I don't know how many times I've driven by the Butterfly World signs since I've lived in South Florida.  I guess when you live in an area, you kind of take for granted all of the unique places they have to offer.  FTL Today recently took a trip to Butterfly World @ Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, FL and we were really pleasantly surprised.  There is a lot packed into this place.  Everyone from children to Seniors will love it.  And if you love to photograph nature...this place is a MUST.  I also must say that every employee we encountered was EXTREMELY helpful, friendly and seemed to love their job.  That positive attitude makes you almost feel like you are visiting family.

Tucked inside of the Tradewinds Broward County Park, the facility contains 6 aviaries which hold thousands of butterflies and birds from around the world.  The landscape is lush and beautiful as well.  Waterfalls and ponds make for a relaxing trip around the park as well and there are lots of spots to sit and enjoy the butterflies.  There is even relaxing music playing throughout the park.

(Cool suspended bridge)

Once inside the complex, you walk by the 'Butterfly Farm'.  Here, you get to see the lab where most of the butterflies are bred.  It's pretty cool to see how they take great care in making sure the environment is ideal for the butterflies to mature.

(Butterfly Farm)

Once you pass the 'farm', you head outside to the Paradise Adventure Aviary.  Here you get up close and personal with so many butterflies it's amazing.  I actually felt like a kid when I went through the door.  I've never seen so many in one place and if you are still enough, you might get a few to land on you.  (Don't touch them though!).  It's hard to get the full butterfly effect (ha!) on camera...but I was able to snap a few.  (Also, see our YouTube video below...it contains many more pictures and some low res video.)
 
(A few butterfly pics)

The 'Tropical Rain Forest' area was also very cool.  The plants were so lush and colorful and this area had tropical birds as well as butterflies.  There is a 'waterfall' and pond with some fish to feed. 

(Rain Forest exhibit)

There is also a section with some beautiful and interesting flowering plants.  There are so many unique flowers and the contrast is amazing.  There is even a plant that gives off a 'rotting flesh' scent so that flies will be attracted.  I've heard about this plant and always wanted to see it.  Well I can tell you it really does smell like rotting flesh.  On the other hand, there was a beautiful green flower that was very interesting as well.
 
(Left, Jeff smelling stinky flower...right, beautiful green flower)

There is also a building that houses some insect specimens...live and preserved.  Kids will LOVE this part as well.  Actually there were quite a few adults taking pictures and loving everything they saw.  If you think some of the bugs we have down here in Florida are horrible...wait until you see some of the live ones in here!

(The Bug Zoo...LIVE bugs and even 2 Bufo Toads)

The most fun we had, was the Lorikeet Encounter.  This is where you can see the Australian Lorikeets and also FEED THEM!  You pay $1 for a cup of nectar and they will flock to you and eat away.  They are very gentile and you can really feel their playful personality.  Jeff had a ball feeding them...a few even hopped up on his head.


There is a lot more that I didn't cover, but take a look at the YouTube video below.  It will give you just a little piece of what is in store for you to see at Butterfly World.  Click the link and check out their website for prices and also for a discount coupon.   As you can tell, we really enjoyed ourselves.  I think Jeff's face above sums it up.

Location:
Butterfly World
Tradewinds Park
3600 W. Sample Rd
Coconut Creek, FL

Enjoy the picture montage...if you watch carefully, you'll actually see some low res video: