During the first weekend in October, I took my seven-year old cousin to the Bronx Zoo. Although it was not my first time visiting, it was my cousin’s first experience at the renowned zoo. Therefore, a trip that may have been unexciting became very exhilarating as I watched my cousins anxiousness and anticipation grow. When we first arrived, however, I unfortunately had to pay $48 for the two of us to enter the zoo. I could have chosen the regular admission, which would have only been $26 but the passes I bought allowed us access to seven special attractions. I figured it was a smarter idea to just pay a little extra initially because knowing my cousin, she would beg to see all the special attractions, and she did. As we began to venture through the zoo, it was very exciting. There was a fair amount of people there, which did not surprise me, given that it was the weekend and the weather was beautiful. This created a lively atmosphere that was conducive to younger children, such as my cousin, Victoria.
Throughout the day, the two of us visited nearly ever exhibit that was opened. From reptiles, to polar bears, monkeys, to butterflies, we basically saw it all. However, one attraction really sparked my interest. It was the butterfly exhibit, which we luckily saw, as it was the last weekend it was opened for the season. For my whole life, I have had an infatuation with Monarch butterflies and have wanted to visit this exhibit ever since I was in first grade. Finally, 13 years later, I made it there. Initially, when you enter the Butterfly Zone, you participate in a maze. The purpose is to enlighten its participants on the life cycle of the butterfly. This was a fun and informative way for my cousin and I to learn about these creatures. Although my attraction to butterflies was relatively superficial, as I was and still am simply amazed by their delicacy and elusiveness, this site piqued my interest with respect to these creatures’ abilities to survive. In the Butterfly Zone, the viewers are informed of and can look at which types of plants butterflies are attracted to. This is important because as it enlightens people about what types of plants butterflies can live in, these people can actually grow their own garden to provide a home for these creatures. My mom actually has certain plants growing in our yard to draw butterflies in. Not only are the plants and presence of the butterflies beautiful, especially during a summer afternoon, such an act assists in the conservation of these endangered species’ lives. (Mikula)
After leaving the butterfly exhibit, I could not stop thinking about the various causes and effects of the endangerment of butterflies. As a result, I conducted a little research into the matter. I was already aware that the main reason for their endangerment is habitat loss. However, after reading further, I became aware of the severity of the situation. Not only are butterfly habitats being destroyed in northern regions, such as the United States and Canada, but the butterflies’ “winter” homes in California and Mexico are also being tampered with. In the north, the transformation of land from its natural state into highways, communities, and agricultural or industrial centers causes a butterfly to lose its natural habitat. In addition, butterfly larvae’s main food source, milkweed, is decreasing as well. Such a decline in this food source is a direct result of ozone depletion and human beings killing the species of plant, as many classify it as a weed (Monarch Watch).
Not only are the butterflies’ homes in the north being tampered with, their winter homes are experiencing the same destruction. This is even more disheartening because these dainty little creatures are forced to travel thousands of miles from Canada and certain parts of the U.S. to California and Mexico, only to have their homes there ruined too. This happens in California because the lush forests that the butterflies call home are also highly desired locations for people to build homes. Therefore, a great deal of this land is cleared and developed, forcing the butterflies from their winter sanctuary. The situation in Mexico is even more severe. The trees that butterflies live on, the oyamel tree are an important source of income for many Mexicans. As a result, these trees are cut down in bulk and sold for revenue. Not only does that diminish the actual homes of the butterflies, but it also makes the forests open to feel the bitterness of cold rain and snow. This often causes the butterflies to freeze. Clearly, butterfly habitats are in danger and although butterflies seem to be plentiful in number, they are quite endangered as a result of this decline in shelter and food (Monarch Watch).
In addition to discovering why butterfly habitats are being destroyed, I also read of an attempt to conserve them. In California, the Monarch Project was established in 1984. Such an act mandated that a certain portion of land be set aside for butterfly inhabitance. This land cannot be altered or developed (Monarch Watch). Such a project is definitely beneficial because it demands that by law a certain amount of land must be allotted to butterflies. This act should be extended to states and countries outside of California so that in Canada and Mexico, butterflies will be guaranteed a certain portion of land to permanently have as a place of inhabitance.
(Boone)
After researching more deeply into the endangerment of these creatures, I really appreciated the Butterfly Zone at the Bronx Zoo. Such an exhibit not only enlightens people about butterflies in general, it also informs them about the trials and tribulations these tiny creatures have to endure in order to survive, if they can at all. Although butterflies are small, they are important to ecosystems as they serve as pollinators. Without them, bees would be relied on even more to fulfill that task. Therefore, the conservation of these organisms is important for the maintenance of our ecosystems. Fortunately the Butterfly Zone at the Bronx Zoo exists, for it provides these organisms with a safe and lush place to live, while also informing people about what they can do to provide more habitats for these living beings.
Works Cited:
Monarch Watch Conservation. Retrieved October 6, 2008, from Monarch Watch Web site: www.monarchwatch.org/conserve/index.html
For image of the exterior of the Butterfly Zone:
Mikula, Pam The Bronx Zoo's Butterfly Zone. Retrieved October 10, 2008, Web site: butterflywebsite.com/zoo/zoo.html
For image of the Monarch:
Boone, Daniel. "The Daniel Boone Butterfly Palace." 10 Oct 2008