News from the Butterfly Haven

May is a slow month in El Valle and Butterfly Haven is no exception. But we have used the time to make some changes. In preparation for tours and more visitors, we have relocated the education area next to the flight house. Now we don't have to walk visitors across the cafe-this is a big improvement.

The next improvement (hopefully beginning as soon as next week) will be to cover the roof in clear plastic. This will make the butterflies and the visitors happier during the "green" rainy season which started recently. The covering will make us one of the few rain-proof attractions in El Valle. 
In a few months, I plan to enlarge the flight house around 30% which will make the Butterfly Haven about 2300 square feet under roof.

The exciting news that occurred around the first of May is that we became the #1 rated attraction (out of 17) on Tripadvisor in El Valle. We did it in only 2 1/2 months of operation:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g635545-d6351598-Reviews-Butterfly_Haven-El_Valle_de_Anton_Cocle_Province.html

The latest "winged" additions here are the Giant Swallowtails. They are great for exhibition because they are showy since they "park" with their big wings open. They have already gifted us with many eggs and larva.

Speaking of tours, I have hired a local friend Carlitos to market for us. He has done a great job as we have already received many inquiries and visits from hotels and tour groups.

At the end of April, Linda went back to the States and I began renting the cafe to Dan and Erin who are originally from the Connecticut. They added lunches to the menu, and they are receiving many kudos for their tasty, innovative food and friendly service. 

Speaking of great service, friend and consultant Jorge and his wife Illeana came for 2 days last week to help us by tweaking operations with the plants and with the lab. 

I am thankful for all the wonderful people who are in my life. One of the cool things about this enterprise is that I never know who will walk through our gates. We get so many interesting and nice people here.

Thanks for reading and until next time, adios!

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