Butterflies to Surround Tulsa State Fair Visitors
By KELSY LORIN TAYLOR
Web Editor and Feature Writer
The Butterfly House has made a difference through exhibits such as the one at the Tulsa State Fair.
With a large netted enclosure filled with plants and pathways, beautiful and delicate butterflies surround visitors. Gently, children let them rest on their fingers and many find their way to clothing and hats.
Jane Breckinridge and her husband David Bohlken have enjoyed creating the experience for more than 15 years.
“Our butterfly exhibit is a unique experience, not only compared to our fellow vendors at the state fairs, but in the entire world. We are the only butterfly house in existence that flies so many butterflies at one time,” she says.
There are more than 5,000 neo-tropical and temperate butterflies within the exhibit. Every shape and color are represented including species from 15 countries throughout the world.
“We have a viewing area where you can watch the butterflies emerge from their chrysalides and we also sell caterpillar kits if you want to watch the miracle of metamorphosis at your own home,” says Breckenridge.
One of the most important messages that the couple shares is the importance of conservation. Many of the species are endangered due to habitat loss and new dangers during their migrations.
Butterflies have a great role in the world. They are indicators of ecological quality of habitat, vital to the food chain and also pollinate plants.
Butterfly farming has had a positive impact on the populations of species that would have otherwise struggled.
The Butterfly House raises native Oklahoma species in the Bixby. “As an interesting side note, our ranch includes my great-grandmother’s original Creek Indian allotment land from pre-statehood and I’m the fourth-generation from my family to farm this land, although the first to raise butterflies,” exclaims Breckinridge.
She continues, “Most of our butterflies are imported from tropical areas and are raised by small family farms as eco-friendly livestock. We are very proud of providing good wages to indigenous peoples in developing parts of the world, and helping to save fragile tropical environments at the same time. In order to import tropical butterflies, one has to go through a very arduous licensure process with the , so you won’t find exotic butterflies like these anywhere else in Oklahoma,” she adds.
Last year, the exhibit was awarded “The Most Interactive” by the Tulsa State Fair Team. The couple is planning an even larger display this year and hope to reach out to just as many patrons.
For more information, visit www.explorebutterflies.com.
Updated 09-27-2011
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