Befitting the drizzly public opening of Butterfly Jungle, the most prevalent insect fluttering Saturday at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park was the Common Blue Morpho.
But visitors to the covered enclosure were happy to be landing zones. Thousands of butterflies, including yellow-spotted Grecian Shoemakers and large Tailed Jays, were observed on Day 1 of the annual event.
Also Zebra Longwings and the red-white-black Postman species — making tracks for verbena, lantana, heliotrope, hibiscus and other flower varieties.
A park docent said 44 species of butterflies would hatch and fly between now and the exhibit’s end April 15.
“By visiting Butterfly Jungle, guests help support San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s efforts to conserve butterflies, as well as support sustainable butterfly farming,” the park says.
“If the farmers in Central, South and North America that supply the butterfly pupae weren’t harvesting butterflies, many of these farmers could be clear-cutting their land and planting crops or raising cattle.”
Guests are encouraged to wear bright colors and move slowly, to increase the chances of butterflies landing on their clothes or hats. (When the insects land, guests are urged to avoid touching the delicate fliers.)
On the way out of the enclosure near Lorikeet Landing, visitors Saturday went through three inspection stations — to keep butterflies from escaping.
For the first time, a new Butterfly and Friends Behind-the-Scenes Safari is being offered.
It’s a guided two-hour audio walking tour that begins at 8 a.m., with crowd-free viewing before Butterfly Jungle opens to the public. (Long lines are traditional for the 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. exhibit included with Safari Park admission.)
Pre-purchased reservations are required, and space is limited and available on select days. To find out more or make a reservation, call the reservation line at 619-718-3000.
