Floating gently on the breeze a kaleidoscope of wings awaits inside the Lepkekert. This seasonal butterfly exhibit is a jewel within Budapest’s Zoo and Botanical Garden. Let’s step inside this enchanting world.
The Lepkekert first opened its doors in 2000. Its current location near the Palm House was established in 2014. Since then it has become a beloved summer attraction. The Lepkekert is typically open from early summer to early autumn. However its opening depends on the weather. Butterflies are sensitive to the cold. The Lepkekert can only open if the temperature stays above 15 degrees Celsius. Otherwise the butterflies would not fly. Visitors might accidentally step on them if they rested on the ground.
Inside the Lepkekert a spacious tent awaits. This tent covers 260 square meters. It has a volume of 1200 cubic meters. The tent is made of fine mesh netting. This netting is doubled for extra protection. Inside this secure space butterflies can fly freely. Visitors can stroll among these flying jewels.
The butterflies in the Lepkekert are not local species. They come from the tropics of Central and South America. The butterflies arrive as pupae from a butterfly farm in Costa Rica. The pupae are housed in a glass cabinet. Visitors can watch the butterflies emerge. Once their wings are ready they are released into the Lepkekert.
The Lepkekert showcases dozens of butterfly species. At the opening of the Lepkekert you can see six hundred butterflies of forty-five species. The collection continues to grow throughout the summer. Some of the smallest butterflies have a wingspan of only six centimeters. The largest are the bat butterflies. Their wingspan can exceed twenty centimeters.
The Lepkekert also features lush tropical plants. Among them are bromeliads orchids and roses. These plants provide nectar and pollen for the butterflies. The butterflies also feed on sweet fruits and specially mixed nectar. You can observe them using their unique proboscis to sip the sweet liquid.
The staff at the Lepkekert also breed butterflies. They collect the eggs laid by the butterflies. The eggs are then taken to a breeding facility. Once hatched the caterpillars are separated by species. They are fed the appropriate plants. These include passionflower banana leaves and nettles. The zoo grows these plants in a separate breeding area.
The butterflies in the Lepkekert live for about two to three months. The butterfly stage is short only one or two weeks. Because of this several generations live in the Lepkekert at the same time. The Lepkekert is open every day from ten in the morning. It closes one hour before the zoo closes. However it may close during bad weather. If it is cold or rainy the butterflies will not fly.
The Lepkekert offers a unique opportunity. It allows you to immerse yourself in the world of butterflies. It is a vibrant and educational experience for all ages. So take your time and enjoy the beauty of these delicate creatures.