Family enjoying interaction with "White Angel" and "White Butterflies."*
Everyone knows what a “White Christmas” is and Branson, Missouri may very well have one, but one thing is for sure, it will have a “White Flight Christmas.” The “White Flight,” part of Branson’s celebration of “Ozark Mountain Christmas,” is a unique Christmas exhibit made up of thousands of white butterflies flying in a rain forest sparkling with thousands of lights, living angel statutes, colorful white and red poinsettias and filled with the sounds of beautiful holiday music.
Brought back by popular demand, “White Flight” is currently appearing for its third Christmas season in Branson at the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure for a limited engagement, through January 15, 2010. Sarah Bolend, General Manager, said the thousands of white butterflies used in “White Flight” are comprised of about 20 different species of tropical white butterflies. The most common white butterfly used in the exhibit is the “Paper Kite Butterfly”, also commonly called the “Rice Paper Butterfly.”
Bolend said that the butterflies used in all the exhibits at the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, including “White Flight,” are shipped to them by air express in their chrysalis (cocoon) stage from tropical rain forests. After the butterfly emerges from the cocoon and its wings dry, it is released into the exhibit where it lives out its average three week life span in a predator free environment.
She noted that the exhibit is great for “kids” of all ages. She explained that the exhibit routinely hosts groups from preschool ages to senior citizens and they all have a great time at their own age, experience, and interest levels as they proceed through the various stages of the exhibit.
The “White Flight” experience starts in the attractions theatre with the viewing of a very well filmed, interesting and exciting 15 minute movie on the life of a rain forest butterfly. After the movie the guests step from the theatre into the aviary.
While in the aviary there is an opportunity to interact, “up close and personal,” with thousands of butterflies made up of many species of tropical rain forest butterflies. During “White Flight,” Nov. 1 through January 15, the butterflies are all colored white and provide a spectacular and unique display. Bolend said that from January 16 through the start of White Flight on November 1, the display is just as spectacular, but is composed of 50-60 species of different brightly colored butterflies.
Bolend also pointed out that, in addition to the butterflies in the aviary, “White Flight” also includes the presentation of the centuries old art form of “living statutes” in the form of White Angels. As people walk through the exhibit and butterflies alight on and flutter around them, they present a picture of angelic beauty and tranquility.
Almost imperceptibly, the statutes slowly and subtly come to life. It might be just a change in the position of a head or the extension of a hand, but it’s fascinating to watch the ability of the artist playing the angels to interact with the guests.
The aviary is decorated with a number of poinsettias and other flowers and highlighted by a large poinsettia Christmas tree that provides an excellent place to take a picture. The whole “White Flight” experience, from the thousands of White Butterflies to the living angel statutes and beautiful music, is a unique experience that the whole family will enjoy.
For additional information about “White Flight” and Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, Ozark Mountain Christmas, or Branson shows, attractions or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.
* Photo furnished by: Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure
