The London Zoo Spider Room, also known as “In with the Spiders,” is a unique and captivating exhibit that allows visitors to get up close and personal with a diverse array of spider species from around the world. This one-of-a-kind walkthrough spider room is the only one of its kind in the UK, offering a truly immersive experience for zoo enthusiasts with a fascination for arachnids.
Exploring the Spider Room
Located within the Tiny Giants exhibit at the London Zoo, the Spider Room is home to both native UK species, such as the ‘spider in a bathtub,’ and exotic species like the black widow, huntsman, and giant bird-eating spiders. The exhibit’s main attraction is the golden orb spiders, which can be found in their forest habitat, showcasing their impressive one-metre wide webs.
Visitors can also take a peek into the Spider Nursery, where they may catch a glimpse of tiny spiderlings, providing an insight into the breeding work carried out by the zoo’s dedicated keepers.
Conservation Efforts: The Fen Raft Spider
One of the UK’s most endangered animals, the fen raft spider, is also housed in the Spider Room. This remarkable spider has the ability to walk on water, and as part of the zoo’s worldwide conservation efforts, the keepers have worked with Natural England to rear tiny fen raft spiderlings into adults, which were then reintroduced back into the wild.
Overcoming Arachnophobia
The Spider Room is not only designed to educate visitors about spiders but also to help overcome spider phobia. The exhibit’s ‘talking tarantula’ dispels some of the myths surrounding spiders, and the Friendly Spider Programme, running for over two decades, has successfully converted many spider-haters into spider-lovers.
Practical Information
For those interested in visiting the London Zoo Spider Room, here are the key details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Cost | £150 per person, with a 30% concession rate available for senior citizens, registered students, persons on income support, and under 16s. |
| Timings | 3 pm on selected Saturdays from April to September. |
| Duration | Afternoon course designed to ease or eliminate the condition of arachnophobia. |
| Address | Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom. |
| Phone (Zoo Enquiries) | +44 344 225 1826 |
| Email (Zoo Enquiries) | [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.londonzoo.org |
The London Zoo Spider Room is a truly unique and immersive experience that offers visitors a chance to learn about and appreciate the fascinating world of spiders. Whether you’re an arachnid enthusiast or looking to overcome your fear, this exhibit is a must-visit for any zoo touring enthusiast.