Introduction
Located off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar Butterfly Centre (ZBC) is a unique butterfly sanctuary. It is the only butterfly park in East Africa and is home to around 50 species of butterflies. The centre was established in 1995 and has been providing a safe haven for these beautiful creatures ever since.
The ZBC has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. It not only provides a chance to observe the stunning butterflies of the region, but also offers educational programs and workshops about butterfly conservation.
This article will explore ZBC in more detail, looking at its history, its butterfly species, and the activities it offers.
History Of Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
The Zanzibar Butterfly Centre was established in 1995 as a joint venture between the Zanzibar government and a UK-based conservation NGO. The aim was to create a safe haven for butterflies and to educate the local population about butterfly conservation.
The centre is located in the Zanzibar Archipelago, which is made up of two large islands and many smaller ones. ZBC is situated on the west coast of Unguja, the main island, in a protected area of mangrove forest.
The centre is run by a dedicated team of local staff and volunteers, and is supported by a number of international partners.
Butterfly Species At Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
The Zanzibar Butterfly Centre is home to around 50 species of butterflies. These include some of the most beautiful and rare species in the region, such as the African Monarch, the Common Tiger, the African Swallowtail, and the African Sunset.
The centre also houses a number of rare and endangered species, such as the Natal Red Admiral, the African Zebra Blue, and the Zanzibar Orange Tip.
The centre has developed a number of conservation programs to protect these species and ensure their survival.
Activities At Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
The Zanzibar Butterfly Centre offers a range of activities for visitors. These include the chance to observe the beautiful butterflies in the wild, as well as educational activities.
The centre offers guided tours of the butterfly house, where visitors can learn about the different species of butterflies and their habitats.
The centre also offers educational programs aimed at teaching people about the importance of butterfly conservation. These programs are aimed at both children and adults and cover topics such as the life cycle of butterflies, their habitats, and the threats they face.
The centre also runs workshops, which are open to visitors and locals alike. These workshops cover topics such as butterfly identification, rearing techniques, and breeding.
Conclusion
The Zanzibar Butterfly Centre is a unique sanctuary for butterflies. It is the only butterfly park in East Africa and is home to around 50 species of butterflies, including some of the most beautiful and rare species in the region.
The centre offers a range of activities for visitors, including the chance to observe the butterflies in the wild, educational programs, and workshops. The centre also runs conservation programs to protect the rare and endangered species of butterflies in the region.
Visiting the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre is a great way to learn about butterfly conservation and discover the stunning species of butterflies that call the region home.