Typically, we like to observe nature right where it belongs - in nature. We know that the creatures that live outside reach their fullest potential when they are with Mother Nature. Observing creatures in their natural habitat also gives the children a better understanding of the animals & gives them the truer picture versus the artificial life in captivity.
We saved this little guy from being snipped in two at a local organic farm. The farmers must keep the pests under control for their crops to survive, but we couldn't stand by & watch him be killed. We also knew that releasing him into the wild would kill him because he would no longer have access to his yummy food source. So we made an exception & brought this little guy home along with some of his favorite treats.
Then we got to watch him make his beautiful transformation before wishing him luck & sending him back to Mother Nature.
"Little caterpillar went looking for some lunch. Crawling through the leaves, munch, munch, munch. Made a little cocoon & wrapped himself inside and when he woke up,he was a beautiful butterfly."