Several stunning new butterflies and tropical birds have taken up residence at the Stratford Butterfly Farm in time for the summer holidays. After months of careful sourcing from their tropical butterfly farmers, the Butterfly Farm has introduced several butterfly species that have seldom been on display before. These include the 'Dero Clearwing', also known as Dircena Dero, which comes from the rainforests of Columbia, the 'Procilla Beauty', also known as Panacea Procilla, which originates from Costa Rica and the 'Blue Pansy', also known as Junonia Orithya which comes from Thailand.
In addition, there are also three new 'Kakarikis' - two Pied', and one Yellow', two 'Diamond Doves', two 'Java Sparrows' and two 'Rosy Bourkes'. These striking coloured birds, which originate from New Zealand, Australia and Indonesia, are also very mischievous! Found in the Flight Area, the birds happily co-exist with the butterflies in their natural style habitat. The birds, which only feed on seeds and don't eat butterflies, are extremely friendly and amazing to watch as they fly around.
As well as seeing the new arrivals, children and adults can also take part in the popular Meet the Mini-Beast handling sessions each day at 11.30am and 2.30pm from 20 July - 1 September. Visitors can hold a giant African Millipede, African land snail, Stick Insects and even a Madagascan hissing cockroach! There will also be Beetle, Tailless Whip Scorpion and Chilean Rose Tarantula demonstrations in the Discovery Zone.
For visitors wanting to enjoy a range of hot drinks, milkshakes and snacks, the Koffee Kart is open for service in the front wildflower garden. The Kart is open at weekends, bank holidays and school holidays from 10am - 4pm (weather dependent).
Jane Kendrick, Marketing Manager at Stratford Butterfly Farm said, "With our beautiful and vibrant new birds and butterflies, handling sessions, and the chance to purchase delicious snacks from the Koffee Kart, we have plenty going on during the summer holidays for our visitors to enjoy!"
To see hundreds of spectacular butterflies, insects, reptiles and spiders visit the Butterfly Farm from 10am to 6:00pm, last entry 5.30pm. Open every day of the week except Christmas Day. For more information including admission prices and group rates, please visit the website at http://www.butterflyfarm.co.uk or telephone on 01789 299288.