Founded in 2008 and named after Bhutan's first king, this institute was established to promote conservation research and environmental education throughout the country—approximately 15 kilometres (roughly a 30-minute drive) from Jakar town.
Butterflies and moths line the walls, each delicate specimen holding a hidden adventure. Beyond them, you'll find displays of native birds, bats, bears, and even elusive wild cats, alongside stories of rescued endangered birds and animals safely kept in spacious, preserved, or fenced areas and efforts to protect Bhutan's precious forests. There are also native plant exhibits, each leaf and seed telling a chapter of survival and adaptation.
Researchers and staff don't just list facts; they share field stories with an infectious warmth that turns scientific details into living narratives. You'll hear about long hikes into deep forests, hours spent patiently tracking birds or setting camera traps for rare mammals, and the quiet joy of discovering something precious in the undergrowth.
There's a sense of gentle pride here — not loud or boastful, but a deep, shared commitment to keeping Bhutan's natural wonders safe and thriving. Visitors often leave feeling like they've been let in on a beautiful secret.