Photo via National Zoo.

The National Zoo’s Invertebrate Exhibit — home to the common cuttlefish, corals, water scorpions and butterflies — will permanently close on June 22. It will be open to the public for a final time on June 21.

“This difficult decision is not a reflection of the importance of invertebrates or how we feel about them,” Dennis Kelly, Zoo director, said in a release. “The exhibit has been a hidden gem cared for by passionate and expert staff. But this was a necessary decision for the financial and operational health of our organization.”

In a release, the Zoo says closing the exhibit will allow for the reallocation of “funding, staff and resources to other areas of the Zoo that need attention.” At an annual operating cost of $1 million, the exhibit needs $5 million in upgrades. “With overall costs escalating, the Zoo must adapt its activities and programs to live within its existing budget while continuing excellent animal care and planning for the future.”

No permanent staff member will lose his or her job, while the animals will be moved to other facilities or other parts of the Zoo: “Those with short life spans will likely live out their lives in the Invertebrate Exhibit.”

Some invertebrate species will one day be featured in a planned Hall of Biodiversity. Do not miss your last chance to see the Pollinarium.

Connor Mallon/Smithsonian’s National Zoo.