow.

If they are shipped with air holes, heat and light can enter the box, allowing them to become active; this is what we avoid. The USDA requires butterflies to be shipped in a box that is escape proof.

Only butterflies shipped for release from an Accordion Butterfly Release Box will be shipped pre-packed in a mass release box. All other butterflies are shipped in glassine envelopes unless specifically requested for shipment in other snug individual release boxes. In an accordion release box, they are layered between layers of ribbon, much like being shipped inside glassine envelopes.


3. Why do you only ship for Next Day Arrival?

Ice packs melt during transit. Your butterflies need to stay cool!

It is best if your butterflies must arrive in time for you to refreeze their ice packs.

If they are delayed and their ice packs melt, it is unusual for this to cause a major problem. But for the sake of your butterflies, we guarantee ‘Arrive Alive’ ONLY with next day arrival shipping.


4. Do you require someone to be present and sign for the package?

If someone is not present to sign for the package upon arrival, we do not guarantee any living product.

That being said, no, we do not require someone to be present to sign for the package! If you are comfortable with your package sitting on your doorstep, we will waiver the signature requirement. We are not comfortable with packages with living contents left on a porch or doorsteps and will not guarantee anything which was not received by a person who immediately opens, inspects the contents, and tends to any needs of the contents. If there is a problem with the butterflies, we MUST be notified the day of arrival for a refund or replacement to be considered.


5. What if my butterflies do not arrive when expected?

Contact us IMMEDIATELY if your butterflies do not arrive on time.

We can often trace their route and locate their position. If you submitted your address with a typo or if they were routed incorrectly by the shipping company, we can often reroute them to your correct address. If they cannot be rerouted, you can often pick them up the next morning/day at the shipping office.

If your package is totally lost in transit, we can often reship for early morning arrival the next day IF you contact us before 3PM. In some situations, we can reship if you contact us before 5PM. For this purpose, we recommend always scheduling the shipment arrival the day BEFORE your release.


6. What if my package is damaged in shipment and some of my butterflies are lost?

Our butterflies are packed to withstand an overhand throw of 25’ that results in an enormous thump on wet concrete. We have tested our packing material and methods to ensure that such accidents in transit will not harm your butterflies. No matter how carefully a shipping company handles packages, accidents will occasionally occur.

No problem! Like question #4, we can reship if we are notified in time. First, phone AND email our farm immediately. If a person does not answer our office phone 352-485-2458, please leave a message AND call (cell) 352-384-5163. If no one answers that number, do not leave a message. Call (home) 352-485-1534 and leave a message if no one answers. By using these three numbers and email, you will be able to contact us.

7. Will I have to pay for reshipment? Will I receive a refund?

The conditions are simple;
1. Someone MUST have signed for the package, opened it, and inspected it immediately.
2. We MUST be notified immediately (same day) upon discovery of the problem.

If the problem is the fault of our farm or the shipping company, you will not be required to pay for reshipment and will receive either a refund or gift card, depending on the product and circumstances. We will cover the total expense of reshipment if your butterflies can be reshipped for arrival in time for your release.

We may require a photo and/or return of the damaged product. DO NOT destroy anything from the shipment until you have clearance from our farm to do so. If you receive clearance, please ask the name of the person to whom you are talking.

Please understand; we receive an email (from our shipping companies) which includes information including 1. the day and time your package was delivered and 2. if someone was present who signed for the package.