In the heart of New York, a small nature center is redefining resilience with an extraordinary act of compassion. This tale revolves around a fragile monarch butterfly and the innovative spirit of a dedicated wildlife rehabilitator who believed that every life is worth saving.
One fateful day, a Deer Park local stumbled upon a striking monarch butterfly, its right forewing tragically damaged. Known for its epic migration journey from Mexico to Canada, this vibrant creature seemed to be grounded for good.
Enter Janine Bendicksen, the passionate director of wildlife rehabilitation at Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown. When the butterfly was brought in, she knew she had to act quickly to give it a fighting chance. Her mind raced with ideas, culminating in a daring plan: a wing transplant from another butterfly.
With determination, Janine searched her vivarium and found a recently deceased monarch that could serve as the wings’ generous donor. “It was both delicate and daunting; I had to be so careful not to damage anything further,” she recounted, reflecting on the intricate procedure.
Utilizing contact cement, a dash of corn starch, and a tiny wire to stabilize the fragile butterfly, she set to work. Fortunately, butterflies do not possess nerve endings or blood vessels in their upper wings, which greatly eased the process. The operation was as tender as it was innovative.
The entire procedure was captured on video and shared on social media, quickly capturing the hearts of over a million viewers. It became an inspiring reminder of hope and the lengths to which people will go to help even the smallest creatures.
Janine reflected on the unprecedented nature of her work, noting that it was likely the first time anyone had attempted such a wing transplant. Following the viral success, she began receiving calls from entomologists all over the country, expressing interest and support.
“I’m getting inquiries from Minnesota, Costa Rica, and California,” she said, touched by the outreach. “This butterfly deserved a chance; we all need a little hope.”
WATCH the incredible journey below…
@abcnews An injured monarch butterfly was able to continue its migration after undergoing a wing transplant at a nature preserve in New York.
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