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| Two of the many species of White Butterflies featrued in "White Flight," a White Kite and Orange Tip butterfly. |
In Branson, Missouri, where natural beauty abounds and its entertainment venues include animals and birds of every type, how can anyone describe a butterfly as “simply incredible?” Well, actually, it’s pretty easy when that butterfly is a White Butterfly flying with thousands of other White Butterflies in a rain forest sparkling with thousands of lights, living angel statutes, colorful white and red poinsettias and beautiful holiday music. In fact, the result is a unique spectacular entertainment experience called “White Flight” that is, simply incredible.
The “White Flight” is currently appearing at Branson’s Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, in a limited engagement, through January 15, 2009. Sarah Bolend, General Manager, said there are about 20 different species of tropical White Butterflies used in the “White Flight” exhibit, but the most common variety is the Paper Kite Butterfly, also commonly called the Rice Paper Butter Fly.
Bolend said that all the butterflies used in all the exhibits, including “White Flight,” at the Butterfly Palace come from tropical rain forests and are shipped to the Butterfly Palace by air express while in their chrysalis stage, commonly called the “cocoon” stage. After the butterfly emerges from the cocoon and its wings dry, it is released into the exhibit where it lives out its average three week life span in a predator free environment.
She went on to explain the reason they have the “rainforest theme” and get all their butterflies from rainforests all around the world is “To showcase something that people haven’t seen before” and provide their guests with a unique experience. None of the butterflies used in the Butterfly Palace are native to the United States.
When asked how she would relate the exhibit in terms of “kid appeal,” Bolend quickly responded, “Excellent, it’s great for kids of all ages.” She went on to point out they routinely have groups from preschool ages to senior citizens and they all have a great time at their own age, experience, and interest levels as they proceed through the various stages of the exhibit.
Guests enter the Butterfly Palace through the gift shop and ticket area before proceeding into the theatre to view the well photographed, interesting and exciting 15 minute movie on the life of a rain forest butterfly. After the movie the next guests step into the rainforest aviary and its thousands of butterflies.
While in the aviary they will have the opportunity to interact with thousands of butterflies made up of many species of tropical rain forest butterflies. During “White Flight,” Nov. 1 through January 15, the butterflies are all colored white and provide a spectacular and unique display. Bolend said that from January 16 through November 14, the display is just as spectacular, but is composed of 50-60 species of different brightly colored butterflies.
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| A White Kite butterfly lands on the hand of one of the living statutes. Photo Courtesey The Butterfly Palace. |
This year, for the first time and during “White Flight” only, Bolend said the art form of living statutes, dating back centuries is being featured. The art form is beautifully presented in the form of White Angels. Appearing, for all purposes to be statutes, as people walk through the exhibit and butterflies alight on and flutter around them, they present a picture of angelic beauty and tranquility.
That picture becomes even more amazing as the statutes quietly, slowly and subtly come to life. Almost imperceptibly, positions change. It might be to just change the position of a head or the extension of a hand. The neat thing is the ability of the artist playing the angels to interact with the guests. It’s fascinating to watch.
For “White Flight” the aviary is decorated with a number of poinsettias and other flowers. The display is highlighted by a large poinsettia Christmas tree that provides an excellent place to take a picture. The whole “White Flight” experience, from the thousands of White Butterflies to the living angel statutes and beautiful music is a unique experience that should, as Bolend said, be enjoyed and remembered by people of all ages.
Although “White Flight” is featured only from November 1 to January 15, the Butterfly Palace is open all year long, seven days a week, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
