Residents at Bolton Clarke’s Allity Princeton View in Brighton East, Melbourne, are overjoyed experiencing the “butterfly effect” first-hand, participating in a Monarch butterfly hatching program.
The team at Princeton View purchased chrysalis kits from Tasmania and installed them on plants in the private dining room, with residents closely following their development and the emergence of the butterflies.
Princeton View General Manager Linda Potter said it was an intriguing wait, with butterflies emerging anywhere between four to 12 days later based on the temperature of the room.
“After four days the butterflies started to hatch and a total of 25 grew their wings,” she said.
“It was lovely to walk into the private dining room and have them fluttering about.
“Everyone loved exploring the butterfly life cycle and its complete metamorphosis from egg to larva (caterpillar), pupa and butterfly.
“Two days later, it was time to say goodbye and release our new friends out into the world.
“It was an amazing experience and even more so because they flitted around our garden for a few days before disappearing.”
Princeton View residents are now looking forward to welcoming the next generation of Monarchs, with a further experience planned in the future.
