15 Jun 2012

107 tarantulas on their way to NZ

4:08 pm on 15 June 2012

Zoos are preparing for a shipment of tarantulas due to arrive next Friday.

A crate containing 107 spiders will be sent from Wales to Wellington where they will then distributed among seven zoos.

Wellington Zoo says Wales is the best source for the spiders, because it has a reputable supplier who can meet strict requirements.

The zoo has imported the spiders to sustain the population in New Zealand.

It says tarantulas can grow to the size of a dinner plate, but would never survive outside of captivity because New Zealand is too cold.

Their venom is similar to a bee sting.