Butterflies Galore!
Posted at 2:49 pm April 28, 2006 by Larkin Chases
I began working for the Wild Animal Park four weeks ago. Although I will spend most of the summer assisting with children and family programs, my first task has been to work in the butterfly exhibit at the Hidden Jungle exhibit during the Park's Butterflies & Orchids event. My primary duties are to inspect its three vestibules for " escaped" butterflies, make sure visitors are behaving themselves with the butterflies, and answer any questions visitors may have.
You'll see me walking around with my clipboard and signing off once the vestibules have been inspected. Several visitors have asked if I'm counting the butterflies. Thank goodness I don't have to, because the Park received approximately 10,000 pupae! If there is a butterfly in one of the vestibules, I'm not allowed to catch it and put it back in the aviary. I have to call the Butterfly Keeper, yes " Butterfly Keeper," on the radio and she saves the day.
If only I had a dime for every time I've said " please don't touch the butterfly." It's only too easy to remove the tiny scales on their wings, thus shortening their life. The average life of an adult butterfly is only four to six weeks, so the longer they live the more visitors we can share them with. Although it IS perfectly acceptable (and common) for the butterflies to land on you, please resist touching them with your fingers.
The most frequently asked question is " how can I get a butterfly to land on me?" The best thing to do is hold still! Extending one's arm and chasing a butterfly with it does NOT work. Find a sunny spot where several butterflies are fluttering and remain motionless. Butterflies often land on visitors relaxing on the bench. I've also noticed that florescent yellow, orange, and pink seem to be their favorite colors.
If you haven't already had a chance, stop in and see the butterflies during the annual Butterflies & Orchids event. Walking among hundreds of brightly colored tropical butterflies is enchanting and I sometimes feel like the luckiest person on Earth. The animals, staff, and visitors have made working in the Hidden Jungle a pure delight.
Larkin Chases is an educator/guide at the Wild Animal Park.
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May 1st, 2006 at 11:16 am
I wish I could get there to experience this! What kinds of butterflies are in the exhibit? Thanks!
May 1st, 2006 at 8:05 pm
About 5 years ago, we happened to come to the park during this time. We thought it was an everyday event, so we were very disappointed last summer when we missed it! We almost missed it again this year, but we are changing all plans to attend. I highly recommed it to persons of all ages!!!
September 16th, 2006 at 2:10 pm
When and where is the Butterfly Aviary. The site does not give a time period or location of the event.
Editor's note: The Butterflies & Orchids event is held at the Wild Animal Park each April. The butterflies and located in the Park's Hidden Jungle exhibit at that time.
February 6th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
I will like to know why butterflies can fly. i am from bogota Colombia and I am 9 years old.
March 30th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
My best friend Laura Rouston took me to see the butterfly exhibit for my first time; butterflies were her favorite. She passed away January 1 2006 so when it see the butterflies this year I will think of her.
March 31st, 2007 at 8:37 pm
I just visited today, I feel very lucky to be one of those who had been " touched" by not only one but two butterflies:-)!
I was just taking pictures, and then one of the large brown butterflies sit atop my head! My husband took a picture of it. It feels so well to be in there and be surrounded with all these delicate and beautiful creatures. One of my hobbies is gardening, and it is amazing to see butterflies and hummingbirds in my garden, especially this spring.
To all the " Butterfly Keepers" and Wild Animal Park wonderful people, thank you so much for the passion you show in your work.
April 4th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
The butterfly and orchid event is running from March 31st - April 22nd this year. Please come out and enjoy all of the butterflies in the Hidden Jungle and see the beautiful orchid display located near the Animal Care Center.
April 5th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
I visited the butterflies yesterday with high hopes, and was not disappointed. This is an annual event that my family really looks forward to.
Please see today's article in TheSanDiegoBeat.com, where I talk more about our visit. (I'll be covering the Orchid show next, which was just beautiful this year.)
Your blog is a very nice addition to the site. Thanks!
April 23rd, 2007 at 8:37 pm
I visted on Sunday and just like last year it was awesome. The few birds mixed in with the Butterflies makes the event that much better. I would like to visit again but not sure if the event is extended to May or that only applies to the blog from a year ago.
June 2nd, 2007 at 7:21 am
Please finish the remodeling/restoration of the Buttlerfly Exhibit area as soon as possible so that we may re-enter the actual exhibit area to enjoy the butterflies.
Thanks, Steve and Mary
February 21st, 2008 at 3:45 pm
BUTTERFLIES DATES THIS YEAR:
mARCH 15-APRIL 6, 2008
February 26th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
I will be at the Wild Animal Park on March 9, my friends son is going for his 10th Birthday. Will there be any butterflies to see on that date, will the Butterfly exhibit be open on the 9th?
Thanks, Marianne
Moderator's note: This year's Butterflies & Orchids event begins on March 15 and runs through April 6. The Hidden Jungle exhibit is currently closed as we prepare the butterflies for their spring debut.