We drove slowly along a rough track in the Athi Basin as we passed a small acacia tree. I noticed a large predominantly green worm with beautiful markings on a branch. After stopping and looking properly we noted it was the worm that eventually becomes an emperor moth.
Then I thought…WOW! Isn’t this an amazing part of creation…eggs hatch and tiny worms emerge and then consume large quantities of leaves to grow into massive worms. The worms then make cocoons and after a short period change completely as they wiggle out of their cocoons as flying creatures we call moths and butterflies. What an incredible metamorphosis to change from a wiggly fat worms into a magnificent winged wonders!
Interestingly there are a number of people who believe we are all similar to greedy worms, until we find our true purpose that God has given us on Earth. And when we discover who we are over a period of time we are transformed to use our gifts and talents for good purpose in making this world a better place for all to live together.
Apart from my thoughts, worms and butterflies are also a vital part of many ecosystems. Many birds and creatures feast on worms in order to survive; butterflies land on flowers to suck delicious nectar through their proboscis, and accidentally gather pollen on their bodies as they rub against the anthers. The butterflies then rub some of the pollen on the next flowers they move to and then collect some more. Through this process, the butterflies are able to pollinate numerous flowers as they move along. Pollination allows plants to reproduce by producing seeds.
The challenge for us humans is to know the habits of various species. The results will always be rewarding.
The park is open daily from 0600 to 1900.
For more information on the park you can link to the following websites www.kws.org or www.nairobigreenline.com or on Facebook.
