Carnivorous plants such as Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, and sundews, can be found at the Freshwater Aquarium. Usually, carnivorous plants are found in swampy, boggy areas where soil nitrogen levels are low. Mostly, carnivorous plants trap insects. However, some species can trap larger prey like frogs, mice, little birds, and even small monkeys. Since most carnivorous plants are not truly "meat-eating", they are probably more accurately described as insectivorous or "insect-eating." To be a carnivorous plant, individuals must attract prey (using lures, odors, and directional guides), trap prey, secrete digestive enzymes, and absorb digested materials.

Of the approximately one quarter of a million species of flowering plants, about 600 are carnivorous. Trapping of insects may be active, like the method employed by the Venus flytrap, semi-passive like sundews, or passive like pitcher plants. There are currently a number of species of carnivorous plants that are considered endangered. Among them are several species of pitcher plants and the Venus flytrap.

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