After the trade show in Las Vegas, we went to seek an appointment to see Dr. Gross and thank him personally for his kind and generous contribution to the Pre-school project back in Kenya. When Evie introduced me to his secretary, she informed her that she should make sure that I see the butterfly farm before I leave. She then checked the doctor’s calendar and told us that the following day would be ideal to see him in between patients.

We then took the opportunity to visit the farm before attending the appointment and it was incredible. The butterflies are kept in this enclosure with beautiful tress and flowers where they fly freely as they feed on the melon and orange fruits cut and placed in strategic places. A pond with a fountain where by they take sips of water added to the natural beauty of it all.

I have never seen so many species of butterflies as I saw them at this farm and it was beyond my imagination. Even Evie was awed as she had never visited the farm prior to this visit. The butterflies were flying so freely and were not afraid of the tourist who had came to see them and if you stood still, they would mistake you for being part of their environment and would land on you. In fact your way, there is a section where by you need to check yourself first with the assistance of the butterflies' keeper so that you do not take a butterfly out without knowing that one has landed on you. A sign on your way out says “check yourself and others for “hitchhiking” butterflies before you leave”

There are over 80 species of butterflies in the farm and I was able to identify some with the help of a very colorful brochures handed over to us on our way in. I will mention the ones which looked like the few I have seen back in Kenya . The monarch, Gulf Fritillary, the Painted Lady and Hackberry Emperor. Others had very interesting names like California sister, Queen, White Peacock, Cabbage White, Red Admiral and Zebra longwing. Some species like California Dogface, Fiery Skipper and Marine Blue have different colors according to their gender. Will post the photos we took at a later date so watch this space.