The mere thought of coming face-to-face with spiders is probably enough to freak many people out.
But Londdon Zoo wants arachnophobes to do more than just think about it by visiting a new exhibit which aims to clear spiders' bad name.
In With the Spiders will open on May 23 within the zoo's B.U.G.S area.
The only exhibit of its kind in Europe, it will feature amazing arachnids from around the world.
Visitors will be able to get acquainted with UK native species such as the regular house guest ‘spider in a bathtub’ and the endangered fen raft spider that has the remarkable ability to walk on water.
They will also get to meet fascinating exotic species such as the black widow, huntsman and giant bird-eating spiders.
Part of the experience will give new meaning to 'up close’ as visitors enter the forest home of the zoo’s sociable communal spiders and golden orb spiders that spend their days posing proudly on huge one-metre wide webs.
Those brave enough to face the walk-through expedition and challenge the image of these feared, misunderstood and maligned creatures will be able take home a pic with the golden orb spiders taken in front of the Spider Selfie mirror.
A ‘talking tarantula’ will help dispel myths surrounding spiders to reveal why they are in fact friend, not foeAnd a sneak peek into the nursery will give visitors an insight into the breeding work carried out by keepers and hopefully a glimpse of tiny spiderlings.
More details, including half-term activities, at www.zsl.org
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