Now Open: Get In with the Spiders at ZSL London Zoo - the UK’s first ever walk-through spider exhibit
ZSL London Zoo is taking on the challenge of a lifetime in a bid to clear the name of one of the world’s most feared, misunderstood and maligned creatures, in a brand new exhibit being unveiled this May.
In with the Spiders will bring people face-to-face with amazing arachnids from around the world in a completely unique and immersive experience within the Zoo’s popular B.U.G.S exhibit.
The only exhibit of its kind in Europe, Zoo visitors will first get gently acquainted with the UK native species and regular house guest, the ‘spider in a bathtub’, before meeting fascinating exotic species such as the black widow, huntsman and giant bird-eating spiders.
Visitors will then discover the true meaning of ‘up close’ as they enter into the forest home of ZSL London Zoo’s uniquely sociable communal spiders, and stunning, golden orb spiders that spend their days posing proudly on huge one-metre wide webs.
With the opportunity to take home a special souvenir from the walk-through expedition, visitors can pose for a pic with the golden orb spiders in front of the “Spider Selfie” mirror.
A sneak peek into the Spider Nursery will give visitors an insight into the breeding work carried out by keepers at ZSL London Zoo, and hopefully a glimpse of tiny spiderlings.
In with the Spiders will be home to one of the UK’s most endangered animals, the fen raft spider. One of the biggest spiders in Britain, they have the remarkable ability to walk on water. As part of the Zoo’s worldwide conservation work, zookeepers at ZSL London Zoo worked with Natural England to rear tiny fen raft spiderlings into adults, which were then reintroduced back to the wild.
Celebrating the creatures whose very name has been slandered over the years, In with the Spiders ‘talking tarantula’ will help to dispel the myths surrounding spiders to reveal why they are in fact friend, not foe.
With two decades of curing arachnophobia under its belt with the hugely successful Friendly Spider Programme, ZSL London Zoo already knows a thing or two about converting spider-haters into spider-lovers. Visitors are sure to leave the exhibit with a new-found appreciation for arachnids.
During May half term only, visitors can take part in a series of exclusive spider events, becoming intimately acquainted with the infamous black widow and her defamed cousin, the false widow; dress up as a Spider Superhero to discover the epic role spiders play in the world and discover all there is to know about spiders at the daily live Spider Talk.
The incredible In with the Spiders experience is included in the entry ticket price for ZSL London Zoo.
