Butterfly Release to Honor Sir David Attenborough
In Stratford-upon-Avon, one hundred blue butterflies were released to commemorate Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday. The event took place at the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which invited pupils from Thomas Jolyffe and Stratford-upon-Avon primary schools to participate in releasing the morpho butterflies into the farm's rainforest flight area.
Jane Kendrick, a representative from the farm, explained that Sir David had visited the location in the early 2000s to film the blue morpho butterflies. To mark the conservationist’s centenary, the farm felt compelled to organize a special celebration.
"We just thought we had to, had to do something to celebrate his birthday," Kendrick said.
Sir David's Response and Well-Wishers
Sir David Attenborough expressed that he was "completely overwhelmed" by the numerous messages he received for his birthday. Among those sending their best wishes were King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Details of the Butterfly Release
On Thursday, the butterflies were placed into individual jars. The following morning, each child was given a pot containing butterflies to release into the rainforest flight area. The blue morpho butterfly is the signature species of the farm and is bred at its sister facility in Belize.
About the Blue Morpho Butterfly
According to the Rainforest Alliance, the blue morpho is one of the largest butterflies globally, with wingspans ranging from five to eight inches. Their distinctive vivid blue coloration results from microscopic scales on the backs of their wings that reflect light.
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