Groundbreaking Surgery Gives Monarch Butterfly a Second Chance at Life
A monarch butterfly has made history by becoming the first of its kind to undergo a successful wing transplant at a wildlife rehabilitation center in southern New York. The innovative procedure, performed by Janine Bendicksen, Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation at Sweetbriar Nature Center, has given the endangered insect a new lease on life.
The monarch butterfly was brought to the center with a severely damaged wing, which had partially broken off. According to Bendicksen, the butterfly likely emerged from its chrysalis with the deformed wing, making flight virtually impossible. The butterfly’s condition would have been fatal, with Bendicksen stating, “He would’ve died, 100%.” However, thanks to the pioneering surgery, the monarch has been given a second chance at life.
The Complex Procedure
The wing transplant procedure was a complex and delicate process. Bendicksen first had to find a suitable donor wing from a deceased monarch butterfly. She then anesthetized the living butterfly by placing it in a refrigerator for a few minutes to ensure it remained still during the procedure.
Attaching the donor wing onto the butterfly.
(Sweetbriar Nature Center via Storyful / FOX Weather)
Bendicksen carefully cut off the damaged part of the butterfly’s wing, ensuring the base of the wing remained attached to its body. She then lined up the black veins on the injured butterfly’s wing with those on the donor wing to ensure symmetry. The donor wing was attached using contact cement, an adhesive commonly used by artists, followed by a sprinkling of corn starch to set the glue.
Trimming off the broken part of the butterfly’s wing.
(Sweetbriar Nature Center via Storyful / FOX Weather)
Sprinkling corn starch on the wing.
(Sweetbriar Nature Center / FOX Weather)
A New Lease on Life
After the successful procedure, the monarch butterfly was able to fly, with Bendicksen reporting that it “took off in the room, and he flew to the window.” The butterfly was later released into the natural world, where it flew away, giving Bendicksen “one of the coolest moments” of her career.
The monarch butterfly’s ability to fly is crucial, especially during its migration to California and Mexico, where it will join millions of its fellow monarchs. The migration, which can be up to 3,000 miles, is a vital component of the monarch’s survival, with the insects relying on the journey to rebuild their population.
According to Monarch Watch, the monarch butterfly population has been declining steadily since the 1960s. However, thanks to the groundbreaking surgery performed by Bendicksen, this particular monarch has been given a chance to fulfill its destiny and participate in the incredible migration.
As Bendicksen noted, “This is a story of hope and new beginnings, and something teeny and beautiful that now has a chance to fulfill its destiny.” The successful wing transplant procedure has opened up new possibilities for the treatment and rehabilitation of injured monarch butterflies, and it is a testament to the dedication and expertise of wildlife rehabilitators like Bendicksen.
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