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 Butterfly
World is one of my very favorite places to visit. It is butterfly heaven to me.
Whenever my husband and I are in the area of Coconut Creek, Florida, a visit
there is a priority. Located just north of Fort Lauderdale, the exhibit is
inside of Tradewinds Park. Exotic butterflies, dazzling hummingbirds and
gorgeous gardens are among the many sights to captivate the eyes. They have even
developed their own butterfly species, "piano key".
 My
first stop was to the breeding laboratory. Guests may view many species of
butterfly eggs and caterpillars in various stages. Then one proceeds through one
of three screen-enclosed aviaries and your senses are tantilized by the fragrant
aromas of the flowering blossoms and watching the fluttering of butterfly wings
that seem to match the beat of the classical music. Benches are nicely tucked
away where visitors can linger and enjoy.
Next is a viewing area for the chrysalids located near a wall of
blooming hanging baskets just waiting for the butterflies to emerge. The
butterflies also can enjoy a rainforest environment that includes a cave (the
owl butterflies love it here) and a cooling mist.
 After
one leaves this area, you can cross the suspension bridge, a copy of a real one,
to reach "Jewel of the Sky" aviary, which is filled with hummingbirds,
yellow-legged honeycreepers, and other small birds.
  A
new exhibit this year is "the Lorikeet Encounter". One can have their
picture taken holding or feeding the rainbow colored "clowns of the bird
world", the lorikeets.
Mounted exhibits of exotic butterflies, moths, and many unusual insects
fill an interesting museum and insectarium.
  The
outside gardens are just as inviting. An English rose garden and a hanging vine
garden, containing passion vines, allure you through their maze.
Visitors can purchase plants for their own gardens in the plant shop.
There is also a very nice souvenir shop.
Visiting here is addicting. You will have many memories enticing you to
keep coming back. | 
