Visit Rainforest Realm

Richard Lamb (General Manager) and Clive Farrell (owner) officially open Rainforest Realm. Photo Rob Tysall.

Stratford-Upon-Avon’s brand new attraction – Rainforest Realm, was officially launched this week. It’s the perfect place to take the family over the Easter holidays – and beyond. The exhibition was officially opened by Clive Farrell, owner of Stratford Butterfly Farm and features a Spectacled Caiman named Kenny along with other animals that originate from the rainforests of Central America.

Kenny the Caiman. Photo Sratford Butterfly Farm.

Kenny is a rehomed animal that has come from reptile experts, Rainforest Exotics, who had been looking after him for the last 10 years since he was 1 year old. David and Lyndsey Howard from Rainforest Exotics were about to build Kenny a bigger home when the Butterfly Farm approached them to rehome the Caiman. When they were told he would be living in a ‘cenote’ they knew it would be the perfect new home for him. Kenny is approximately 1.3m but could grow to up to 2m. Although aged only 11 years, he could live up to 60 years!

Discover replicas of ancient statues from the Maya civilisation. Photo Rob Tysall.

Also, on display in ‘Rainforest Realm’ is an Emerald Tree Boa Snake, 10 endangered Orange Blackfoot Dart Frogs, a trio of Basilisk Lizards, 3 Baby Yellow Spotted Amazon River Turtles and a Oustalets Chameleon from Madagascar. At the heart of the exhibition is a replicated ‘cenote’, complete with a water cascade and a deep and shallow pool.

Jane Kendrick, Marketing Manager at Stratford Butterfly Farm said, “We were thrilled to open Rainforest Realm which is a one-of-a-kind display. Kenny has settled in so well and seems thoroughly at home in his splendid new environment!”

The Butterfly Farm opened to the public in 1985 and has since welcomed over 4 million visitors. In 1991 Clive, and his partner Ray Harberd, created the Fallen Stones Butterfly Farm in Southern Belize, named after the nearby site of ancient Maya ruins, Lubaantun - the place of the fallen stones. This connection between the Maya and Stratford Butterfly Farm is the inspiration behind the new exhibition ‘Rainforest Realm’.

See hundreds of beautiful butterflies. Photo Rob Tysall

The Butterfly Farm will host several activities for the Easter Holidays from 1 to 16 April. Meet the Mini-Beast Handling Sessions and demonstrations will take place daily in the Discovery Zone at 11am. Holt Hall Apiary’s beekeeper Matthew Ingram will be in the Discovery Zone along with his bees on Wednesday 12 April. Visitors will be able to interact and learn all about these wonderful pollinators.

Kenny the Caimen. Photo Rob Tysall.

To see hundreds of spectacular butterflies, insects, reptiles, and spiders visit the Butterfly Farm from 10am to 6pm, last entry 5.30pm. Open every day of the week except Christmas Day. For more information including purchasing gift vouchers, admission prices and group rates, please visit the website at www.butterflyfarm.co.uk or telephone on 01789 299288.

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