I don’t know who was more excited, my daughter, or I, for this year’s birthday destination, a trip to Butterfly World in Coconut Creek, Florida.

In 1986, Butterfly World began building its sanctuary in Broward County within Tradewinds Park. I read that Butterfly World keeps 20,000 butterflies on display, although there are often more that can be seen. At any given time there are up to 50 tropical species, with more than 150 different species throughout the year. Along a wall there were glass enclosures with a great deal of chrysalis, as well as some newly emerged drying its wings.

Every where you looked there were dozens fluttering by, all beautiful vibrant butterflies of various sizes. A few times they landed on us, as they were making their way to their next destination. Of course, my little butterfly whisperer had the beautiful blue butterfly (a morpho species) sit on her finger as she beamed uncontrollably.

It was such a special occasion to see her walking around pointing out different butterflies that caught her attention, a few of which we have seen either in our garden, or at Butterfly Estates in Downtown Fort Myers.

It was definitely worth the trip. A trip that may have to be taken again someday. It was hard to choose some of my favorites. Enjoy the 20 images below of the few that caught our attention.